San Diego State University's Homeland Security program has developed a system to make up-to-date geographic information on wildfire conditions available to firefighters in the field, even when they are cut off from terrestrial wireline and wireless networks.
The system combines satellite and aerial imagery, weather radar and topographical data in a format optimised for delivery over the Inmarsat Plc. Broadband Global Area Network.
The Viz Lab has an unmanned aerial vehicle that can fly at low levels over fire areas to gather images and measurements to update satellite imagery, along with weather radar data that can show smoke movement and density. All of this can provide a timely and accurate picture of where a fire is, where it is moving and the conditions in and around it. This could replace the tool typically used by firefighters in the field, a PDF map with a line drawing of a fire front.
"By delivering dynamic, real-time information about fire perimeters, weather and ground conditions, Inmarsat and the Viz Lab will enhance the ability of incident commanders to protect lives and property and enhance the safety of firefighters in the field," said Rebecca Cowen-Hirsch, Inmarsat vice president of Global Government Services.
Source: www.gisdevelopment.net and gcn.com
