Application of BeiDou navigation satellite system in emergency rescue of natural hazards: a case study for field geological survey of Qinghai−Tibet plateau

Abstract

In recent years, geological and mineral resources exploration in China has expanded to deep hinterland of the Qinghai−Tibet Plateau and other regions with complex geological conditions. The special natural conditions of Qinghai−Tibet Plateau determine the characteristics of “life-forbidden zone” that is characterized by alpine hypoxia, changeable weather, complex road conditions, and beast attack. In particular, the work in wild depopulated zones with severe environment and poor communications imposes serious threats to the life safety of geological personnel. Therefore, how to guarantee the safety of geological personnel working on the Qinghai−Tibet Plateau and how to reduce or even avoid casualty of geological personnel have currently become the urgent challenge. In this study, an emergency rescue information system for field geological survey is constructed based on BeiDou Navigation Satellite System. A case study of emergency rescue has been conducted in the depopulated zone of the Qinghai−Tibet Plateau and good effects have been achieved, providing security assurance for personnel engaged in field geological survey on the Qinghai−Tibet Plateau and technical support for the emergency rescue in case of natural hazards on the Qinghai−Tibet Plateau. The BeiDou Navigation Satellite System (BDS) can be effectively used to locate and communicate in the emergency rescue for rigorous Geological survey task where there is no network signal for the mobile phone, and the emergency rescue guarantee system is independent, reliable, and relatively cheap. The application value of BDS is demonstrated in the geological field.