Use of unmanned SAR and EO/IR sensor suites for monitoring wildfires

R. Dunkel; R. Saddler; A. W. Doerry

doi:10.1117/12.2266037

1 May 2017 Use of unmanned SAR and EO/IR sensor suites for monitoring wildfires

R. Dunkel, R. Saddler, A. W. Doerry

Proceedings Volume 10188, Radar Sensor Technology XXI; 101881F (2017) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2266037
Event: SPIE Defense + Security, 2017, Anaheim, CA, United States

Abstract

Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) is a proven, effective tool to monitor and map changing topography in rapidly expanding wildfire disaster situations. The broad area coverage provided by SAR can be used to detail areas of fire damage while high-resolution imagery can be used to determine fire movement and possibly provide warning to areas in the fire’s path. General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) recently collected data with an airborne Lynx SAR, operating in the Ku Band, in conjunction with a FLIR Systems Star Safire 380-HD Electrical-optical/Infrared (EO/IR) camera system on Southern California’s Blue Cut Fire. The Blue Cut Fire began in the Cajon Pass East of Los Angeles and burned a total of 36,000 acres⁴ . GA-ASI was able to overfly the fire, map the area, and detail the current location, as well as additional areas where the fire was spreading. Image Analysts were able to review the collected data and provide valuable information regarding location and possible fire direction. Analysts also conducted fire damage assessments to determine which structures were lost or damaged in the Fire. The real-time analysis of SAR and EO/IR data collections has the potential to increase effectiveness of firefighting crews attempting to contain a dynamic wildfire significantly

Citation Download Citation

R. Dunkel, R. Saddler, and A. W. Doerry "Use of unmanned SAR and EO/IR sensor suites for monitoring wildfires", Proc. SPIE 10188, Radar Sensor Technology XXI, 101881F (1 May 2017); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2266037

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