Integrating remote sensing and GIS for fire hazard categorization. A case study of Bathurst, New South Wales, Australia

'Fire hazard categorization' is vital for emergency planning in order to minimize loss of lives and property. Recording hazard levels help in understanding the spatial distribution of fire susceptibility and vulnerable areas and assist in the 'Allocation' and 'Mobilization' of dynamic resources. In-situ field surveys are carried out to determine fire hazard in New South Wales. Although reasonably this method of classifying hazards is time consuming, not very accurate and most importantly does not permit spatial analysis. It also leaves out important important variables that need to be considered for a comprehensive hazard categorization. This paper examines the integration of high-resolution orthorectified aerial photoimages with GIS in order to develop a methodology to generate fire hazard categories. It also examines the choice of an appropriate 'spatial unit' to record and compare hazard categories in a given region for the effective management of dynamic resources.