Severe Weather Disaster Relief Study in Oklahoma
Rapid Imaging Software, based in Albuquerque, NM, is offering its SmartCam3D View application to students from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University for use in the UAS Severe Weather Disaster Relief Operations Study taking place in Oklahoma in May.
Students will work in collaboration with the Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management to examine and evaluate the operational and coordination requirements associated with deploying UAS in support of disaster relief operations.
SmartCam3D View is an augmented reality (AR) application that provides video overlays identifying features such as street names and points of interest. In a severe flood scenario, for example, such information could include locations of 911 emergency calls and critical water services infrastructure. This in turn will help UAS operators and emergency services personnel in relief operations such as:
- Searching for missing persons and survivors;
- Assessing building or infrastructure damage;
- Routing emergency response teams;
- Avoiding flight hazards (power lines, towers etc.)
Students will use a thermal imaging camera provided by Rocky Mountain Unmanned Systems to operate under FAA Part 107 regulations and conduct night search and rescue operations under a certificate of waiver. The combination of AR and thermal imaging will prove the effectiveness of night operations for emergency first responders.