Vasile Craciunescu

Meteo Romania | METEOROMANIA · Laboratory of Remote Sensing and GIS

Land degradation (LD) and desertification (DS) are a sensitive global issue including southern and south-eastern Europe, which is severely affected by climate change. In this study, a state-of-the-art approach for assessing the intensity of LD and DS processes using remote-sensing-derived indicators within a GIS environment was proposed. The analys...

This study presents an assessment of climate suitability for outdoor leisure activities in Romania using the Holliday Climate Index (HCI) for the near future (2021–2040), focusing on unfavorable and good climate conditions. The analysis employs data from an ensemble of model simulations in the context of RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 climate change scenarios....

The study presents an assessment of climate suitability for outdoor leisure activities in Romania using the Holliday Climate Index (HCI) for the near future (2021-2040), focusing on unfavorable and good climate conditions. The analysis employs data from an ensemble model in the context of RCP45 and RCP85 climate change scenarios. The results indica...

Nature, landscape, relaxation, and outdoor activities are important motivations when choosing rural destinations for vacations. Therefore, when selecting a rural area as a vacation destination, we assume that climate features are important. We investigated the appropriateness of the holiday climate index: urban (HCI:urban) in quantitatively describ...

A spatiotemporal machine learning framework for automated prediction and analysis of long-term Land Use/Land Cover dynamics is presented. The framework includes: (1) harmonization and preprocessing of spatial and spatiotemporal input datasets (GLAD Landsat, NPP/VIIRS) including five million harmonized LUCAS and CORINE Land Cover-derived training sa...

This paper will assess the sensitivity of soil moisture anomaly (SMA) obtained from the Soil water index (SWI) product Metop ASCAT, to identify drought in Romania. The SWI data were converted from relative values (%) to absolute values (m3 m−3) using the soil porosity method. The conversion results (SM) were validated using soil moisture in situ me...

Capitalizing on the natural, cultural and anthropogenic potential for tourism in rural areas represents an important chance for local economy in Romania. Some of the main assets of a rural touristic destination are weather and climate conditions along with overall quality of services provided. Therefore, including climate and other relevant environ...

A seamless spatiotemporal machine learning framework for automated prediction, uncertainty assessment, and analysis of land use / land cover (LULC) dynamics is presented. The framework includes: (1) harmonization and preprocessing of high-resolution spatial and spatiotemporal covariate datasets (GLAD Landsat, NPP/VIIRS) including 5 million harmoniz...

A seamless spatiotemporal machine learning framework for automated prediction, uncertainty assessment, and analysis of long-term LULC dynamics is presented. The framework includes: (1) harmonization and preprocessing of high-resolution spatial and spatiotemporal input datasets (GLAD Landsat, NPP/VIIRS) including 5~million harmonized LUCAS and CORIN...

A seamless spatiotemporal machine learning framework for automated prediction and analysis of long-term Land Use / Land Cover dynamics is presented. The framework includes: (1) harmonization and preprocessing of high-resolution spatial and spatiotemporal input datasets (GLAD Landsat, NPP/VIIRS) including 5 million harmonized LUCAS and CORINE Land C...

A spatiotemporal machine learning framework for automated prediction and analysis of long-term Land Use / Land Cover dynamics is presented. The framework includes: (1) harmonization and preprocessing of spatial and spatiotemporal input datasets (GLAD Landsat, NPP/VIIRS) including 5 million harmonized LUCAS and CORINE Land Cover-derived training sam...

The aim of this study is to analyze the performance of the Drought Severity Index (DSI) in Romania and its validation based on other data sources (meteorological data, soil moisture content (SMC), agricultural production). Also, it is to assess the drought based on a multi-temporal analysis and trends of the DSI obtained from Terra MODIS satellite...

The article aims to represent a general overview of the prototype web-mapping interactive system SatWebMare for the Bulgarian coastal zone. The interactive system is designed to provide through geo-portal innovative products and services for integrated coastal zone management. The web-mapping system combines geo-databases from different sources suc...

The coastal zones have important ecological, social, and economic impact on the human life and are undergoing the severe anthropogenic degradation that is happening against the backdrop of environmental alterations due to climate change. To address the challenges of present and future environmental changes in coastal areas, this article aims to rep...

This study proposes a simple methodology for assessing future-projected evolution of water cycle components (precipitation, potential evapotranspiration, and potential runoff) based on the two-level Palmer model of the soil and their impact on drought conditions at basin level. The Palmer Drought Severity Index (PDSI) is used as drought metric. Th...

Snow monitoring is essential for prediction of flooding due to rapid snowmelt, to provide snow avalanche risk forecasts and for water resource management-including hydropower production, agriculture, groundwater and drinking water. Sentinel-1 C-band SAR is sensitive to presence of wet snow and can be used to binary snow-wetness classification. Wet-...

Flooding remains the most widely distributed natural hazard in Europe, leading to significant economic and social impact. Earth observation data is presently capable of making fundamental contributions towards reducing the detrimental effects of extreme floods. Technological advance makes development of online services able to process high volumes...

ESA's Thematic Exploitation Platform (TEP) initiative explores a new concept for EO data exploitation. Instead of downloading the data, users are invited to perform processing remotely. Remote processing is especially interesting in view of the continuous increase of volume of available EO data. Providing processing resources closer to the data avo...

The numerical forecast of particulate matter concentrations in general, and PM10 in particular is a theme of high socio-economic relevance. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of ground and satellite data assimilation of PM10 observations into the Weather Research and Forecasting model coupled with Chemistry (WRF-CHEM) numerical air...

The study presents the validation of SMOS soil moisture satellite products for Romania. The validation was performed with in-situ measurements spatially distributed over the country and with in-situ measurements concentrated in on small area. For country level a number of 20 stations from the national meteorological observations network in Romania...

The study presents the validation of SMOS soil moisture satellite products for Romania. The validation was performed with in-situ measurements spatially distributed over the country and with in-situ measurements concentrated in on small area. For country level a number of 20 stations from the national meteorological observations network in Romania...

The coastal environment is a challenging area for Earth Observation because it is at the limit of two very heterogeneous domains. For instance, Ocean Colour data are more difficult to obtain near the coast, as the observed reflectances are affected by the presence of bright sediments, complex aerosol mixtures, as well as stray light from bright lan...

Recently, the National Meteorological Administration initiated and started to implement user-driven services, based on satellite remote sensing and geo-information capacities. The paper presents this downstream emergency response service whose aim is to provide updated and accurate cartographic information in river flood prevention and post-crisis...

In order to facilitate the access to Earth Observation (EO) and other types of data (in-situ, modeled) for the Black Sea area, ASRC has developed an Earth Science Data Access and Processing Service for Black Sea (ESPOSS) to be provided through a dedicated web based platform. Users may inspect, download and process various datasets concerning multip...

Some sheets of the 1864 topographic map of South Romania were geo-referenced in order to be co-analyzed with satellite-based 2006 flood inundation map of the Bechet area (Dolj County, Romania). The rectification was based on the corners of the old map sheets as control points, using the previously gathered metadata (geodetic datum and map projectio...

The paper is accomplished in the framework of the LIFE09 ENV/RO/000612 -CLEANWATER project, which foresees the development of an integrated GIS approach for the management of nitrogen pollution, at watershed level; with emphasis on modelling tools and field campaign for analyse the nutrients vulnerable zones. The project facilitates the implementat...

The satellite-based inundation maps of the 2006 Danube floods in Romania were fit geometrically to the 1864 topographic map sheets covering the Romanian regions of Oltenia and Muntenia. The old maps were systematically geo-referenced using the data of the original geodetic control and cartographic details; their Cassini-Soldner projection was prope...

Some sheets of the 1864 topographic map of South Romania were geo‐referred in order to be co‐analyzed with satellite‐based 2006 flood inundation map of the Bechet area (Dolj County, Romania). The rectification was based on the corners of the old map sheets as control points, using the previously gathered metadata (geodetic datum and map projection...

Presently, satellite imagery has a major contribution to all the phases of the emergency management process. Space-based information in support of disaster monitoring can be obtained through the International Charter on Space and Major Disasters, Copernicus (The European Earth Observation Programme) Emergency Management Service (EMS) and the United...

The concept of open data access is a very important topic nowadays. The concept assumes that all data collected or generated by public sector bodies (excepting personal data and data protected under existing privacy protection or accessibility rules) is made publicly accessible in commonly-used, machine-readable formats and can be re-used for any p...

Over recent years, river flooding occurred frequently in Romania affecting large areas of the country with significant economic and social impacts. The flood mapping based on satellite image data provides useful information for disaster monitoring and assessment. The paper presents the methods used for obtaining useful products for flood risk mappi...

The interactive web-mapping system for satellite based agricultural application in Bulgaria and Romania was developed in the frame if the PROAGROBURO project. To achieve the project objectives a large amount of geospatial data was collected in the form of satellite images, maps and vector layers. Furthermore, the field measurements and descriptions...

The Methodological Requirements have been created in relation with the implementation of Project No. CB/XX/16 Testing of PROBA-V and Vegetation Data for Agricultural Applications in Bulgaria and Romania (PROAGROBURO) financed by the Belgian Federal Science Policy Office (BELSPO) under the PROBA-V Preparatory Programme. They have been used during th...

The modem cadastre was introduced in Austrian Empire by Emperor I at the beginning of the XIX century, using the Milanese model. Based on topographic surveys and triangulation networks, the Austrian cadastre model have evolved continuously during the time by incorporating new concepts and technologies. The model was adopted by other European countr...

In the last years, important floods occurred in Romania, engulfing wide areas and triggering loss of life and heavy damage. The modern management of geospatial data related to river flood risk relies on the functional facilities supplied by the GIS, combined with Earth Observation information and hydrological modelling, in view of establishing a me...

Floods cause every year important damages over large areas and also the loss of human lives and economical consequences for Romania as well as for many other countries. The evaluation and management of floods constitute the first step and the rational basis of mitigation measures against flood damages. Remote sensing provides information that have...

Starting with 1975, the North-West part of the Moldavia Principality was occupied by the Habsburg Monarchy and become known as Duchy of Bukovina. During the 143 years of Austrian rule (1775 - 1918), this territory was the subject of several topographic and cadastral surveys. The paper will focus on the cadastral maps produced under the Stabile cada...

The historical region of Bukovina is one of the most forested areas of Romania. The name itself, beech land, suggest the high wood resources located here. The systematic wood exploitation started in Bukovina during the Austrian rule (1775 - 1918). To fully asses the region's wood potential and to make the exploitation and replantation processes mor...

The advantages brought by high resolution satellite data in activities related to flood mapping and flood monitoring are well know in the scientific community. The paper aims to prove that slighter older geospatial documents, such as historical maps, are also a valuable resource for cartographers and decision makers to achieve a better understandin...

Old cartographic documents represent a valuable resource in reconstructing the natural and built environment evolution. In order to integrate such maps with recent geospatial datasets, in GIS environment, some preparatory actions need to be done. This includes scanning, color enhancement, georeferencing and reprojection. From our experience, when i...

Based on experience and components developed in national projects as for example components for land cover and land use monitoring, ROKEO is intended to facilitate knowledge based and interactive learning as a semantic information extraction processes.

Frecventa fenomenelor naturale extreme care determina situatii de risc este in crestere in multe tari ale lumii, inundatiile, cutremurele si incendiile fiind cele mai frecvente. Eficienta in gestiunea inundatiilor asociate fenomenelor meteorologice si hidrologice si, in mod special, a viiturilor de amploare, depinde de disponibilitatea, diseminarea...

The Institute of Military Geography in Vienna has completed the mapping of central Europe in the scale of 1:200,000 in the first decade of the 20th century. The map sheets cover a one degree (latitude) by one degree (longitude) extent piece of the terrain, that's why these sheets are referred to as 'degree maps'. The longitude is shown with respect...

The use of remote sensing and GIS techniques for rapid mapping and monitoring is an important tool of information for decision-makers. In 2005 and 2006, the worst floods in the last 40 years affected several regions in Romania. In this paper, we describe the methodology used to map the flood-affected areas. MODIS TERRA and AQUA images were acquired...

For Romania, as for many European countries, the most damaging geophysical events are floods, which cause significant damage every year over large areas, with the loss of human lives and economic consequences. Flood forecasting, warning and emergency response play important roles in reducing flood risk during the event. Options for flood risk manag...

Floods are the major disaster affecting many countries in the world year after year. From Romania perspective, floods are among the most hazardous natural disasters in terms of human suffering and economic losses. Major floods occurred in 2005, 2006 and 2008, the worst ones in more than 40 years, have affected large regions of Romania: in the Timis...

In the latest years floods and accompanying landslides, occurred quit frequently in Romania, some of which isolated, others-affecting wide areas of the country’s territory. One region, which suffers from flood damages on a regular basis, is the transboundary area of the Crisul Alb, Crisul Negru and Ko˝ro˝s River. An important objective of the NATO...

Air quality is a major issue for all the important cities in the world. Bucharest is no exception. The air pollution in Bucharest, due to traffic and industry, is abundant, especially in areas the human population is concentrated. The fast rate of economic growth is bringing more sources of air pollution. In this context, the AIRAWARE project, fund...

Abstract The MODIS snowcover product is one of many geophysical products derived from MODIS data. A cross-validation of the MODIS snowcover daily products with data obtained from the meteorological network stations was conducted for the entire territory of Romania. The validation time interval covered the period between 29 October, 2004 and 1 May,...

The Bistrita River Basin (a length of 283 km, a surface of 7039 km², a mean discharge of 65 m³/s) is one of the most important tributary of the Siret River, which is the second major affluent of the Danube River. Heavily influenced by hydraulic management and highly polluted by agricultural and urban activities in some stretch...

An important objective of the NATO SfP project “Monitoring of extreme flood events in Romania and Hungary using EO data” is the development of a dedicated sub-system, based on remote sensing and GIS technology, serving to improve the flood management and implementation of mitigation programs. The sub-system consists of a GIS database, represented b...

SUMMARY An accurate monitoring of snow cover extent (SCE) is an essential goal for the scientific research of the Earth Systems. The MODIS Snowcover product is one of the many geophysical products derived from MODIS data. The improved spatial resolution, snow/cloud discrimination capability and global coverage of the MODIS allow a significant impro...

For the transboundary area between Romania and Hungary many destructive floods have occurred provoking severe inundation events and even ruptures of embankments. A close cooperation between these countries in searching the best and adequate methods and technology to impede these undesirable events is therefore a prerequisite for needed actions.

Flood management evolves and changes as more knowledge and technology becomes available to the environmental community. One of the most powerful tools to emerge in the hydrological field is the Geographic Information System (GIS), which allows for the collection and analysis of environmental data. The decision process starts with observed data that...

The risk of flooding due to runoff is a major concern in many areas around the globe and especially in Romania. In the latest years river flooding and accompanying landslides, occurred quit frequently in Romania, some of which isolated, others-affecting wide areas of the country’s territory. The main objective of the NATO SfP project “Monitoring o...

In the last two decades, increasing aridization has occurred under the drought conditions that have affected certain regions in southern Romania. The study area corresponds to the Oltenia region, where nine very severe drought years were recorded during the last 20 years. The Motru-Rovinari coal basin is located in this region and was chosen as an...

Before the 1918 Union, the Romanian territories were subject of several dominations, for which reason the cartographic data base for each Romanian province was different from an area to another. Starting from the second half of the 19th century, Valachia, Moldavia and Dobrogea (Dacia Pontica or Scitia Minor) field mapping was made, implicitly carto...

Development of urban centers throughout history can be reconstructed using graphical documents (photos, prints, etc.), but mainly based on cartographical documents that spatially locate the informations. Starting from this premise (in the broader context of reconsidering the cartographic heritage of Central and South-East Europe), the present study...