Space Apps Challenge 2017

With our project called ,,Saving the woods”, we drastically reduce the response time of firemen, saving millions of lives and preserving nature. At the same time we prevent deforestation. This is why we chose this challenge.

Firstly, to solve the problem we must assess where the fire is spreading from. How do we achieve this?

Using the information from Suomi National Polar-orbiting Partnership Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (S-NPP/VIIRS) active fire detection product based on that instrument’s 375 m nominal resolution data, we mapped the hazardous areas from the past year where a fire can start.

In these hazardous areas thermal 360 cameras (thermal radars) are set on poles on high altitudes (or already existing power lines, so that new metal constructions would not need to be set up, therefore making our mechanism even more sustainable). The cameras detect fire using infrared light. This mechanism will be powered by photo-voltaic cells. Each camera has a range of 5 kilometers. The camera transmits information to the data base in the closest fire station through routers, that transmit up to 14km in ideal conditions. However, these routers will be set 7km apart from each other, so that they can have a strong connection even in difficult weather conditions. These two devices will be easily powered by the photo-voltaic as the camera is at 7W and the router a mere 0.5W.

Simultaneously, wind speed and wind direction sensors are placed, to send key information to the database. It is imperative to determine the direction in which the fire will spread. This will be achieved with the MISR instrument aboard the Terra satellite with which we’ll measure the wind direction. It will be crucial for fighting these massive fires as it will provide a larger picture. The previously mentioned wind speed and wind direction sensors, also connected to the router, will supply information on the momentary wind condition. They will not need power as they are powered by the wind as they calculate its speed. If the wind passes the 8.8km/h mark, they will have reached their maximum need and they can store even more power, making the system even more sustainable and stable. They send the information to the database and an algorithm is developed to determine where the fire will spread. In our application DeltApp, the algorithm will be used both for the firemen to put out the fire as soon as possible and to help the civilians as well.

The firemen are alerted that a fire has started, and through the IP address of the router connected to the camera which first registered a fire, they locate it and thus find out where the fire is spreading from. This is achieved with the desktop version of our application. It incorporates both the data from NASA’s satellites and this information sent from the routers. The application has both a desktop and mobile version, and the desktop version will be installed on every computer in the fire stations.

The poll on which the camera is set will not suffer from a direct hit from lightning as it is not grounded, but it might be damaged from lightning which has struck nearby. To solve this problem we will install polarized filters so the sensor will not sustain damage. As for the data processor we’ll have an algorithm to make sure that if there is a sudden white light spike it will not report it as a fire so there are no false alarms.

RESOURCES USED:

VIIRS ACTIVE FIRE PRODUCTS

AIRS SATELLITE IMAGERY

MISR STALLITE IMAGERY

AGENCY FOR SPACIAL PLANNING OF MACEDONIA

HEADQUARTERS OF THE FIRE BRIGADE OF SKOPJE

Link to power point presentation containing additional photos of the app and sensors: https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B3aCPzjYK8FqTzUw...