Unmanned aerial systems based solutions for real-time management of wildfires

Wildfires are one of the major global environmental threats posed by climate change. The objective of the FireMan consortium is to develop novel, disruptive AI-based technology for a fast detection of wildfires and for creating situational awareness during the wildfire event using unmanned aerial systems (UASs, drones). The research will consider aspects of autonomous flying using beyond visual line of sight drones and drone swarms, connectivity, and autonomous extraction of situational awareness using remote sensing and develop a DigitalTwin based decision support system for wildfire management. The multidisciplinary consortium is formed by researchers from the Finnish Geospatial Research Institute, Universities of Jyväskylä and Oulu and VTT and an extensive collaboration network. FireMan will create scientific breakthroughs and societal impacts by developing digital and low-emission technologies that will greatly support the objectives of adapting and mitigating climate change.