Researchers from Ohio State University have introduced a novel approach to detecting forest fires using synthetic aperture radar SAR. This technology enables remote analysis of regional conditions under any weather or time of day. The findings are published by the American Geophysical Union, a key source for geoscience research. (Source: AGU)
Synthetic aperture radar systems use many small antennas or repeated measurements as they change positions, then fuse the radar data into a single image. This creates the impression of a large single installation, delivering high accuracy in measuring geophysical, hydrological, and meteorological properties of a region.
Unlike laser scanners and other optical devices, SAR operates continuously, regardless of daylight or cloud cover, and it can even peer through smoke. This capability is especially valuable for wildfire scenarios where visibility is compromised and timely information is critical.
Researchers emphasise SAR’s potential to identify developing fires and monitor their progression and aftermath. By analyzing moisture levels and mapping vegetation types, the method can pinpoint areas with higher fire risk and guide mitigation efforts in both the United States and Canada.
The team aims to translate these observations into predictive algorithms for wildfire behavior, offering tools to anticipate outbreaks and support emergency response planning.
Earlier efforts in Russia demonstrated a drone equipped with ground penetrating radar to locate mines from the air, illustrating a broader trend of airborne sensing technologies enhancing safety and environmental monitoring. (Source: AGU)