The Use of Drones in Emergency and Disaster Management

Prospectus

Robert Owono Awono

American Public University System

EMHS 699: Capstone Thesis

[Dr. Randall Hanifen]

[02/06/2024]

The Use of Drones in Emergency and Disaster Management

Problem Statement

Integration of drones into disaster and emergency management is a big step forward in technology that could change how people respond to crises in a big way (Restas, 2015). The problem that is encountered during disaster and emergency management is restricted access to the affected areas due to the nature of geographical location, presence of hazardous conditions, difficulty in obtaining real-time situational awareness, and delays in deploying resources effectively. The problem makes it challenging for the emergency team to get the real-time information about the incident area and also delays in implementing the necessary strategy to address the problem. Drones are the recent innovations in addressing the challenge but they have not achieved their potential in offering solution to the problem due to their mechanical failure, lack of enough expertise to operate it effectively and also poor management of its use on matters of privacy rights. The information collected by the drone are not well controlled or protected and raises concerns about privacy of those in a given locality when data is collected. There is the need for detailed research and study to understand well about how it operates and the best way to optimize its use in disaster management (Daud et al., 2022). Drones are very useful for improving situational awareness and making quick decisions in emergency situations because they are flexible and quick. Drones are being used more and more in disaster management, but research is needed to understand the best maintenance practices of its network and functionality for it to operate optimally and give the required data (Daud et al., 2022). There is also the need to prevent cybersecurity risks by researching on the best safety regulations and privacy concerns for the drone to serve its purpose.

Proposed Methodology

Qualitative research will be used in the study to have the best quality data where systemic literature review is supplemented with case studies. The methodology employed in this research project focuses on a comprehensive analysis of the utilization of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), commonly known as drones, in crisis situations, particularly in emergency and disaster response scenarios (Daud et al., 2022). Data is collected for this study by utilizing case studies and existing literature. The targeted case studies and existing literature are evaluated for their quality, reliability, validity and relevancy. The focus of having relevant and credible data is important in the success of the research project. The research strictly adheres to ethical considerations by prioritizing the privacy and confidentiality of any data collected by drones and complying with relevant laws and regulations governing their operation.

The data collection process involves gathering information from diverse sources, including published studies, reports, and documented case studies detailing the use of drones in emergency management and disaster response (Daud et al., 2022). This approach enables researchers to access a wide range of perspectives and experiences regarding the deployment of drones in crisis situations. Also, data analysis techniques like content analysis and thematic analysis extract meaningful insights and identify patterns from the collected data. The research aims to evaluate both the advantages and challenges associated with integrating drones into emergency response efforts by analyzing previously published material and case studies. Overall, the methodology emphasizes a systematic and rigorous approach to studying the role of drones in crisis management, ensuring that ethical considerations are upheld throughout the research process.

Expected Value of the Research

The expected value of this study lies in its ability to greatly improve emergency and disaster management by giving researchers a complete picture of how to use drones (Restas, 2015). This study wants to fill in important gaps in current knowledge and practice by taking a close look at the part that drones play in improving reaction times. Researchers want to give lawmakers, first responders, and other interested parties more complete picture by carefully looking at both the usefulness and difficulties of using drones in different types of disasters (Velev et al., 2019). This study aims to help people make better strategy decisions by showing the pros and cons of adding drones to current disaster response systems. This will allow for the creation of more effective and resilient disaster response plans.

A very important part of this study is also looking at the legal and moral issues that come up when using drones. The study’s goal is to give useful advice for creating responsible drone rules and laws by looking into these complicated problems. Using drones in emergency and disaster management must follow set ethical standards and legal frameworks (Wankmüller et al., 2021). This study aims to make drone deployment safer and more accountable by checking that these standards are followed. In the end, this study hopes to help improve overall response effectiveness and resilience in the face of disasters by deepening knowledge and making it easier for people to make smart decisions. This will ultimately benefit communities and individuals who are affected by disasters. The knowledge gained can also of value to the current and future generations.

References

Abdulai, R. T., & Owusu-Ansah, A. (2014). Essential ingredients of a good research proposal for undergraduate and postgraduate students in the social sciences. SAGE Open, July-September 2014, 1–15.
https://doi.org/10.1177/2158244014548178

Daud, S. M. S. M., Yusof, M. Y. P. M., Heo, C. C., Khoo, L. S., Singh, M. K. C., Mahmood, M. S., & Nawawi, H. (2022). Applications of drone in disaster management: A scoping review. Science & Justice, 62(1), 30-42.

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1355030621001477

Restas, A. (2015). Drone applications for supporting disaster management. World Journal of Engineering and Technology, 3(3C), 47-52.
https://doi.org/10.4236/wjet.2015.33C047

Velev, D., Zlateva, P. V., Steshina, L., & Petukhov, I. (2019). Challenges of using drones and virtual/augmented reality for disaster risk management. The International Archives of the Photogrammetry, Remote Sensing and Spatial Information Sciences, XLII-3/W8, 437-440.

https://doi.org/10.5194/isprs-archives-XLII-3-W8-437-2019

Wankmüller, C., Kunovjanek, M., & Mayrgündter, S. (2021). Drones in emergency response – evidence from cross-border, multi-disciplinary usability tests. International Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction, 65, Article 102567.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijdrr.2021.102567