Google’s new satellite network, FireSat, has launched and is now connecting with Earth, aiming to detect wildfires before they become too hard to contain. The system, a collaboration between Google Research, Muon Space, and other agencies, uses artificial intelligence (AI) to compare current images with previous ones, creating a “wildfire boundary map” that can be viewed on services like Google Maps.
This innovative approach solves the problem of distinguishing between real fires and natural environmental noise. By analyzing multiple images, FireSat can detect wildfires earlier than traditional methods, which often only pick up on smaller fires after they’ve spread.
The system’s effectiveness was tested by having a team member light a barbecue in their backyard to simulate a wildfire scenario. The sensors detected the fire, showcasing the technology’s potential. With its completion, FireSat aims to revolutionize wildfire detection, enabling response teams to contain blazes within 20 minutes – significantly reducing the risk of spreading to residential and commercial areas.
Source: https://www.yahoo.com/tech/google-satellite-network-help-spot-193413637.html