The PLOTO project is dedicated to bolstering the resilience of European inland waterways (IWW), leading the technological drive by operating, testing, and demonstrating in three pilot sites located in Belgium, Romania, and Hungary. PLOTO partner, DBC Diadikasia defined with the key partners the project’s thirteen Key Exploitable Results (KERs) that will contribute to the overarching goal of establishing a novel integrated system that supports both operational and strategic adaptation and mitigation measures for IWW. The KERs reflect a holistic strategy, highlighting the integration of advanced computer vision (CV) techniques, multi-sensor data fusion, and the development of a sophisticated risk assessment engine (RAE) to ensure a reliable European inland waterway network, which aligns perfectly with the European Green Deal and the Sustainable and Smart Mobility Strategy of the European Union. This article delves into KER1 through KER11.
Advanced Damage Detection and Precision Diagnosis
KER1 focuses on early damage detection and degradation assessment in IWW elements and critical port infrastructures. Leveraging advanced CV and machine learning techniques, PLOTO aims to provide precise damage diagnosis. Building upon KER1, KER2 centres on developing a monitoring system that integrates multi-sensor data from terrestrial and satellite sources. This includes 3D point clouds, multispectral, hyperspectral, and thermal data. Advanced CV algorithms, such as deep learning, enable rapid and accurate assessment of damage, degradation, and emerging hazards across various disaster scenarios.
Expanding upon the monitoring capabilities, KER3 emphasises seamless sensor data fusion in Unmanned Aerial Vehicles UAVs, ground stations, and mobile vessels. By combining information from various sources, including sensors on UAVs, land-based platforms, and boats, PLOTO enhances situational awareness for effective risk management in IWWs. Moreover, KER4 involves developing simulators equipped with climate scenarios and new data generated by the project. These simulators enable long-term risk assessment and rapid evaluation of unfolding events, aiding timely decision-making and efficient response.
Integrated Monitoring System for Comprehensive Risk Assessment
KER5 introduces Multi-Hazard Vulnerability Modules (MHVMs) for assessing vulnerability and improving resilience under various hazards. These modules enable comprehensive risk analysis and mitigation planning, providing detailed data for critical assets. KER6 focuses on developing an interoperable platform for IWWs, integrating operational systems and facilitating data flow to enhance situational awareness and decision-making capabilities.
Efficient integration and management of heterogeneous data sources are central to KER7, with PLOTO developing middleware and data fusion services to ensure seamless data flow and information mapping. Similarly, KER8 focuses on developing a diverse risk assessment framework capable of quantifying weather-related hazards, aiding strategic planning and adaptation measures. Continuous updates to numerical modelling results, as in KER9, enhance weather predictions, providing more accurate local risk assessments.
KER10 involves developing an integrated planning platform leveraging existing and new data sources to assess IWW elements’ condition. Continuous integration practices ensure efficient deployment across different environments, enabling seamless integration and scalability. Finally, at the core of the IWAT integrated platform lies KER11, the Risk Assessment Engine (RAE), which combines hazard events, fragility functions, and recovery scenarios. Providing insights for strategic planning and operational decision-making, RAE contributes to various stakeholders’ risk interpretations.
KER 12 and KER 13 have also been defined by the key partners and they will further elaborated soon!
PLOTO’s comprehensive approach is based on a clear strategy and robust set of tools, integrating advanced CV techniques, multi-sensor data fusion, and RAE development, to enhance the resilience of inland waterways. By addressing key challenges in damage diagnosis, fast assessment mapping, and risk quantification, the project strives to safeguard critical infrastructure and promote sustainable management practices amidst evolving European challenges and opportunities.
Stay updated on the ongoing work of PLOTO partners by following the project’s LinkedIn page.
