A LoRaWAN®-based Environmental IoT solution for risk assessment and fire prevention in Salzburg, Austria
Environmental IoT Monitoring is essential for addressing diverse challenges created by weather events, such as climate change and human activities that affect natural resources like water, air, and soil.
By providing real-time data, IoT enables stakeholders to make informed decisions that enhance ecosystem health and safeguard living conditions. In this use case, LORIOT Verso aids the Forest Department in managing fire risks associated with dry seasons enhanced by climate change and hay burning.
With a comprehensive system installation, the solution positively impacts communication between authorities and farmers and promotes sustainable practices, ultimately helping to protect natural resources for future generations.
Hay burning is a common practice in farming for soil preparation, but it’s just one of many activities that can pose a fire risk if not properly controlled. Unchecked fires, regardless of their origin, can severely impact surrounding areas, threatening natural resources and nearby communities.
In Salzburg, Austria, the Forest Department faced challenges with existing regulations and fire ordinances. These were applied over large areas, which were not always appropriate for specific local conditions, leading to lower acceptance among the population.
The regulations were based on consultations between experts and the Austrian weather service, but monitoring was limited by the availability of forestry experts and field staff. This affected the efficiency of communication, slowing the flow of up-to-date information to the public and hindering effective decision-making.
After careful evaluation, LORIOT Verso, in collaboration with the Forest Department of Salzburg, determined that detailed real-time data from various forests across the province was essential to address the key challenges. This approach would improve the clarity and accuracy of environmental parameters, leading to more informed decision-making.
To achieve this, LORIOT Verso implemented a system consisting of 6 Kerlink LoRaWAN® gateways and 15 Decentlab sensors, including 7 weather stations, 7 humidity sensors, and 1 deep soil humidity sensor that goes 60 cm below the surface. These devices monitor up to eleven environmental parameters, such as solar radiation, precipitation, air temperature, and humidity, among others.
The entire infrastructure is managed using the LORIOT network management system that collects all the data and forwards it to the IoT platform where the data is processed using algorithms capable of calculating the Fire Weather Index (FWI), a meteorologically based index used worldwide to estimate fire danger.
With a simple dashboard and automated reports, the solution delivers a clear overview of the situation at all times and facilitates an effective forest fire risk prevention system. It combines real-time data collection with an intuitive interface, enabling the monitoring of conditions over an estimated area of 350 squared Km.
“This project wouldn't have been possible without our great partners who enabled us to provide deep expertise in IoT platforms and advanced environmental sensor technology. In the long run, this solution will help prevent forest fires by enabling early intervention and putting in place fire-protection measures before it is too late. As it scales, we expect it to serve as a model for regions prone to fire risks, fostering more proactive environmental management across.”
Robin Wulfes
- IoT Solutions Lead at LORIOT
The LORIOT Verso solution provides a real-time, data-driven system to help the Salzburg Forest Department manage fire risks, including those associated with hay burning. By leveraging advanced environmental monitoring, the system saves both time and money by eliminating the need for time-consuming on-site inspections, while also enabling data-based decision-making. Forest fire risks can be detected earlier, allowing preventative measures to be implemented before emergencies arise.
This project not only raises awareness of forest fire risks but also aids in decision-making processes, such as implementing campfire bans in high-risk areas, ultimately supporting proactive fire prevention strategies.
“With the measurements of the weather data and soil moisture as well as the processing in the dashboard, we, as the forestry authority of the province of Salzburg, can point out the forest fire risk potential in different regions in a differentiated and targeted manner. The cooperation with LORIOT was extremely professional and uncomplicated from the very beginning. We are convinced that we have found a good partner for the implementation.”
Michael Mitter - State Forestry Director
This solution empowers both experts and farmers by delivering actionable insights with precise, real-time data, improving the safety and sustainability of farming practices in the region. Moreover, it contributes to achieving three of the United Nations' seventeen Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The collaborative solution between LORIOT Verso and the Salzburg Forest Department not only addresses the immediate challenges of hay burning and fire risk management but also lays the groundwork for long-term sustainability and environmental protection.
However, its true value lies in its future potential. With its ability to monitor and predict environmental conditions, this solution enables early intervention, helping to prevent forest fires before they occur and preserving the surrounding ecosystems.
As the system scales thanks to its high degree of flexibility, it will serve as a model for other regions facing similar risks, fostering a culture of proactive environmental management, and safeguarding not only today’s agricultural productivity but also the environment for future generations.
LORIOT Verso is the IoT Vertical Solutions division focused on Environmental Monitoring and Disaster Prevention.
It provides end-to-end solutions for real-time data collection on climate, weather, soil, water, and air, helping predict and manage natural hazards like floods, fires, and droughts. Using high-tech sensors and long-range, low-power networks (LPWAN), it ensures scalable, sustainable, and secure data transmission from even remote areas. The platform enables interactive visualizations and decision-making tools to help mitigate environmental risks and damages. More details can be found here.
