Real-time RGB/thermal flights showing fire spread. Firefighting drones that can work in night operations.

They gain prominence in the fight against this catastrophe.

With the Drones we can be issuing the first images in real time of the huge active fire in the area.

The images reach both the visible and the thermal spectrum. Extinguishing technicians can compare them with previously recorded georeferenced videos of the area.

Now, in addition to seeing the situation of the fire in real time, we can analyze the information together with the rest of the documentation from the entire area of influence of the fire. From the dryness of the air, the state of the wood or the weather forecast to the number of human resources available to deal with the fire or the distribution of homes, buildings and stables in the area that may be affected. All this information will be necessary to make tactical decisions in minutes.

Currently, the use of drones is becoming common in the prevention of forest fires, although it is still a minority.

What can we achieve with drones?

Video transmission in real time.

Having images in real time is a great advantage when making decisions in the extinction of forest fires. UAV drones or drones play a key role here.

But a flying drone with a small camera is not enough, it is important that the drones are piloted by professional personnel.

Having video streaming from a Drone is not the same as geolocated video streaming, so while the video is playing we see where each point is on the map - georeferenced videos.

Sensors

Complementing other sensors installed on the ground, the payload or payload of the Drone, UAV or RPA includes different types of specific sensors for firefighting, before, during the fire or subsequent restoration. The most common are:

• RGB cameras to capture the visible spectrum.
• Thermal cameras, to measure the temperature. In video or image format, they can be calibrated for different temperatures during operation. They can be used in night operations.

The main advantage of on-board sensors is that the drone can detect a possible fire early, know when there is a potential fire in an area and, on the other hand, have real-time information on what is really happening.

Preliminary terrain analysis

Drones are already helping to determine the risk of fire in an area based on vegetation conditions and weather conditions, allowing decisions to be made based on quantifiable and accurate data.

For these evaluations, both photogrammetric, LiDAR, infrared and other flights are used, capable of performing very precise 3D cartography and measuring common indices, such as NDVI, SAVI, etc.

Other advantages of inspection flights are the deterrent effect of possible offenders and the detection of infractions and crimes in the mountains or in the natural environment, since they make it possible to detect vehicles and other machinery and identify potential offenders.