This task will be responsible for bring together all software modules, hardware modules, networking and communication tools and protocols for implementing the final holistic platform. In particular, it will be bring together the Hardware components of WP4 (composite sensors, UAVs) along with their networking infrastructure and LoRWAN communication protocols), all software components developed in WP5 (database, CMS, APIs, Web dashboard and smartphone application) as well as the Intelligence modules (WP6), i.e., fire prevention, detection and reaction module, the illegal logging and hunting detection module, the afforestation and reforestation recommendation modules and all the data collection mechanisms, incident detection modules that will compose the monitoring system.

In this task, a concrete testing and validation methodology will be defined. The methodology will form as guidelines for the technical partners and will enable both a technical and user-oriented evaluation of the Green-HIT platform. In order to perform testing, the consortium will establish a testing plan that will focus on the various components of the platform (modules, API, or other software used) and the ideal testing approach to use in each of them. Lastly Green-HIT will be treated as a holistic platform in order to choose the proper testing methodology for it.

This task will oversee the implementation of the pilots defined by Task 3.2, in close cooperation with all technical partners and based on the defined requirements. In this task, the identified pilots’ setup and testing will take place in order to evaluate the overall usability of the system under real operating conditions. Since some of the pilots will be in need for specific field work, the task is responsible for the timely initiation of the pilots, well before the completion of the Green-HIT platform, and for resolving any issues and problems that may arise. During the pilots and by using the testing and validation methodology of Task 7.2, usability assessment will take place in order to grasp the user experience as well as extensive tests to verify the platform is bug-free when it reaches its users. All tests will be held through the following cycle: a subset of tests is executed to validate that the prototype is stable enough for detailed test and evaluation effort to commence, intensive tests are implemented, executed and evaluated, test results are evaluated against testing objectives (additional testing is done as necessary) and test methods are improved as needed to support the next cycle of testing (final prototype). The test results will provide feedback for the implementation of the final prototype indicating necessary modifications. It should be mentioned that within this task testing will be performed to verify the proper functioning and performance of the holistic platform.

This task will oversee the modifications over the Green-HIT platform based on the feedback collected through the testing and validation process performed in Task 7.3. The task will bring all technical partners together in order to identify and resolve performance issues that may arise during the testing and validation. Additionally, with feedback and recommendations from pilot users the update of individual modules by each responsible partner will take place.