CREDIT: GOOGLE
MACHINE LEARNING
The Google Research team, part of Google’ s AI division, developed custom infrared sensors designed to detect small-scale fires more effectively. During the development process these were flown over controlled burn areas to establish a baseline dataset for the satellite’ s AI model.
This model is capable of deep analysis of imagery, including considering nearby infrastructure and weather.“ Differentiating between real fires and random‘ noise’ in the environment was a challenge,” adds Chris.“ We had to determine where to draw the line between what is a real fire versus things like sensor issues or misaligned pixels.”
Such was the effectiveness of this process that, in one of the first tests, the sensors picked up a lit barbecue in someone’ s garden.
As well as tackling existing fires, FireSat will be used by scientists to create a global historical record of fire spread to help understand wildfire behaviour.
“ FireSat is more than just an emergency response tool,” Juliet explains.“ It’ s also an incredible tool for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. It’ s actually really beautiful that the constellation contributes to reducing climate change – while also responding to it.” aimagazine. com 143