Multisensor fusion over the World Trade Center disaster site

Abstract

The immense size and scope of the rescue and clean-up of the World Trade Center site created a need for data that would provide a total overview of the disaster area. To fulfill this need, the New York State Office for Technology (NYSOFT) contracted with EarthData International to collect airborne remote sensing data over Ground Zero with an air- borne light detection and ranging (LIDAR) sensor, a high-resolution digi- tal camera, and a thermal camera. The LIDAR data provided a three- dimensional elevation model of the ground surface that was used for volumetric calculations and also in the orthorectification of the digital images. The digital camera provided high-resolution imagery over the site to aide the rescuers in placement of equipment and other assets. In addition, the digital imagery was used to georeference the thermal im- agery and also provided the visual background for the thermal data. The thermal camera aided in the location and tracking of underground fires. The combination of data from these three sensors provided the emer- gency crews with a timely, accurate overview containing a wealth of information of the rapidly changing disaster site. Because of the dynamic nature of the site, the data was acquired on a daily basis, processed, and turned over to NYSOFT within twelve hours of the collection. During processing, the three datasets were combined and georeferenced to al- low them to be inserted into the client's geographic information systems. © 2002 Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers.