Design of Low-Cost Modular Camera Suites for Wildfire Data Collection

Every year, wildfires burn down thousands of acres, and it’s up to firefighters and park services to corral and stop wildfires before they endanger civilian lives. To avoid putting people in danger, wildfire research groups use drones equipped with an array of sensors and imaging equipment to gather data, but these drones can be prohibitively expensive. This project focused on creating camera modules that could be produced at a much cheaper cost. We produced three camera systems that could easily be removed or attached from a data collection vehicle. These systems utilized high power radio transmitters and different types of cameras for different use cases. The three units consisted of a dome carrying 3 cameras arranged for a 360 degree view, a rotating bracket called a gimbal to provide a long-distance camera with the flexibility to turn, and a ball joint to provide an unparalleled degree of control over the camera’s position. These camera systems enable research groups to focus their budget on other areas, and the 3D printed parts can be easily modified at the attachment points to be mounted to many drone platforms, making this a versatile tool. Using accessible hobbyist-grade electronics, we were able to cut costs by 77.5% when compared to commercial camera systems.