Wildfire Detection and Monitoring System
Thursday, January 21 2010
"There are numerous alarm and monitoring systems on the market which rely on computers, satellites, and humans to detect bushfires, but they all have various shortcomings," says senior researcher Dr. Said Al-Sarawi. "We need a cost-effective system which can be tailored to a number of communication mediums."
The same technology used to send SMS messages on mobile phones could be used to develop an efficient and cost-effective early warning message to authorities and people living in fire-risk areas. Temperature and humidity sensors connected to a micro circuit can interface with a GPS receiver to warn of impending wildfires and monitor existing ones.
Dr. Al-Sarawi says the wildfire monitoring device would cost less than $500 to build, and could be used in any place where mobile phone coverage is accessible.
"An alarm message would be transmitted to a mobile phone or SMS server and would be a fully automated process, without having to rely on people. The proposed system can operate independently and for a number of years using solar-powered energy. Its running costs would be very low, with an efficient and accurate exchange of information," Dr Al-Sarawi adds.