https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14279/19514 2026-05-11T13:47:32Z 2026-05-11T13:47:32Z Kountouri, Josefina Panagiotou, Constantinos F. Tsouni, Alexia Sigourou, Stavroula Pagana, Vasiliki Kontoes, Charalampos Danezis, Chris Hadjimitsis, Diofantos G. https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14279/36392 2026-05-04T06:51:49Z 2025-10-17T00:00:00Z

Title: A Multidimensional Framework for Flood Risk Analysis in the Garyllis Catchment, Cyprus Authors: Kountouri, Josefina; Panagiotou, Constantinos F.; Tsouni, Alexia; Sigourou, Stavroula; Pagana, Vasiliki; Kontoes, Charalampos; Danezis, Chris; Hadjimitsis, Diofantos G. Abstract: Flooding events have increased in frequency and severity worldwide in recent years, a trend that has been made worse by human activity and climate change. Floods are one of the world’s most dangerous natural catastrophes because of the serious risks they represent to property, human life, and cultural heritage. The necessity for efficient flood management techniques to reduce the growing dangers is what motivated this study. It specifically examines the flood risk in the Garyllis River Basin in Cyprus, a region recognized for it high susceptibility to extreme weather conditions Adopting an integrates approach that combines modeling tools and techniques, such as remote sensing, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and hydraulic modeling, along with multiple data types of data and in situ measures, this study evaluates flood risk and proposed shelters and escapes routes for the worst-case scenarios. The research utilizes the open-access software HEC-RAS to simulate the spatio-temporal progression of surface water depth and water velocity for different return periods. The vulnerability levels are enumerated through a weighted linear combination of relevant factors, in specific population density and age distribution, according to the last official government reports. Exposure levels were calculated in terms of land value. For each flood component, all factors are assigned equal weighting coefficients. Subsequently, flood risk levels are assessed for each location as the product of hazard, vulnerability, and exposure levels. The validity of the proposed methodology is assessed by comparing the critical points identified during in situ visits with the flood risk level estimates. As a result, escape routes and refuge areas were proposed for the worst-case scenario.

2025-10-17T00:00:00Z Prodromou, Maria Girtsou, Stella Leventis, Georgios Charalampous, Georgia Apostolakis, Alexis Tzouvaras, Marios Mettas, Christodoulos Giannopoulos, Giorgos Kontoes, Charalampos Hadjimitsis, Diofantos G. https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14279/36391 2026-05-04T06:44:18Z 2025-09-29T00:00:00Z

Title: Spatiotemporal Analysis of Forest Fires in Cyprus Using Earth Observation and Climate Data Authors: Prodromou, Maria; Girtsou, Stella; Leventis, Georgios; Charalampous, Georgia; Apostolakis, Alexis; Tzouvaras, Marios; Mettas, Christodoulos; Giannopoulos, Giorgos; Kontoes, Charalampos; Hadjimitsis, Diofantos G. Abstract: Wildfire detection remains a critical challenge for authorities, with human activity being the leading cause. The historical conditions prevailing in burned forest areas require a comprehensive analysis at both the environmental and anthropogenic levels. This study presents a multidimensional dataset comprising data from 2008 to 2024 and integrating Earth observation data and anthropogenic, environmental, meteorological, topographic, and fire-related features. This study evaluates, through time series analysis, the impact of climate trends such as increased temperature in comparison with anthropogenic activities such as deliberate fires. Time series analysis reveals that although climatic conditions with increased temperature and reduced precipitation in Cyprus intensify the risk of fire, the presence of fire events is primarily due to deliberate actions. The findings of this study support national-scale fire modeling, offering a foundation for targeted prevention, early warning systems, and sustainable forest fire management strategies.

2025-09-29T00:00:00Z Themistocleous, Kyriacos https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14279/36390 2026-05-04T06:32:40Z 2025-05-31T00:00:00Z

Title: Innovative methods for safeguarding cultural heritage Authors: Themistocleous, Kyriacos Abstract: Cultural heritage sites constitute irreplaceable records of human history, illustrating the progression of our social, architectural, and cultural practices. Increasing threats from climate-related hazards, such as shifting rainfall patterns, escalating temperatures, and intensified extreme weather, combined with geological and physical risks like landslides, earthquakes, and erosion, render these sites increasingly vulnerable. Earth observation technology is pivotal in preserving cultural heritage by improving documentation, enabling more effective monitoring, and supporting proactive conservation strategies. Recently, with advances in technology, advanced 3D scanning and imaging techniques, such as laser scanning and photogrammetry, have captured precise digital records of cultural heritage sites, documenting and helping conservators measure changes over time and swiftly identify structural vulnerabilities. Remote sensing technologies, including satellite imagery, aerial photography and UAV-based surveys, allow for extensive site evaluations, reducing risks and costs associated with onsite inspections, especially in remote or hazardous locations. Methodological frameworks and technological developments, encompassing remote sensing, satellite and aerial imaging, digital modeling with laser scanners, photogrammetry, and participatory data collection, are creating fresh opportunities for proactive, evidence-based conservation. Data-driven tools such as sensor arrays and digital twin models enable continuous monitoring, where real-time structural and environmental information is integrated into predictive models to anticipate emerging threats. This paper provides a comprehensive review of innovative remote sensing methods for safeguarding and monitoring cultural heritage under these compounded vulnerabilities. It focuses on integrating techniques employing remote sensing, geodetic methodologies, synthetic aperture radar, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), digital twin platforms, and participatory data collection initiatives with sensors and crowdsourcing. A key emphasis of this study is the integration of state-of-the-art techniques for monitoring cultural heritage assets. Examples of various studies conducted in Cyprus, more specifically the case study of the Neolithic UNESCO World Heritage Site of Choirokoitia, demonstrate the practical application of these frameworks, highlighting the TRIQUETRA project (funded by the EU Horizon Europe research and innovation programme) with an innovative integration of conventional and novel methodologies for risk quantification, site monitoring, and stakeholder participation. The findings underscore the critical necessity of interdisciplinary collaboration, sustained funding mechanisms, and robust policy support to ensure the long-term preservation of cultural heritage for future generations.

2025-05-31T00:00:00Z Doukanari, Marina Tzouvaras, Marios Fotiou, Kyriaki Stylianou, Neophytos Mettas, Christodoulos Hadjimitsis, Diofantos G. https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14279/36389 2026-05-04T06:19:07Z 2025-09-19T00:00:00Z

Title: A GIS-based multi-criteria decision analysis framework for landslide risk assessment: a case study in Amathounta, Limassol, Cyprus Authors: Doukanari, Marina; Tzouvaras, Marios; Fotiou, Kyriaki; Stylianou, Neophytos; Mettas, Christodoulos; Hadjimitsis, Diofantos G. Abstract: Landslides pose significant risks to both infrastructure and environmental systems, making efficient risk assessment and management strategies essential. This research combines Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to assess landslide susceptibility in the Amathounta region of Limassol Cyprus. Nine key factors influencing slope stability were selected, including slope, aspect, relief, precipitation, land use, proximity to roads, lithology, faults, and streams—sourced from both national agencies and open datasets. A 5-meter resolution Digital Elevation Model (DEM) supported the extraction of terrain-related parameters, while geological and meteorological data were obtained from official sources. Remote sensing and spatial analysis techniques were used to prepare the input layers, and the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) was employed to weight each criterion based on expert judgment and regional studies. These weighted layers were integrated using a structured overlay approach in ArcGIS Pro to generate a detailed landslide susceptibility map. The final output categorizes the study area into five hazard levels, from very low to very high risk. Validation using a local landslide inventory showed strong spatial agreement with the high-risk zones, confirming the robustness of the approach. The research provides important findings for Amathounta land-use planning and hazard mitigation and establishes a transferable method for other areas in Cyprus. The upcoming research will concentrate on expanding the model across the national territory and adding soil characteristics together with socio-economic data and real-time monitoring systems to boost predictive accuracy.

2025-09-19T00:00:00Z