A COMPUTER application designed to help vulnerable communities prepare for bushfires has been trialled in three Tasmanian towns. The Bushfire Ready Neighbourhoods Program has been developed by University of Tasmania PhD candidate Mark Brown. The application runs on an table-sized touchpad computer. Multiple layers of detailed maps include information such as roads and tracks, land contours, buffer zones around houses, property boundaries and potential water sources. Mr Brown has a background in mapping, with 15 years' experience working in the spatial information unit of the Primary Industries Department. The PhD candidate said he wanted to see how new technology and data could be applied to address a real- world problem. "I want people to be able to use this technology in a context that relates specifically to people," he said. "Preparing for bushfires fits into that mould really well." The technology has been trialled in high-risk bushfire areas including Lilydale, Lorinna and Ferntree. Mr Brown said the interactive table was designed to engage people in the process of preparing for bushfires. "Using it as a table means that multiple people can use it at the same time," he said. "That way they can all see and understand and get the information out they need to." The UTAS student has developed the application in partnership with the Tasmania Fire Service and NRM North. Tasmania Fire Service Northern Region acting deputy regional chief John Hazzlewood said the application would make information about preparing for bushfires more accessible to members of local communities. "They can actually see what they need to do," he said. "It provides another way, rather than us talking about obscure messages to them. " "If everyone prepared their property, we'd be a lot better off."
PhD student Mark Brown, fire chief John Hazzlewood and firefighter Peter Middleton discuss the computer application. Picture: GEOFF ROBSON
A COMPUTER application designed to help vulnerable communities prepare for bushfires has been trialled in three Tasmanian towns.
The Bushfire Ready Neighbourhoods Program has been developed by University of Tasmania PhD candidate Mark Brown.
The application runs on an table-sized touchpad computer.
Multiple layers of detailed maps include information such as roads and tracks, land contours, buffer zones around houses, property boundaries and potential water sources. Mr Brown has a background in mapping, with 15 years' experience working in the spatial information unit of the Primary Industries Department.
The PhD candidate said he wanted to see how new technology and data could be applied to address a real- world problem.
"I want people to be able to use this technology in a context that relates specifically to people," he said. "Preparing for bushfires fits into that mould really well."
The technology has been trialled in high-risk bushfire areas including Lilydale, Lorinna and Ferntree.
Mr Brown said the interactive table was designed to engage people in the process of preparing for bushfires.
"Using it as a table means that multiple people can use it at the same time," he said.
"That way they can all see and understand and get the information out they need to."
The UTAS student has developed the application in partnership with the Tasmania Fire Service and NRM North.
Tasmania Fire Service Northern Region acting deputy regional chief John Hazzlewood said the application would make information about preparing for bushfires more accessible to members of local communities.
"They can actually see what they need to do," he said.
"It provides another way, rather than us talking about obscure messages to them.
" "If everyone prepared their property, we'd be a lot better off."
