Optimizing drone-assisted victim localization and identification in mass-disaster management: a study on feasible flying patterns and technical specifications

Abstract

The prompt emphasizes the importance of identifying victims in a disaster area within 48 hours and highlights the potential benefits of using drones in search and rescue missions. However, the use of drones is limited by factors such as battery life, processing speed, and communication range. To address these limitations, the paper presents a detailed research study on the most effective flying pattern for drones during search and rescue missions. The study utilized energy consumption and coverage area as performance metrics and collected precise images that could be analyzed by the forensic team. The research was conducted using OMNET++ and fieldwork at Pulau Sebang, Melaka, in collaboration with search and rescue agencies in Malaysia. The results suggest that the square flying pattern is the most effective, as it provides the highest coverage area with reasonable energy utilization. Both simulation and fieldwork results showed coverage of 100% and 97.96%, respectively, for this pattern. Additionally, the paper provides technical specifications for rescue teams to use when deploying drones during search and rescue missions.