Abstract
The use of the mid-infrared and thermal bands of sensors on board
airborne platforms and satellites permits the detection of active fires
on the Earth’s surface. This application has been available to the
fire-fighting community for many years. However, limitations in the fire
detection capabilities of the sensors and/or the lack of adequate
re-visit frequency have prevented the use of these systems for
operational forest fire-fighting. In addition to mobile systems, remote
sensors positioned on fixed fire-watch towers have also been used for
active fire detection. These instruments are often positioned in
strategic look-out places to provide continuous monitoring of the
surrounding areas. They locate fires through the detection of either hot
spots (areas of increased temperature in comparison to the background)
or smoke plumes produced by the fires. This article evaluates the use of
existing remote sensing systems for active fire detection, with
emphasis on the applicability of these systems for fire emergency
management and fire-fighting. Long-range remote sensing devices on board
satellites are considered, airborne systems are assessed, and
short-range fire detection instruments on fixed ground platforms are
reviewed. A short introduction to forthcoming satellite systems, which
will be based on the combined use of several small satellites, is
presented. The advantages and drawbacks of the different systems are
evaluated from a fire management perspective.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 361-376 |
Journal | Natural Hazards |
Volume | 35 |
Issue number | 3 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2005 |
MoE publication type | A1 Journal article-refereed |
Keywords
- remote sensing