The use of unmanned aerial systems to complete SAR is a new concept which must be introduced and developed. During the flood response, the UAS team worked hand-in-hand with the ground searchers by providing geo-referenced, high-resolution imagery. The process was simple, fast, and effective:
1. Collect imagery of either a pre-designated area or requested points of interest;
2. Review all imagery in the mobile command vehicle by laptop while looking for abnormalities that might include odd shapes or colors; and
3. Contact searchers, and provide details of location and physical description of identified points of interest..
Difficulties while coordinating the search included:
1. Communication with searchers when cell service was unavailable; and
2. Outpacing the searchers (providing imagery faster than they could respond).
Recommendation • Ensure searchers and UAS teams have a direct radio channel to communicate.
• Provide the ability for searchers to see imagery and points of interest on a viewing device such as a tablet or laptop.