SkyBound Rescuer Collaborates with DJI to Enhance Search Efforts
New Partnership Aims to Improve Missing Person Recovery Rates Through Innovative Drone Technology
In an exciting development for public safety, SkyBound Rescuer, a leading drone company in emergency management, has joined forces with global drone manufacturer DJI. Their collaboration has given rise to the groundbreaking Drone SAR Altitude Guide, a tool designed to significantly enhance the efficacy of Search and Rescue (SAR) operations by improving how drone pilots locate missing persons.
Understanding the Importance of the Drone SAR Altitude Guide
While the deployment of drones in search missions has proven beneficial, challenges remain that can hinder successful outcomes. One critical factor is the speed of response; delays can lead to increased search areas over time and, consequentially, diminished chances of recovering missing individuals. This highlights the urgency for police and SAR drone operators to make prompt yet informed decisions about altitude and flight parameters during operations.
Flight altitude plays a vital role in a drone’s performance. A higher altitude could render a missing person’s image on a screen nearly indiscernible, potentially making it less than a pixel. Furthermore, the optimal flying altitude varies based on camera gimbal orientation and the physical position of the individual being searched for—standing, walking, or lying down. All these elements contribute to the visibility of a missing person on the drone pilot’s monitor.
A Streamlined Approach to Altitude Optimization
For the last six years, SkyBound Rescuer has been dedicated to researching the various factors that affect drone capabilities during SAR missions. The culmination of this work is expressed in their collaboration with DJI to create the Drone SAR Altitude Guide. This innovative tool is based on a straightforward three-question survey that allows drone pilots to determine the best altitude before launching their aircraft.
After completing the quick survey as part of their pre-flight checks, users are presented with two sample images—one from a visual camera and one from a thermal camera, each showcasing the most commonly utilized thermal palettes in SAR missions: White Hot and Iron Red. This allows drone pilots to visually calibrate their expectations regarding what the missing person will look like under the chosen parameters.
Moreover, the Drone SAR Altitude Guide provides tailored recommendations based on pilot responses, drawing from SkyBound Rescuer’s extensive research into Johnson’s Criteria—a benchmark determining the minimum pixel count necessary for accurate object evaluation—as well as their findings on effective resolution and optimal flight conditions for drone searches.
Voices from SkyBound Rescuer and DJI
Gemma Alcock, Founder & CEO of SkyBound Rescuer, states: “The launch of the Drone SAR Altitude Guide marks a significant milestone in our ongoing commitment to improving drone performance in SAR operations. Time is a crucial element in these searches, and our thorough analysis has shown that optimizing altitude can drastically impact the success rate of finding missing persons. We are excited for our partners in police and rescue operations to start using this resource to potentially save lives.”
Wayne Baker, Director of Public Safety Integration at DJI, adds: “At DJI, enhancing drone safety and promoting responsible usage are integral to our mission. Collaborating with SkyBound Rescuer on the Drone SAR Altitude Guide transforms significant research into a practical solution that can help emergency responders save lives.”
For additional information about the Drone SAR Altitude Guide, please visit this DJI page
For inquiries, contact Gemma Alcock at gemma@skyboundrescuer.com or Toby Knisely at Toby.Knisely@DJI.com.
About SkyBound Rescuer and DJI
SkyBound Rescuer is a thought leader in the use of drones for public safety, spearheaded by female founder Gemma Alcock, who has garnered acclaim for her innovative work in optimizing drone deployment for emergency services. DJI, renowned for its pioneering technology in the drone and camera industries, remains at the forefront of providing advanced solutions to both commercial and recreational users.
Stay Connected with SkyBound Rescuer:
Website: skyboundrescuerproject.com | LinkedIn: @skyboundrescuer | Instagram: @skyboundrescuer
Twitter: @skyboundrescuer | Facebook: @SkyBoundRescuer
This partnership signifies a promising advancement in emergency response capabilities, paving the way for more effective and timely SAR operations.
