Gepsus: simulation-based decision making system for air pollution accidents

• Main Authors: Stojanović Radovan, Škraba Andrej, Berkowicz Simon, Amicis Raffaele De, Elhanani Doron, Conti Giuseppe, Kofjač Davorin, Dragović Marko, Lekić Nedjeljko, Nikolić Gojko
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Sciendo 2012-10-01
• Series: Organizacija
• Subjects: hazardous gas releases; air pollution simulation; emergency management; GIS
• Online Access: http://www.degruyter.com/view/j/orga.2012.45.issue-5/v10051-012-0021-5/v10051-012-0021-5.xml?format=INT

We describe a GIS-based real-time system for emergency response and management of air pollution accidents in an urban area. The system architecture emphasises the integration of meteorological, chemical and GIS data, dispersion modeling, decision-making and geo-spatial visualization. The threat zones, unsafe areas and safe traffic routes are obtained using an improved Gaussian plume model with a decision-making module and then exported to the Google Earth browser via “kml” file format. Several simulation scenarios were conducted and verified for notable industrial sites in Montenegro using recorded meteorological data. The results demonstrate that emergency response authorities can use the proposed methodology and system as a cost effective and accurate support tool in case of industrial or deliberate air pollution incidents.