Εκδηλώθηκαν πυρκαγιές σε Χίο και Σάμο.

Παρακάτω παρουσιάζεται ο χάρτης πρόβλεψης κινδύνου πυρκαγιάς υψηλής ανάλυσης της Επιχειρησιακής Mονάδας BEYOND του ΙΑΑΔΕΤ/ΕΑΑ για σήμερα 27/3/2025.
Ενημερωθείτε για τον κίνδυνο πυρκαγιάς της επόμενης ημέρας εδώ: https://riskmap.beyond-eocenter.eu/

** Το παρόν σύστημα Daily Fire Risk Map Prediction είναι αποτέλεσμα ερευνητικής δράσης της Επιχειρησιακής Mονάδας BEYOND του ΙΑΑΔΕΤ/ΕΑΑ.
Οι υπηρεσίες και το προσωπικό του BEYOND βρίσκονται σε συνεχή επιφυλακή, διασφαλίζοντας την αδιάκοπη λειτουργία των υπηρεσιών παρακολούθησης πυρκαγιών μέσω του #FireHUB.

EuroGEO’s impactful contribution to the Group on Earth Observations (GEO) and its vital role in supporting the GEO CRADLE enabling mechanism for capacity building and Earth Observation-based services across the EMMENA, Africa, and Pacific Asia regions was highlighted in a keynote speech that captivated the audience’s attention at the 40th International Symposium on Remote Sensing of Environment (ISRSE-40). The keynote that outlined the work coordinated by Dr. Haris Kontoes, Principal Investigator of GEO-GRADLE and Research Director at ISAARS/NOA, was delivered by Alexia Tsouni, a Research Associate at BEYOND Centre of ISAARS/NOA.

The 40th ISRSE, taking place in Farnborough, UK, brought together a global network of experts from multiple international agencies, including NASA and ESA, along with leading scientists, researchers, policymakers, and practitioners. Since its inception in 1962, this biennial symposium has served as a pivotal platform for advancing remote sensing technologies and Earth observation data analysis, which are crucial for improving our understanding of the planet and its ecosystems.

EuroGEO’s contributions to GEO and its ongoing work through initiatives like GEO CRADLE underscore the importance of international collaboration and capacity building in advancing Earth observation-based solutions to address critical global challenges.

We are delighted to have presented the new GEO Enabling Mechanism GEO-CRADLE of the Post-2025 GEO Work Programme, led by the Principal Investigator Dr. Haris Kontoes, Research Director of ISAARS/NOA, on March 17th 2025 in the special workshop “Earth Observation Applications and Services in the Eastern Mediterranean, Middle East, and North Africa (EMMENA): Earth Observation Business Opportunities”, which took place during the Eleventh International Conference on Remote Sensing and Geoinformation of Environment (RSCy2025) in Paphos, Cyprus.

Through a joint presentation, BEYOND’s Research Associate Alexia Tsouni showcased the GEO-CRADLE capacity building action and support of feasibility studies for demonstrating the value of EO, leveraging the GEO and EuroGEO innovation, including the feasibility studies in Egypt for solar energy, and in Greece for health. Dr. Constantinos Panagiotou, Researcher B’ at the Eratosthenes Centre of Excellence, contributed to the joined presentation by highlighting the feasibility studies in Cyprus for floods, and in Tunisia for groundwater pollution and cost-effective monitoring.

Τhe Eleventh International Conference on Remote Sensing and Geoinformation of Environment (RSCy2025) was organized by the ERATOSTHENΕS Centre of Excellence within the framework of the EXCELSIOR Project of the Cyprus University of Technology, and the Cyprus Remote Sensing Society.

https://rscy2025.com/

At the recent NWCSAF CDOP4 Users' Workshop 2025, held by the National Weather Service Climate and Satellite Applications Facility (NWC SAF),  BEYOND of ISAARS/NOA made a significant contribution to the field of solar energy forecasting.

Angelos Georgakis and Rizos Chadoulis, members of BEYOND Solar Team, presented their innovative solar radiation nowcasting and short-term forecasting system, NextSENSE2. This advanced system combines NWC SAF products with cutting-edge computer vision algorithms to provide real-time insights into solar radiation, offering a powerful tool for enhancing the efficiency of solar energy applications.

The presentation, which featured both an abstract and a poster titled, "Geostationary Satellite Products for Solar Energy Applications: The NextSENSE2 Short-Term Solar Forecasting System," focused on the significant impact of NextSENSE2 in the realm of solar energy. By leveraging NWC SAF satellite data, the system is able to accurately predict solar radiation patterns in the short term, empowering energy providers and organizations to better manage solar energy production.

BEYOND's participation in the workshop was not only an opportunity to showcase their groundbreaking work but also to foster collaboration within the NWC SAF community. Georgakis and Chadoulis emphasized the value that services like NextSENSE2 bring to users of NWC SAF products, helping to improve the accuracy and reliability of solar energy forecasting.

The workshop also served as an ideal platform for BEYOND to engage with developers and experts in the field, offering valuable feedback and submitting user requirements to help shape the future of NWC SAF products.

By pushing the boundaries of satellite technology and artificial intelligence, BEYOND Centre is helping pave the way for a more sustainable future powered by clean, reliable solar energy.

Advancing Soil Health in Europe: Insights from BEYOND/NOA’s Soils for Europe Webinar 

BEYOND/NOA organized on the 25^th of February a webinar under the Soils for Europe project, uniting stakeholders from across Greece to tackle critical challenges in soil health. The event fostered dynamic discussions on knowledge gaps, bottlenecks, and actionable strategies to protect and restore our soils—a cornerstone of sustainable ecosystems.

Key Themes Explored:

• Soil Degradation / EO & Agroclimatic indicators: Presenting the SOILGUARD project (Melpomeni Zoka & Nikolaos Stathopoulos, BEYOND/National Observatory of Athens)
• Soil Biodiversity: Threats, conservation actions, and monitoring frameworks (Maria Tsiafouli, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki)
• Soil Biodiversity / Earth Observation: Leveraging EO for large-scale soil biodiversity monitoring (Dimitrios Borboudakis & Spyros Theodoridis, BEYOND/National Observatory of Athens)
• Desertification: Vulnerability assessment using ESA and SDVI indices in Greece (Dimitris Tsesmelis, University of Patras)
• Soil Restoration: The transformative goals of the React4Med project to revive Mediterranean agro-ecosystems (Ioannis Daliakopoulos, Hellenic Mediterranean University)
• Soil Health Monitoring: Practices & Knowledge (Stratos Kokolakis & Eleni Kokkinou, Hellenic Mediterranean University)
• Soil & water observatory: Innovative techniques and case studies, including a post-mining observatory in Kozani (Eleni Vasileiou & Maria Perraki, National Technical University of Athens in cooperation with the University of the Aegean).

Collaboration in Action:

The webinar highlighted synergies among the projects SOILGUARD, Microservices, ESPF-Digit, Cowork4Youth Observatory, and React4Med, showcasing how technology, research, and policy can converge to address soil degradation.

A heartfelt thank you to all presenters, participants, and partners for sharing groundbreaking insights and fostering cross-sectoral dialogue.

Together, we’re paving the way for resilient soil resources and a sustainable future!

Discover SOLO Project 

Delve into the webinar's agenda

 Soil Degradation / EO & Agroclimatic indicators: Presenting the SOILGUARD project (Melpomeni Zoka & Nikolaos Stathopoulos, BEYOND/National Observatory of Athens)

Soil Biodiversity: Threats, conservation actions, and monitoring frameworks (Maria Tsiafouli, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki)

Soil Biodiversity / Earth Observation: Leveraging EO for large-scale soil biodiversity monitoring (Dimitrios Borboudakis & Spyros Theodoridis, BEYOND/National Observatory of Athens)

Desertification: Vulnerability assessment using ESA and SDVI indices in Greece (Dimitris Tsesmelis, University of Patras)

Soil Health Monitoring: Practices & Knowledge (Stratos Kokolakis & Eleni Kokkinou, Hellenic Mediterranean University)

Soil Restoration: The transformative goals of the React4Med project to revive Mediterranean agro-ecosystems (Ioannis Daliakopoulos, Hellenic Mediterranean University)

Soil & water observatory: Innovative techniques and case studies, including a post-mining observatory in Kozani (Eleni Vasileiou & Maria Perraki, National Technical University of Athens in cooperation with the University of the Aegean).

Dr. Constantinos Panagiotou, Researcher B’ at the ERATOSTHENES Center of Excellence and Alexia Tsouni, Research Associate at the Operational Unit BEYOND Centre of IAASARS/NOA met yesterday (24/2/2025) at the City Hall of Mandra-Eidyllia with Dr. Armodios G. Drikos, Mayor, Dimitris Raftopoulos, Mayor’s Special Consultant, and Christos Ilias, General Secretary, to present the ongoing activities within the framework of the EXCELSIOR project with respect to flood risk assessment, flood monitoring and early warning in the Mandra river basin, as well as the transferability of these services in the Garyllis river basin in Cyprus. Furthermore, a hybrid meeting was held at the premises of the Association of Civil Protection Volunteers of Mandra-Eidyllia “Pateras” and members of the Association as well as with Marios Stavrou (online), Head of Operations of the SupportCY Volunteers Corps, funded by the Bank of Cyprus. A fruitful discussion took place focusing on the ongoing collaborations, sharing experiences and operational challenges with regards to floods, as well as opportunities for joint activities in the near future, both in the framework of the EXCELSIOR project and the GEO-CRADLE GEO convener advancing capacity building and maturity assessment in Earth Observation.

***

Ο Δρ. Κωνσταντίνος Παναγιώτου, Ερευνητής Β' στο Κέντρο Αριστείας ΕΡΑΤΟΘΕΝΗΣ και η Αλεξία Τσούνη, Επιστημονική Συνεργάτιδα στην Επιχειρησιακή Μονάδα BEYOND του ΙΑΑΔΕΤ/ΕΑΑ, συναντήθηκαν χθες (24/2/2025) στο Δημαρχείο Μάνδρας-Ειδυλλίας με τον Δρ. Αρμόδιο Γ. Δρίκο, Δήμαρχο, τον κ. Δημήτρη Ραφτόπουλο, Ειδικό Σύμβουλο Δημάρχου και κ. Χρήστο Ηλία, Γενικό Γραμματέα, για να παρουσιάσουν τις τρέχουσες δραστηριότητες στο πλαίσιο του έργου EXCELSIOR για θέματα σχετικά με την εκτίμηση του πλημμυρικού κινδύνου, την παρακολούθηση των πλημμυρών και την έγκαιρη προειδοποίηση στη λεκάνη απορροής της Μάνδρας, καθώς και τη δυνατότητα μεταφοράς των υπηρεσιών αυτών στη λεκάνη απορροής του ποταμού Γαρύλλη, στην Κύπρο. Επιπλέον, πραγματοποιήθηκε υβριδική συνάντηση στις εγκαταστάσεις του Συλλόγου Εθελοντών Πολιτικής Προστασίας Μάνδρας Ειδυλλίας "Πατέρας" με μέλη του Συλλόγου και τον Μάριο Σταύρου (ο οποίος συνδέθηκε διαδικτυακά), Επικεφαλής Επιχειρήσεων του Σώματος Εθελοντών SupportCY, το οποίο χρηματοδοτείται από την Τράπεζα Κύπρου. Μια γόνιμη συζήτηση έλαβε χώρα με επίκεντρο τις τρέχουσες συνεργασίες, την ανταλλαγή εμπειριών και επιχειρησιακών προκλήσεων σε σχέση με τις πλημμύρες, καθώς και τις ευκαιρίες για κοινές δραστηριότητες στο εγγύς μέλλον, τόσο στο πλαίσιο του έργου EXCELSIOR όσο και στο πλαίσιο του GEO-CRADLE GEO convener που προωθεί την ανάπτυξη ικανοτήτων και την αξιολόγηση της ωριμότητας στην Παρατήρηση της Γης.

 Eδαφικές μετατοπίσεις στην περιοχή της Σαντορίνης με επεξεργασία δορυφορικών εικόνων Sentinel-1

Surface displacements in Santorini Island, using Sentinel-1 images

Η Επιχειρησιακή Μονάδα BEYOND του ΙΑΑΔΕΤ/ΕΑΑ, παρακολουθεί τις εδαφικές μετατοπίσεις στην περιοχή της Σαντορίνης με επεξεργασία δορυφορικών εικόνων Sentinel-1 και χρήση αυτόματης αλυσίδας επεξεργασίας που έχει αναπτυχθεί και λειτουργεί στο BEYOND. Ειδικότερα παρατηρούνται κατακόρυφες μετατοπίσεις έως 40mm/y  στη Νέα Καμένη από τον Ιούνιο του 2024 έως τον Φεβρουάριο του 2025.  Το Κέντρο Ερευνών BEYOND θα συνεχίσει να παρακολουθεί τις εδαφικές μετατοπίσεις στην Σαντορίνη και τα γύρω νησιά.

The Operational Unit BEYOND of ISAARS/NOA, monitors surface displacements in Santorini Island, using Sentinel-1 images. Line Of Sight displacements were estimated by applying the PSI technique on Sentinel-1 images, using the automated processing chain of BEYOND. Also vertical and horizontal displacements were estimated. Vertical displacements with a maximum rate of 40mm/y are identified in Nea Kameni from June 2024 to February 2025. BEYOND will continue monitoring surface displacements in Santorini and the surrounding islands.

Εικόνα 1. Κατακόρυφες μετατοπίσεις στην Σαντορίνη για την χρονική περίοδο Ιούνιος 2024- Φεβρουάριος 2025. Ανάλυση της τάσης κατακόρυφης μετατόπισης σκεδαστή στην Νέα Καμένη.

Figure 1. Vertical displacements in Santorini from June 2024 to February 2025. Trend analysis of vertical displacements of scatterer in Nea Kameni.

Διαβάστε το report / Read the report

Το Υπουργείο Ψηφιακής Διακυβέρνησης ανακοινώνει τη λειτουργία της νέας ψηφιακής πλατφόρμας mysafetyplan.gov.gr, η οποία αποτελεί ένα εργαλείο ενημέρωσης και καθοδήγησης των πολιτών σε περιπτώσεις σεισμού και άλλων φυσικών καταστροφών και υλοποιήθηκε σε συνεργασία με το Εθνικό Αστεροσκοπείο Αθηνών. Μέσω αυτής της πρωτοβουλίας, οι πολίτες μπορούν να εντοπίσουν ασφαλείς χώρους προσωρινής συγκέντρωσης (καταφύγια) σε όλη την Ελλάδα, συμπεριλαμβανομένων των νησιωτικών περιοχών.

Διαβάστε εδώ το Δελτίο Τύπου του Υπουργείου Ψηφιακής Διακυβέρνησης 

Strengthening Collaboration for Public Health and Humanitarian Aid: Key Earth Observation Solutions discussed during Gaston Berger University meeting, in Senegal, 13 January 2025

Alexia Tsouni, Research Associate of the Operational Unit “BEYOND Centre of Earth Observation Research & Satellite Remote Sensing” of the Institute of Astronomy and Astrophysics, Space Applications and Remote Sensing (IAASARS) at the National Observatory of Athens (NOA) and Lamine Ndiaye, Community Facilitator of Humanitarian OpenStreetMap Team (HOT) Senegal, met with Professor Adrien Coly, Professor Dah Dieng, and other stakeholders at the Department of Geography, Faculty of Arts and Human Sciences, Gaston Berger University, Senegal on January 13th 2025, and discussed the current challenges in the region as well as the available EO-based solutions.

Alexia Tsouni presented the Early Warning System for Mosquito Borne Diseases – EYWA, Winner of the 1st EIC Horizon Prize on Early Warning for Epidemics, a prototype system addressing critical public health needs in Europe, sub-Saharan Africa, and beyond. EYWA lies under the umbrella of the EuroGEO Disaster Resilience and Health Action Group, which is led by BEYOND/IAASARS/NOA.

Lamine Ndiaye presented the services developed by OpenStreetMap Senegal (https://openstreetmapsenegal.org/), promoting access to quality healthcare for women and children in hard-to-reach parts of Senegal that also experience limited health services (https://openstreetmapsenegal.org/realisations/). HOT is an international team dedicated to humanitarian action and community development through open mapping, working together with local communities and indigenous people in Africa, Asia Pacific and Latin America (https://www.hotosm.org/).

BEYOND/IAASARS/NOA and HOT have established cooperation in the framework of the GEO-CRADLE GEO Initiative, which coordinates a sustainable GEO capacity building action and support of feasibility studies for demonstrating the value of EO, leveraging the GEO and EuroGEO innovation in Africa, Asia Pacific, Middle East, Balkans and the Black Sea.

The Operational Unit BEYOND Center for Earth Observation Research and Satellite Remote Sensing at the National Observatory of Athens is seeking to hire a Research associate specialized in Remote Sensing.