Integration of Real-Time UAV Video into the Fire Brigades Crisis Management System

Abstract

During a fire incident live airborne video offers the fire brigade an additional means of information. Essential for the effective usage of the daylight and infra-red video data from the UAS is that the information is fully integrated into the crisis management system of the fire brigade. This is a GIS based system in which all relevant geospatial information is brought together and automatically distributed to all levels of the organization. In the Dutch Fire-Fly project it was investigated in what way and under which conditions the information obtained with small unmanned aerial systems (UAS) can be integrated into the fire brigades crisis management system in support of their operations. In cooperation with the Dutch fire brigade of the VNOG requirements and a concept of operation were defined, based on which a technical system was developed and demonstrated in practice. An existing robot helicopter was equipped with the proper sensors, a geospatial video server was integrated in the local command center and the fire brigades crisis management system was adapted for the display and distribution of real-time geospatial airborne video and derived product to the involved operational levels during a fire incident. This article describes the technical and operational approach and results.