Introduction
In recent years drone technology has been gaining pace in disrupting a whole range of industries. Delivery, agriculture, mining, inspections, energy, construction, and defence are among the many industries that have seen drones improve the work that they do by giving them better insights, in a shorter amount of time, for a lower cost.
Drone technology also has a lot of scope to assist in emergency situations as they are easily transported and easily deployed in any terrain. They can also be equiped with specialised equipment such as thermal cameras and payload delivery systems. to improve the functionality
Specifically in regards to bushfires drones can be used in the following ways
Drones can be also used in the aftermath of a fire in the following ways
Helicopters and fixed wing aircraft have often been used for this purpose but have limitations, the smoke from fires can pose a risk to piloted aircraft, and the cost associated with these flights is signficant. The use of drone technology has an easier entry point for drone operators, is much cheaper, and can be flown in a much wider range of environmental conditions.
Drone technology also has a lot of scope to assist in emergency situations as they are easily transported and easily deployed in any terrain. They can also be equiped with specialised equipment such as thermal cameras and payload delivery systems. to improve the functionality
Specifically in regards to bushfires drones can be used in the following ways
- Identifying hotspots
- Early bushfire detection
- Providing real-time situational awareness
- Detecting people and animals in need
- Mapping fire perimeter
- Delivering water or equipment for firefighters or people who are trapped
- Offering a bird’s eye view perspective of bushfires, gaining them additional information in relation the areas of most need
Drones can be also used in the aftermath of a fire in the following ways
- inspecting areas of the landscape to survey the damage
- looking for injured animals
- going into buildings or other areas damaged by fire where it may be unsafe for people to do so
- identifying hotspots that may cause the fire to reignite
- reestablishing power by stringing up new power lines
- helping with revegetation by spread seeds
Helicopters and fixed wing aircraft have often been used for this purpose but have limitations, the smoke from fires can pose a risk to piloted aircraft, and the cost associated with these flights is signficant. The use of drone technology has an easier entry point for drone operators, is much cheaper, and can be flown in a much wider range of environmental conditions.