Wildfire Detection Technology Workshop

Hinton, Alberta June 8, 2006

Remote Data Transfer: BC Experience

Mike Russo – BCFSMartin Torn – Selkirk Systems Inc.

Overview

Satellite Data Transfer / Communications

• Resource Tracking AFF• Resource Management• Additional Airborne Data Transfer Activities• Vehicle / Crew Based Systems

Wildfire Detection Technology Workshop

Wildfire Detection Technology Workshop

Airborne Satellite Based Resource Tracking

• All aircraft equipped with satellite tracking device by 2008. (AFF)

• Used for resource management of contract aircraft. (BC, AB, Sask..)

• Long Term Hires permanently fitted with satellite voice and data

Wildfire Detection Technology Workshop

Satellite AFF - How it Works

What it Provides – Aviation Resource Management

• Real time position and status of resource (flight watch)

• Historical replay Ex - patrol coverage

What it Enables - Incident / Asset Awareness

What it Enables - Incident / Asset Awareness

• Integration with other strategic and tactical fire data

• Fire Starts (Initial Phone and Fire Reports)

• Fire Risk (FWI, FBP, etc)

• Lightening Detection

• Distributed throughout operational organization

What it Enables – Inter-Agency Communication

Wildfire Detection Technology Workshop

Airborne Satellite Data Transfer Projects

• AFF Compliant Devices are capable of two way data transfers (interface with handheld / tablet).

• Ability to send real-time fire detection report information. (ie: waypoints, .shp)

• (Goal) Send images from the aircraft

• Low cost, low bandwidth option to transfer data

Ground Based Satellite Data Transfer / Communications

Wildfire Detection Technology Workshop

• BCFS vehicles equipped with fixed satellite data/voice installations.

• Standalone satcom system crews can deploy into field operations.

• Equip crews with light weight satcom device for tracking and data transfer.

• PDA device for user input / display

Ground Based Satellite Data Transfer

Integrate Field Data Into Overall Situational Awareness

• Fire Centre

• Air Tanker Centre

Thank-you