Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) is an emerging and rapidly evolving technology with applications in a multitude of fields. In the article, we will look at several emerging hardware and software trends as they relate to UAS, and the opportunities that these trends created in the fields of insurance assessment, public safety, and disaster recovery.
Insurance assessment
Aside from UAS’ ability to rapidly collect videos or photos after an accident, the data collected by UAS can also be used to create point clouds and 3D models, which may be used to create animations of an accident in order to aid investigators and insurance adjusters. In addition, since UAS can provide a holistic snapshot shortly after the accident, this has also enabled investigators to ensure that evidence was not moved or recreate the accident scene if evidence was moved.
Public safety
The availability of multispectral and thermal infrared sensors has enabled public safety officials to leverage the technology to respond to incidents in a timely and safe fashion. For example, firefighters who are fighting structural fires can not only use thermal imagery from UAS to identify hotspots within the building, but can also use the information to identify weakened/burnt roof truss that may potentially collapse and endanger the lives of firefighters. As an other example, search and rescue teams can also use thermal infrared sensors to quickly identify lost hikers or drowning victims in order save valuable time that may be the difference between life and death.
Disaster recovery
In the aftermath of a natural disaster such as floods, hurricanes, or earthquakes, it is crucial for first responders to have access to resources like fuel and facilities (e.g. airport runway) to deliver aid and assistance. The use of UAS as opposed to helicopters to survey the disaster area frees up these resources, and can provide timely and high resolution imagery that may help direct first responders to neighborhoods or individuals in distress. In particular, through the integration of machine learning and augmented reality, UAS can not only provide imagery or avoid obstacles, but can also be trained to provide estimates of property damage (e.g. damaged roofs) or recognize individuals on their roofs who may be awaiting rescue.
Conclusion
This article provided a tiny glimpse of the opportunities that UAS present to insurance adjusters, firefighters, and first responders. The advancement in sensor and machine learning technology has enabled different types of high resolution and timely data to be collected, visualized, and analyzed. This trend has not only allowed disaster response organizations to operate more safely and efficiently, but also necessitate the training of personnel who can operate UAS and process UAS data for disaster response.
Wing Cheung, PhD
Principal Investigator, UASTEP
Wing Cheung is the Principal Investigator of the UASTEP project. He is a Professor of Geography and the Chairman of the Earth, Space and Environmental Sciences department at Palomar College. He is also the Coordinator of the Geographic Information Science as well as the Environmental Studies programs. In addition to hosting outreach events and UAS workshops for high school students, he develops UAS curriculum and oversees the creation of the UAS Associate’s Degree at Palomar College.