9781422272886

In a situation such as a wildfire, drones can quickly give firefighters a cost- effective overview of the extent of the flames they are trying to control.

able to inspect and record the natural disaster from a safe distance. Environmental groups intend to use drones extensively in the restoration of the Amazon rainforest, both in stopping fires and in planting new trees to regrow the forest. Drones are used to inspect forests and find forest fires. Sensors in the drones and algorithms programmed into the drones’ computer systems detect heat from fire and smoke, drawing attention to fires early on when they’re easier to stop. This provides firefighters a more accurate picture of each fire and allows them to prepare appropriate resources. Environmental groups have also used drones to track endangered animals and combat poaching. Air Shepherd, a group that protects endangered wildlife in Africa, uses drones to spot and track poachers. Air Shepherd equips their drones with infrared

11

SCIENCE IN DRONES