Geography Reference
In-Depth Information
Forecast models did not give satisfactory results for fields separated by
such large distances to MSs (Zeuner, 2007). With the help of Geographic
Information Systems (GIS) a plot-specific classification of temperature and
relative humidity has been developed using complex statistical interpolation
methods described by Zeuner (2007). The method, however, cannot be applied
to the parameter precipitation.
Especially in the case of frequent spatially and temporally limited rainfall
(so-called convective rainfall event), the interpolation for precipitation does
not give plausible results (Zeuner and Kleinhenz, 2007, 2008, 2009).
To overcome this restriction, precipitation data is not interpolated but
obtained from radar measurements with a high spatial resolution.
Using these spatial input parameters for the currently available disease
forecast models leads to accurate forecasting for areas in-between two or more
distant MSs. With the use of GIS, daily spatial risk maps for diseases and pests
can be created in which the spatial and the temporal process of first appearan-
ce and regional development are documented (Figure 6). These risk maps lead
to improved control and a reduction in pesticide use.
Figure 6. Scheme of process to calculate risk maps using GIS.
