The researchers explained that the speed at which a wildfire spreads over a large area
Now early detection of fires in remoteareas are usually carried out by satellite, but these devices can be hampered by excessive cloud cover. Moreover, even the most advanced satellite systems detect fires when the burning area reaches an average of 18.4 square meters. km.
For early detection of forest firesthe researchers presented a new solution that uses an Internet of Things (IoT) sensor network and a drone fleet. Researchers tested their approach with simulations, according to a study published in the IEEE Internet of Things Journal. Engineers have found that they can detect fires covering an area of 2.5 square kilometers. with near-perfect precision. Scientists noted that this idea is timely, as climate change leads to an increase in the number of forest fires in many regions of the world.
A third of food and a third of forests will disappear due to climate change
Researchers want to create networks of IoT sensors,scattered across problem areas such as national parks or forests located near settlements. When a fire breaks out, IoT devices located in the area detect it and wait until a patrolling drone is in range to report its measurements. If the drone gets multiple positive results from IoT devices, it notifies the nearby fire department that fire is spreading in the area.
Researchers have evaluated several drones andsensors, their cost and characteristics to determine the optimal combinations. They then tested their approach with simulations in which 18 drones patrolled 400 sq. km., 420 sensors were located on each square kilometer. The system was able to detect fires in an area of 2.5 square meters. km. with an accuracy of more than 99%. For small fires, the accuracy was 70%.
Scientists suggest that such systems canfind other uses as well. Although primarily intended for detecting forest fires, it can be used to measure wind speed, moisture content, and estimate temperature. She also knows how to monitor oil spills in water bodies.
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