Showcasing Innovation: TREEADS Greek Pilot at Samaria Gorge
Overview
The Greek pilot of the TREEADS project took place on October 24–25, 2024, in Crete's Samaria Gorge, focusing on wildfire detection, situational awareness, and improving emergency response in challenging terrains.
Day 1: Presentations and Preparations
Held at MAICh, Day 1 introduced stakeholders to the technologies showcased during the pilot. Key highlights included:
• Fire Prediction & Monitoring: The National Observatory of Athens (NOA) presented the Fire Weather Index, while NCSRD demonstrated fire plume dispersion models and evacuation simulations.
• Technologies for Response:
- ACCELIGENCE showcased UAV systems for wildfire detection.
- CERTH presented AI-powered mission planning for drone monitoring.
- 8BELLS introduced AR Helmets integrating sensors, navigation, and live communication tools.
- FRONTIERS INNOVATION demonstrated wildfire decision-support tools, including the Wildfire Response Engine.
- EFΒ presented Open Street Map-based tools for enhanced geographical visualization.
• Additional tools included air quality sensors, evacuation apps, social network analysis (CBS), and wildfire economic risk assessment (DTU).
Day 2: Live Demonstration at Samaria Gorge
Participants gathered at Ksiloskalo for hands-on demonstrations:
• Drone Technology: ACCELIGENCE deployed drones with thermal imaging cameras to detect fire hotspots, streaming data live to the Command-and-Control Center for resource allocation.
• Simulated Wildfire Response: FRONTIERS INNOVATION and partners executed a wildfire simulation integrating data from environmental sensors, UAVs, and fire propagation models. The system identified and transitioned through five emergency stages based on sensor data, visualized on EFB’s OSM platform.
• Crowd and Smoke Modeling: The iCrowd simulator analyzed evacuation patterns, and plume dispersion models enhanced situational awareness.
This pilot showcased TREEADS' advanced technologies for wildfire prevention and response, offering valuable insights for future crisis management.
Key Technologies Demonstrated
CERBERUS UAV Deployment
The CERBERUS UAV by ACCELIGENCE was pivotal, combining precision navigation, endurance, and advanced sensors like the FLIR DUO PRO-R for detecting fire hotspots. It streamed thermal and RGB imagery in real-time, identifying vehicles, humans, and animals. Challenges like abrupt maneuvers and strong winds were mitigated by refining flight strategies and video resolution.
Visual Object Detection results from the Greek Pilot test illustrating detected vehicles
Hotspot Detection System
ACCELIGENCE's hotspot detection system accurately identified residual heat sources in complex terrains, such as Samaria Gorge. It synchronized with TREEADS tools like WebGIS and AR/VR systems to provide real-time situational awareness and dynamically planned UAV missions.
Integration of Hotspot Detection of the UAV with a map indicating the fire and the location of the UAV
Simulation Tools and iCrowd Integration
The iCrowd tool simulated evacuation routes using a 3D model of Samaria Gorge. It visualized crowd flow and warden coordination, helping refine protocols for high-risk wildfire scenarios.
Evacuation simulation, training and decision support: crowd being redirected by warden agents
Air Quality Sensors and Evacuation App
The NCSRD-MSU device monitored real-time air quality data (e.g., CO levels, particulate matter) to enhance responder safety and connectivity. The Evacuation Support App featured live maps, sensor data integration, and hazard alerts for responders and citizens, aiding situational awareness and decision-making.
The MSU (left) and snapshots of the Evacuation Support Mobile App (center and right)
Outcomes and Lessons Learned
The pilot showcased the integration of UAVs, AI tools, AR systems, and crowd simulations for wildfire management. The CERBERUS UAV and hotspot detection proved effective in monitoring hotspots, while AR helmets and X/BELLO improved responder safety and communication.
Key lessons included the need to optimize UAV operations and align detector parameters with field conditions. The pilot validated TREEADS technologies as transformative for wildfire response, highlighting their potential to protect lives and ecosystems in high-risk areas.
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