NSW firm developing satellite technology for bushfire prevention

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 1 Nov, 01:50 · Archive

An NSW-based satellite firm is developing LIDAR technology to detect bushfire fuel from space.

NSW-based satellite firm Spiral Blue is developing technology to help detect and prevent bushfires using satellites in space. The firm is working on LIDAR, a system similar to radar and sonar, which uses light beamed from satellites to detect where bushfire fuel such as low branches and scrub have accumulated in forests and bushland. This information is converted into regularly updated 3D maps that can inform local authorities about vulnerable areas and when preventive action is needed.

Chief executive Taofiq Huq said the technology aims to address prevention, which he argued is not discussed enough in bushfire management. 'If fires start in forests or areas with lots of scrub it is more likely they grow out of control,' he said. The satellites would give authorities more detailed information on where vulnerable areas might be and when action could be taken to address them.

Spiral Blue aims to have the technology fully launched and available by 2028.

How it is being reported

• NSW-based firm taking fight against bushfires into spaceA drive for better bushfire risk detection is taking the fight against the natural disasters all the way into space.The West Australian · 1 Nov, 01:33
• NSW-based firm taking fight against bushfires into spaceA drive for better bushfire risk detection is taking the fight against the natural disasters all the way into space.Perth Now · 1 Nov, 01:32

In this story: Spiral Blue · Taofiq Huq · NSW

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