Regional Rapid Mapping for First Responders - Turkey 2023 Earthquake

Abstract

In disaster scenarios, up-to-date information about the affected areas is of fundamental importance, especially for Search and Rescue (SaR) teams. Although the usual space-based optical remote sensing systems provide an overview, the ground resolution of several dozen centimeters per pixel does not reveal many important details. In addition, clouds can delay the recording of the affected area for days. The approach presented here intends to address these problems. SaR teams are enabled to independently map the terrain assigned to them immediately upon arrival. These rapid maps are made easily accessible to all organizations and teams involved in the operation without delay. For the 2023 earthquake mission in Turkey, a SaR team accredited by the United Nations (UN) was equipped with a specific aerial camera and a vertical take-off and landing fixed wing drone. This system is capable of recording almost 7 km² per hour at a ground resolution of 3 cm per pixel. The maps were made available worldwide within seconds via radio and internet connection during the flight using a web map service and visualized in the INSARAG ICMS dashboard. In addition to operational aspects, the process chain from the acquisition of the images to the publication of the rapid maps on various geographic information systems (GIS) is described. Additional benefits, the required infrastructure and the need to integrate this capability into the certified SaR teams are discussed.