LESSONS LEARNED IN EMERGENCY REMOTE SENSING AND BP RESPONSE DURING DEEPWATER HORIZON

摘要

As BP activated the emergency response cleanup efforts for the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill, Icaros Inc, an expanding technology developer in the Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing field was assigned to engage in the fast response data collection efforts. Between June 3rd and August 9th Icaros employed its sensor capabilities and processing software to deliver to the BP event response center actionable data in an expedited delivery in order to assist in damage assessment and operation of the cleanup services throughout the Gulf of Mexico. This emergency event required quick mobilization and deployment, in-situ processing and fast delivery, continual development and calibration of technology and methodology, schedule management and efficiency, flexible capabilities and technology, and creative solutions and problem solving. Icaros mobilized its system and crew within 2 days of activation, and was able to install and deploy the system on a non-designated Cessna 310 aircraft within 3 hours. As part of the unique Icaros solution, the data was delivered no later than 3-4 hours from the completion of the flight, including in-situ processing of the data on the flight using mobile lap-top processing stations. During this project, Icaros incorporated three different sensors (RGB/NIR/TIR), utilizing multi-spectral data fusion for accurate and distinct analysis of oil-contaminated areas. During the last two years Icaros also participated in a number of emergency related projects including floods and forest fires. In this paper we will try to review our experience as emergency remote sensing requires a different approach than historically was addressed to date.