Integrated visualization and analysis of threats for marine and coastal regions via a Web-based GIS

The paper presents a Web-Based Geographic Information System for integration, visualization and analysis of data on terrorist, ecological and natural threats. The system uses Open Source solutions like the GeoServer internet map server and the OpenLayers Javascript GIS client library to provide easily accessible and up-to date information related to a region of interest. The system is composed of modules which provide the following features: (1) blast and chemical attack simulation; (2) creation of hazard distribution maps; (3) analysis of risk propagation. Apart from hazard information, which maybe obtained from the simulation modules as well as inserted manually, the system collects and integrates data from several external sensors. The latter include a satellite ground station, oil spill simulation models, a radar and Automated Identification of Ships (AIS). The open, modular structure of the system allows for easy inclusion of different data sources, such as Multibeam Sonar Systems (MBSS) and echosounder. The paper presents case studies of the system applications for analysis, visualization and mapping of threats in the coastal area of the city of Gdansk, Poland.