Risk Assessment of Forests Probed Using UAV Integrated Computing

Abstract

A rural mountainous area, sparsely populated and unserved by the communications network and the electricity grid, but popular with tourists, is assessed for risk factors. The paper presents research undertaken for the Northern Albanian Alps, but applicable to any such similar areas, for the application of technology to assess, predict and prevent disasters whether natural or artificial. A networked algorithmic behavioural approach to detect relevant disaster management actors is presented with the objective to provide a risk assessment of the North Albanian forested regions. Disaster Management cells are proposed to be set-up at the valley level to address firstly forest fires through UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) integrated computing by using onboard sensors and the perspective of enlarging its scope of managing larger areas. The problem identified is how to make the most efficient spatial aerial coverage out of the circular surface acquired from the UAV sensors. The method adopted is biomimicry (or biomimetics), by imitating the hexagonal shape of honeycombs applied to the sensor data pattern. As a result of converting the circular dataset into a hexagonal one, a space with 83 percent effective data was able to be measured. Thus, higher efficiency and no redundant data is taken into consideration, reducing the processing speed of the system. Speed is crucial in timely risk assessment.