The “AV.IS” project envisages 5 different work packages designed to achieve decisive improvements in the assessment of risks ensuing from natural hazards. This step is seen as an aspect of the sustainable development of natural habitats.

The work packages focus on the creation and evaluation of databases and methods, underscore the relevance of the topic (specifically also for Triglav National Park) through the example of one pilot municipality, illustrate the need for cross-border co-operation, describe how to develop and use the project products and deal with the fundamental tasks of public relations and dissemination of results.

Work package No. 1

Compilation of the GIS-based databank and alignment of methods
(October 2005 - March 2007)

This work package comprises the following steps:

• research, analyse, determine, and/or harmonize databases (basic data, interdisciplinary and sectoral data, etc.) instrumental to cross-border co-operation;
• evaluate technological assets and feasibility on the grounds of the Geographic Information System (metadata, common projection, GIS-application, documentation, etc.);
• analyse methods of spatial representation of natural hazards (in form of a digital map) and synthesize individual solution approaches into a coherent course of action (method) in observation of national laws;
• create a cross-border Internet portal to provide spatial information
• draft a common map of natural hazards (agreement on contents, legends, etc.).

Work package No. 2

Local level – Implementation based on the example of one test-case municipality (Kranjska Gora) (May 2006 - October 2007)

This work package comprises the following activities:

• show up problems (natural disasters) according to the example of one pilot municipality;
• analyse and improve risk assessment methods (setting out from existing examples);
• establish links with zoning plans;
• highlight the problems of the communities located in Triglav National Park;
  compare with Carinthian communities (exchange of experiences with the Hohe Tauern area);
• set up a web service at municipal level in Carinthia (test-case municipalities)

Work package No. 3

Cross-border co-operation (September 2006 – March 2007)

This work package comprises the following activities:

• implement a cross-border web service;
• exchange experiences at expert level;
• exchange experiences at user level;
• analyse the different strategies and synthesize them into a common strategy (risk management);
• work out recommendations.

Work package No. 4

Product definition (October 2006 - June 2007)

This work package focuses on the following contents:

• decide on a joint exploitation of results on the basis of the GIS;
• define the features of the maps that are to be produced (contents, scale, defaults, layout, use, etc.);
• implement web mapping services (pilot project: a facility for both countries);
• point out interfaces with other projects and spatial planning (both regionally and locally).

Work package No. 5

PR and dissemination of results (October 2005 - December 2007)

• Produce target group specific information material to promote awareness on natural hazards within the communities;
• Work out basic information and make it flow into the planned central visitors management (Triglav National Park);
• Contribute to the development of zoning plans in various municipalities (e.g. landuse map Kranjska Gora);
• present results during half-yearly conferences.