PermaNET: Alpine Permafrost Index Map - APIM
Target groups
Civil servants / administration; specific institutions; scientists.
Area of application
The map covers the European Alps (high altitude alpine areas).
Time frame
The map has been realized through a statistical permafrost distribution model developed using data from the evidence inventory and data related to explanatory variables (temperature, potential solar radiation, mean annual precipitation) calculated for the entire Alps and used to elaborate a qualitative index describing how likely permafrost exists.
Keywords
Related to the type of result: map; statistical model; spatial distribution; scientific governance.
Related to the thematic of the result: permafrost.
Accessibility
The APIM is freely available as a kmz overlay for Google Earth (download) and as a Web Mapping Service for use in a GIS environment.
Transferability and re-usability
More than transferred to other regions (since it already covers the Alps), the map has to be augmented with additional information. Adaptation is required when the map is used for specific purposes at the local level, because it only shows the estimated conditions and certainty can be only achieved through local measurement. It can be considered as a decision-base tool for choosing adequate methods for detailed field investigations.
Sector policies addressed
Spatial development; land use planning and managing; territorial planning & infrastructure; natural risk management; socio-economic activities (tourism; ski resorts, …) in high mountain areas and also in valleys at long distance from the source area.