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Science Blog ZINC PROJECTS

Rapid-response aerial imaging system aids disaster management

Date: 12-Oct-08
Author: Georgia Tech

Researchers at the Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI) have developed a low-cost, high-resolution imaging system that can be attached to a helicopter to create a complete and detailed picture of an area devastated by a hurricane or other natural disaster. The resulting visual information can be used to estimate the number of storm refugees and assess the need for health and humanitarian services.

Aid organizations currently don't have a quick and accurate way to determine how many people need assistance. Satellites can collect images of areas affected by a natural disaster, but there are dissemination restrictions and cloud cover can prevent collection of images.

The imaging system is called the "Mini ModPOD," which stands for "Miniature Modular Photographic Observation Device." It consists of an off-the-shelf Canon Digital Rebel XTi digital camera, a global positioning system receiver, a small circuit board that uploads mission parameters, and an inertial measurement unit that measures the aircraft's rate of acceleration and changes in rotational attributes, including pitch, roll and yaw. The images collected from the system can be stitched together to create a complete picture of the affected area.

The white box attached to this helicopter houses the Mini ModPOD, a low-cost, high-resolution imaging system that Georgia Tech researchers have developed. Courtesy: Gary Meek / Georgia Tech

The imaging system was developed with funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Full story: Portable imaging system will help maximize natural disaster response