UCI Engineer Introduces Drought Monitoring and Prediction System

global integrated drought monitoring and prediction system (GIDMaPS)Samueli School civil and environmental engineering researchers have introduced the global integrated drought monitoring and prediction system (GIDMaPS) that could help farmers, commodity investors, local governments and global relief organizations react to drought.

The system provides meteorological and agricultural drought information based on multiple satellite-and model-based precipitation and soil moisture data sets. The researchers published the work in Scientific Data.

Developed by Assistant Professor Amir AghaKouchak's team, the GIDMaPS data significantly extends current capabilities of drought assessment systems. The GIDMaPS’ seasonal forecast gives essential information for users to receive early warning of drought, enabling them to take preventive measures and plan mitigation strategies.

“Drought has been a major problem throughout history. This information would be instrumental in reducing drought impacts, especially in developing countries where there are no other drought monitoring and prediction information,” says AghaKouchak.

The system can be accessed via the GIDMaPS website, which has experienced 600 to 1,500 visitors a month from around the world.

Share

  • X