Real-time environmental monitoring and digitized approaches

Recently, there has been a growing need, focus, and awareness of the implementation of a strategy for assessing the health of structures (structural monitoring, SHM – Structural Health Monitoring), hydrogeological instability, and the health of urban green areas. This is due to the maintenance nature of these areas, but even more so for reasons related to the safety and usability of buildings and areas by people. These processes involve the periodic observation of certain parameters and a platform on which to display and analyze the data.

The role of technology

The two Urban Observatories will integrate data collected by WisePower sensors—advanced and completely wireless—along with data from other sources, including: Earth observation, LiDAR, RGB and multispectral cameras, air quality sensors, HydroGeo, DTM, DSM, and other open source resources.

Thanks to the use of advanced data analysis techniques based on Artificial Intelligence (AI), the two prototype Observatories will be integrated into two modules that are interoperable with the other WiseTown modules and will also feed into the digital twin of the City of Perugia.

GAIA’s goal is to create an innovative measurement system based on distributed sensors and smart networks, supported by a DSS (Decision Support System) platform. This system will provide advanced tools for sustainable urban management, using digital technologies and data-driven approaches to improve safety and quality of life in cities.

Umbria is one of the regions most at risk of earthquakes. It is included in zone 1, i.e., the high-risk zone, together with Friuli Venezia Giulia, Abruzzo, Molise, Campania, and Sicily. Historically, Umbria has been hit by several destructive events. Reconstructing the region’s seismic history shows us that events recur in the same areas and allows us to consider some areas more at risk than others.

Even after various reconstructions, Umbria’s historic centers boast a cultural and artistic heritage of great value, with several cities and monuments included in the UNESCO World Heritage List that must be preserved and protected.

Umbria, like much of Italy, is highly exposed to the risk of hydrogeological instability, a complex phenomenon that includes landslides, floods, and coastal erosion. Among these, landslides are a particularly widespread critical issue, with significant impacts on the population, towns, communication infrastructure, and the local economy.

A key element in mitigating these risks is the tree heritage, an essential component of the Italian landscape. Trees play a crucial role in reducing the effects of hydrogeological instability, while also contributing to improving the environmental sustainability of cities. Various regulations and initiatives promote the increase and enhancement of urban green areas, favoring CO2 absorption and improving quality of life.

The main objective of the GAIA project is to improve the monitoring of hydrogeological instability, tree stability, and the ecosystem services provided by urban green areas. Investing in the intelligent management of urban greenery and the prevention of hydrogeological instability means creating safer, more sustainable, and more resilient cities that are capable of facing the challenges of the future.