Researchers at Colorado State University have developed a novel approach for Search-and-Rescue Operations (SAROs) post-disaster, leveraging wireless network cells and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) to locate survivors using their own mobile devices. This technology, called UE-based SAROs (UE – user equipment), provides vital information to first responders by generating immediate crisis maps and identifying survivor clusters without requiring active communication from the victims.
The commercial cellular networks play vital roles in the effectiveness of life rescue operations after disasters strike, enabling first response agencies to exchange information during emergency situations and hence prioritize their operations to save lives and manage the available resources. Essentially, disaster victims can use their cellular mobile device (also called user equipment (UE)) for video streaming, making texts/calls, and even location sharing wherever they are located in disaster-impacted areas. However, the infrastructure of these networks can be devastated partially or completely by natural disasters (or attacks). Additionally, survivors might be unable to use their UEs for telecommunication after a disaster due to injuries or unconsciousness. In this case, the cellular communication becomes very limited or no longer available, leaving both the disaster victims and first responders isolated and unreachable.
UE-based SAROs leverage the widespread use of wireless mobile devices carried by survivors to locate them without requiring active user involvement. By analyzing signaling messages sent by these devices, the technology generates crisis maps indicating survivor distributions, prioritizing search efforts for first responders. Notably, reference signal received power (RSRP) measurements are utilized to assess the signal strength from these devices, enhancing the accuracy of survivor location estimation. This approach proves invaluable in scenarios where cellular infrastructure is damaged or non-functional, facilitating timely and efficient search-and-rescue operations.
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Alaa Alsaeedy
Edwin Chong
Aly Hoeher
Aly.Hoeher@colostate.edu
970-491-7100