The collaboration involves a combination of fast jets, smart-sensor cameras and hi-tech scanning technology.
Software engineers from Nova Systems – an Australian engineering and technology company - developed an innovative solution to automate the mapping process, enabling live delivery of information from the air in real-time.
Previously this took more than 30 minutes. The change allows the RFS to better prepare the teams on the ground and those in affected areas.
"We are among the best in the world in capturing and providing this information to the crews on the ground, allowing them to make better informed decisions,"
RFS Assistant Commissioner, Viki Campbell, explained.
“Equally as important as fighting the fire, is telling the community what’s happening.
“With the knowledge that we have from our aerial intelligence, we can provide accurate and timely information to our communities about the threat, and advice about what actions to take.”
Nova Systems’ geospatial mapping tool - Airborne Intelligence Gathering – works by analysing thermal images and making them instantly available.
“The new system has reduced the processing time from 30 minutes to about two minutes by removing a lot of the manual intervention,”
Nova Systems CEO, Dean Rosenfield said.
“This provides a better and more timely understanding of the fire location, making firefighting more efficient and safer, and crucially, protecting our communities.”
Nova Systems has one of the largest geospatial teams in Australia and is focused on harnessing data, geospatial information and emerging technologies to provide solutions for governments and emergency services.
As a long-term partner to the RFS, Nova Systems has supported the development and delivery of other software applications including a Smoke Modelling and Fire Weather Viewer and played a key role in the delivery of the Australian Fire Danger Rating System.