Insitu Demonstrates GIS-Enabled UAS for Fighting Wildfires

By Mike Ball / 04 Oct 2017

Smart Sourcing for Unmanned Systems

Discover cutting-edge solutions from leading global suppliers
SUPPLIER SPOTLIGHT
Follow UST

Insitu ScanEagle UAS wildfire fighting

Insitu has announced that together with Esri, a specialist spatial analytics company, it has successfully completed test flights for a new way to support firefighting efforts using state-of-the-art software for firefighters and first responders. The flights were held at the Warm Springs, Oregon, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) Test Range, a member of the Pan Pacific FAA UAS Test Site for commercial UAS testing. The national FAA test site program facilitates the UAS industry in meeting strict customer needs and qualifications.

A week after successfully completing customer acceptance test flights, Insitu deployed its INEXA Solutions professional aerial remote sensing teams to aid firefighters in suppressing the Eagle Creek fire in Oregon. Collaborating with customers to identify business challenges, INEXA Solutions professionals use a continually expanding suite of capabilities such as INEXA Control (ground-based command and control), INEXA Cloud, INEXA manned and unmanned air vehicles including ScanEagle, and INEXA sensors and analytics to provide custom solutions and answers to mitigate business challenges.

Coordinating with the Oregon Department of Forestry and other governing entities, Insitu’s ScanEagle system provided near real-time data for firefighters and first responders, resulting in heightened emergency response efforts, increased situational awareness and safety, and supported planning and resource allocation. Equipped with electro-optical (EO), in daylight, infrared (IR) video for nighttime flights, and mid-wave sensors, the ScanEagle surveyed fire lines at night over the Eagle Creek wildfire, which had spread to nearly 49,000 acres throughout the Columbia River Gorge region.

“Throughout the difficult Eagle Creek wildfire, our thoughts have been with our friends and neighbors impacted by this unfortunate event,” said Mark Bauman, Vice President, and Co-General Manager, Insitu Commercial. “We stand prepared to assist local authorities with ongoing operations in any way we can, and we extend our gratitude to all of those working hard to contain the fire.”

The ScanEagle can supplement manned firefighting fleets by operating during dense smoke and at night, when manned aircraft typically cannot fly. Infrared camera technology is utilized to penetrate smoke and gather and disseminate geo-referenced still images of points of interest. These images allow Geographic Information System (GIS) specialists to perform analysis using Esri’s Geographic Information System ArcGIS software.

As the sole aviation over watch within the temporary flight restriction, the ScanEagle provided persistent nighttime oversight, and monitored the progression of the fire. Insitu coordinated manned and unmanned aviation assets, and through data collection, analysis, and integration capabilities, produced near real-time georeferenced spatial data (maps tied to specific known locations). Thus, incident commanders, firefighters, and first responders had data that delivered updated incident perimeter maps, identified spot fires, located fire lines and hotspots, and provided near real-time video feed and still images of critical infrastructure, historical structures, and more.

“Prior to pursuing any new effort, we consider the reasons we exist as a company — we call it our ‘why,’ explains Jon Damush, Insitu’s Chief Growth Officer. “Insitu’s ‘why’ is to pioneer and innovate in all that we do to positively impact people’s lives and change the course of history,” he continues. “This statement guides our actions and investments, and is precisely why we are doing the things we are doing to help those in need with our unique technologies and professional approach to aviation.”

Posted by Mike Ball Mike Ball is our resident technical editor here at Unmanned Systems Technology. Combining his passion for teaching, advanced engineering and all things unmanned, Mike keeps a watchful eye over everything related to the unmanned technical sector. With over 10 years’ experience in the unmanned field and a degree in engineering, Mike’s been heading up our technical team here for the last 8 years. Connect & Contact

Latest Articles

Low- & Zero-Emission Propulsion & Power Generation Solutions for UAVs

NEX Power's hybrid propulsion technologies are designed to enable next-generation applications such as UAM and heavy-lift cargo drones

Feb 07, 2025
Most Read Articles on UST This Week

Here’s our round-up of the five most read articles on UnmannedSystemsTechnology.com this week

Feb 07, 2025
Project OPTIMAS to Utilize Schiebel VTOL UAS for Advanced Optical Laser Communications

Project OPTIMAS and Schiebel are set to develop a secure, high-speed optical communication system using quantum encryption and laser technology for multi-domain defence and satellite connectivity

Feb 07, 2025
Gemini 1200id High-Resolution Sonar Optimized for Unmanned Underwater Operations

Tritech's Gemini 1200id sonar offers high-resolution imaging, advanced noise reduction, and dual-frequency capability, enhancing performance for unmanned underwater systems and mission-critical ROV operations

Feb 07, 2025
Dockstr to Offer SubC Imaging’s Underwater Cameras & Software Solutions

SubC Imaging has announced Dockstr as its new agent, extending access to its advanced underwater cameras, DVRs, and remote operation systems across key offshore sectors worldwide

Feb 07, 2025
New NDAA-Compliant FPV Drone Camera Released 

Unusual Machines has launched the NDAA-compliant Fat Shark Aura FPV Camera, offering high-performance, first-person view capabilities for commercial and defense applications

Feb 07, 2025

Featured Content

Vertiq’s 81-08 G2 Module Added to DIU’s Blue UAS Framework

Vertiq's 81-08 G2 servo motor and control system for Group 2 sUAS has become the first motor and ESC combination to be approved under the U.S. government's Blue UAS Framework

Feb 05, 2025
Compact Remote ID Receiver Released for Enhanced Drone Safety

Dronetag has introduced RIDER, a pocket-sized, drone-agnostic Remote ID receiver designed to improve airspace situational awareness and support commercial and public safety applications

Jan 30, 2025
New GCS Software Released for C100 Quadcopter

Performance Drone Works introduces PDW CORE, a comprehensive software bundle enhancing the C100 quadcopter's capabilities with a new UI, flight simulator, mission planner, ATAK integration, and fleet management tools

Jan 29, 2025
Advanced Signal Mapping Tool Released for Effective UAV Flight Planning

Elsight has launched HeatSight, a signal strength mapping tool that provides UAV operators with reliable cellular coverage data, improving flight planning efficiency and safety for BVLOS missions

Jan 28, 2025
Doodle Labs Unveils Mobile App for Managing Mesh Networks

Doodle Labs is introducing the Mesh Rider® Mobile App, providing intuitive tools for managing wireless mesh networks across devices such as ground control stations (GCS) and UAVs

Jan 23, 2025
Advanced FOG-Based Inertial Sensing Solutions for Drones & Robotics

Aegiverse's products feature a multi-layered architecture that combines multiple elements into a compact module, providing significant, size, weight and cost reductions

Jan 21, 2025