Requirements for the integration of remote sensing and field data in a GIS for the management of fire fighting in coalfields

Coal seam fires and stockpile fires, unfortunately, are accompanying phenomena of coal mining. Prevention and fighting measures need exact information on several characteristics and parameters (e.g. location, amount of coal burnt) of these fires. This article summarises the lessons learnt about data needs and possibilities of using remote sensing during a decade-long research activity in coal fire monitoring. Using remote sensing data in the monitoring and management of fire fighting needs the consideration of their spatial, temporal and spectral resolutions as well as the requirements of the user. An analysis of the spatial variability of the different coal fire related phenomenon was carried out to define the optimal solutions for monitoring coal fires. This knowledge forms the basis of building a coal fire fighting and management information system for a coalfield in China, which helps the daily work of fire fighters.