Prevention roadside fires. Supporting tool for roadside management Rijkswaterstaat

Published date: 31-8-2026

What is the challenge?

Create a tool or develop a concept that converts remote sensing data obtained through satellite monitoring, potentially supplemented by other data, into actionable management information to support Rijkswaterstaat's development, management and maintenance activities.

Roadside clippings: Can satellite monitoring be used to verify whether contractors are maintaining roadside verges correctly?

• Timely mowing, including the height of the cut vegetation
• Removal of roadside clippings
• Automatic alerts for areas that have not yet been mowed by October
• Automatic alerts for areas where cut grass remains in October
• Automatic alerts for locations with an increased risk of wildfires due to tall grass or left-behind clippings, combined with indicators associated with fire risk, such as drought and yellowing of the grass

Objective: Rapid monitoring of mowing progress, reducing the risk of roadside fires, and preventing overgrown vegetation from obstructing drivers' visibility.

Who encounters or is affected by this challenge?

Of interest to other roadside managers and contractors.

What should you work towards during the hackathon?

Create a tool or develop a concept that converts remote sensing data obtained through satellite monitoring, potentially supplemented by other data, into actionable management information to support Rijkswaterstaat's development, management and maintenance activities.

What could you demonstrate, test or validate by the end of the hackathon?

A concept for an automatic alert that identifies locations with an increased risk of wildfires due to tall grass or left-behind clippings, combined with indicators such as drought and yellowing of the grass.

How is this challenge currently addressed?

Currently, monitoring often involves visiting locations.

What is currently missing or could be improved?

Remote sensing could provide a clearer picture of what has already been mowed, thereby facilitating inspections aimed at preventing roadside fires.

Challenge owner availability during the hackathon

A representative from Rijkswaterstaat will be available on site during the hackathon.

Additional materials, data and tools

Additional challenge materials will be shared with registered participants ahead of and during the hackathon via Discord and on site.

Questions?

hackathons@groundstation.space