The further subsequent ascent within the lower stratosphere (caused by self-lofting) is already well documented in the literature. The main goal is to demonstrate that radiative heating of intense smoke plumes is capable of lofting them from the lower and middle free troposphere (injection heights) up to the tropopause without the need of pyrocumulonimbus (pyroCb) convection. This study aims for a detailed analysis of tropospheric and stratospheric smoke lofting rates based on simulations and observations. This heating is translated into self-lofting of the smoke up to more than 1 km in altitude per day. The absorption of sunlight by optically thick smoke layers results in heating of the ambient air. The sensor measures the structural data, giving accurate and reliable information about topography, slope, and vegetation characteristics: canopy height, crown length, tree basal area, density, diameter, and dead tree density.Wildfire smoke is known as a highly absorptive aerosol type in the shortwave wavelength range. LiDAR data provides high-resolution, fine-scale measurements that can extract biophysical features of vegetation as well as creation of DTM/DEMs. These onboard sensors together provide accurate and reliable data for a wildfire risk prediction model. Note that these sensors can be customized to meet different project demands and requirements. The proposed payload includes the long-range Optech CL-360XR LiDAR sensor, A growing multispectral imaging sensor, Sony α7R II RGB camera, and FLIR longwave infrared thermal sensor. Geodetics approach to wildfire risk assessment involves a hybrid drone that can remain airborne for several hours during data collection. Overview of the sensors employed in Geodetics’ UAV-based wildfire management system. The figure below outlines the system prototype with integrated sensor performance:įigure 1. The specialized Geo-MMS (Mobile Mapping System) payload used in this study includes a long-range LiDAR sensor, RGB, multispectral, and thermal imaging sensors. Measurable variables including topography, vegetation health (moisture content), land cover types, and relative temperature can aid in predicting the severity and intensity of wildfires. An assessment of susceptible areas could produce models that characterize wildfire likelihood, intensity, and impacts. This UAV prototype is ideal for targeted wildfire management in reasonably spotted areas, and offers much lower overhead costs when compared to manned aircraft missions. For more information about this technology, please click here.Ĭonsidering the cost of operating such systems from manned aircraft, Geodetics (an AEVEX Aerospace company) is working on a UAV prototype equipped with several tightly coupled onboard sensors, allowing for data acquisition and modeling techniques to measure relevant variables for wildfire management and risk assessment. Real-time analysis puts accurate information in the hands of crews and fire management personnel. This system transmits video, maps, and images of burning fires in real-time to fire fighter control and command centers. The program lead for OFCA currently operates a FLIR 380-HD and an Overwatch TK-9 sensor onboard a King Air 200 aircraft. In fact, AEVEX Aerospace collaborates with several fire departments – including the Orange County Fire Authority (OFCA) – on fire programs that enhance intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance technology for wildfires throughout the United States. With recent advancements in remote sensing technology, LiDAR data collection, and fire science, more and more solutions are becoming widely available for fire tracking and containment. The economic and environmental impacts are devastating and costly, necessitating a closer study of wildfire causes and risk mitigation to better assess and minimize risk and damage. Fire seasons are getting longer, and fires are increasing in intensity as droughts increase and the effects of climate change become more pronounced. Wildfires consume millions of acres of land every year, destroying homes, communities, and infrastructure across the United States and around the globe. Leveraging Advanced Remote Sensing Technologies to Protect our Communities and Natural Resources
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