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Ahmed S. Khalaf, Poom Pianpak, Sultan A. Alharthi, Zahra NaminiMianji, Ruth Torres, Son Tran, et al. (2018). An Architecture for Simulating Drones in Mixed Reality Games to Explore Future Search and Rescue Scenarios. In Kees Boersma, & Brian Tomaszeski (Eds.), ISCRAM 2018 Conference Proceedings – 15th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 971–982). Rochester, NY (USA): Rochester Institute of Technology.
Abstract: The proliferation of unmanned aerial systems (i.e., drones) can provide great value to the future of search and rescue. However, with the increase adoption of such systems, issues around hybrid human-drone team coordination and planning will arise. To address these early challenges, we provide insights into the development of testbeds in the form of mixed reality games with simulated drones. This research presents an architecture to address challenges and opportunities in using drones for search and rescue. On this architecture, we develop a mixed reality game in which human players engage with the physical world and with gameplay that is purely virtual. We expect the architecture to be useful to a range of researchers an practitioners, forming the basis for investigating and training within this unique, new domain.
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Albert Y. Chen, Feniosky Peña-Mora, Saumil J. Mehta, Stuart Foltz, Albert P. Plans, Brian R. Brauer, et al. (2010). A GIS approach to equipment allocation for structural stabilization and civilian rescue. In C. Zobel B. T. S. French (Ed.), ISCRAM 2010 – 7th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management: Defining Crisis Management 3.0, Proceedings. Seattle, WA: Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management, ISCRAM.
Abstract: Efficient request and deployment of critical resources for urban search and rescue operations is vital to emergency response. This paper presents a RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) supported system for on-site data collection to communicate structural condition, to track search and rescue status, and to request and allocate appropriate resources. The system provides a unified interface for efficient posing, gathering, storing and sharing of building assessment information. Visualization and easy access of such information enables rescuers to response to the disaster with better situational awareness. Resource requests are sent to the GIS resource repository service that enables a visual disaster management environment for resource allocation. Request and deployment of critical resources through this system enables lifesaving efforts, with the appropriate equipment, operator, and materials, become more efficient and effective. System development at the Illinois Fire Service Institute has shown promising results.
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Guido Te Brake, Rick Van Der Kleij, & Miranda Cornelissen. (2008). Distributed mobile teams: Effects of connectivity and map orientation on teamwork. In B. V. de W. F. Fiedrich (Ed.), Proceedings of ISCRAM 2008 – 5th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 642–650). Washington, DC: Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management, ISCRAM.
Abstract: Fielded first responders are currently being equipped with support tools to improve their performance and safety. Novel information technology provides opportunities for improvement of task efficiency and situation awareness, but people can get in trouble when data networks fail. In this paper, we examine the effect of glitches in the data network on team performance and look into the strategies people use to cope with these disruptions. Teams of three responders collaborated in a search and rescue task, supported by a map showing their positions and the locations of victims. Data communication required for this support was interrupted, verbal communication remained possible. Two variants were used for the map: a north-up version and a heading-up version that was aligned with the orientation of the responder. Negative effects and changing strategies were found for the condition with interruptions, no differences were found for the two map variants.
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Corine H.G. Horsch, Nanja J. J. M. Smets, Mark A. Neerincx, & Raymond H. Cuijpers. (2013). Comparing performance and situation awareness in USAR unit tasks in a virtual and real environment. In J. Geldermann and T. Müller S. Fortier F. F. T. Comes (Ed.), ISCRAM 2013 Conference Proceedings – 10th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 556–560). KIT; Baden-Baden: Karlsruher Institut fur Technologie.
Abstract: A convenient way to test Urban Search And Rescue (USAR) robots would be in virtual environments (VEs). Evaluations in VEs are generally accepted as alternative for real scenarios. There are obvious differences between operation in a real and virtual environment. Nonetheless, the current experiment showed no significant differences in situation awareness (SA) and performance during several elementary tasks (e.g. slalom) between a virtual world and a previous experiment in reality (Mioch, Smets, & Neerincx, 2012). Only small dependencies between the unit tasks were found. The effect of individual differences (like gender, km driven per year, and gaming experience), were significant for certain elementary tasks. Testing robots in virtual environments could still be useful even if differences between VE and reality exist, since comparisons of different conditions in VE seems to have the same results as the same comparison in the field (Bishop & Rohrmann, 2003; Van Diggelen, Looije, Mioch, Neerincx, & Smets, 2012).
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LaLone, N., Natta, J. V., Cormier, M. V., Fraune, M. R., Hamilton, B., Toups Dugas, P. O., et al. (2023). Flying SD Cards, Aerial Repeaters, & Homebrew Apps: Emergent Use of Technologies for Collaboration in Search and Rescue. In Jaziar Radianti, Ioannis Dokas, Nicolas Lalone, & Deepak Khazanchi (Eds.), Proceedings of the 20th International ISCRAM Conference (pp. 1014–1032). Omaha, USA: University of Nebraska at Omaha.
Abstract: Search and rescue (SAR) teams are the first to respond to emergencies. This could include finding lost hikers, shoring buildings, or aiding people post-disaster. SAR combines orienteering, engineering, field medicine, and communication. Technology use in SAR has been changing with the proliferation of information communication technologies; so, we ask, how are established and emerging technologies used in SAR? Understanding how responders are adopting and adapting these technologies during SAR missions can inform future design and improve outcomes for SAR teams. We interviewed SAR volunteers to contextualize their experiences with technology and triangulated with additional questionnaire data. We discuss how technology use in SAR requires an intersection of expert knowledge and creative problem solving to overcome challenges in the field. This research contributes an understanding of the constraints on and implications for future SAR technologies and SAR operators’ creativity in emergent situations.
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Van Tuan Le, Serge Stinckwich, Noury Bouraqadi, & Arnaud Doniec. (2012). Role-based dynamic coalitions of multi-tasked rescue robots. In Z.Franco J. R. L. Rothkrantz (Ed.), ISCRAM 2012 Conference Proceedings – 9th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management. Vancouver, BC: Simon Fraser University.
Abstract: Organizations allow structuring and coordinating the activities of robots that take part in a multi-robot system (MRS). Within a given organization, each robot is assigned to a role that governs its behavior and its interactions with the other members of the MRS. In this paper; we investigate in a class of problems where role allocation must be done dynamically. This applies, for example in the context of rescue robotic applications where neither the number of robots nor characteristics are known a priori. Furthermore, tasks to be performed are not necessarily all known or at least a portion of the information remains to be discovered (e.g. locations of victims). Finally, some robots may temporarily leave the MRS (for battery recharging) or permanently due to failure or breakage. We propose a solution that can dynamically allocate roles to robots and revise the allocation. This revision takes place in case of failure of agents or in case of discovery of a new task. This allocation allows agents to participate in several tasks. © 2012 ISCRAM.
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Lennart Landsberg, Alexandra Braun, Ompe Aimé Mudimu, & Klaus-Dieter Büttgen. (2021). Considering end user needs when developing new technologies – a new plug and play sensor technology for locating trapped victims. In Anouck Adrot, Rob Grace, Kathleen Moore, & Christopher W. Zobel (Eds.), ISCRAM 2021 Conference Proceedings – 18th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 922–928). Blacksburg, VA (USA): Virginia Tech.
Abstract: Building collapses often happen unexpectedly and suddenly. Consequently, people are often buried under the debris. What follows is a complicated search by first responders, which is characterized by time pressure and danger. In the research project SORTIE, a modular and UAV-based technical system is being developed to support the first responders in their search efforts. During the first phase of this project, an extensive requirements analysis was conducted with the involvement of end users. This ensures that the developed technology meets the requirements for later use under realistic circumstance. The project consortium has good experience with this operational approach and is in close cooperation with end users who are part of the consortium. In addition to a comprehensive understanding of building collapses and prevailing conditions, the technical partners were also able to identify requirements that they might not have discovered without the involvement of end users and the appropriate methods.
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Bas Lijnse, Jan Martin Jansen, Ruud Nanne, & Rinus Plasmeijer. (2011). Capturing the Netherlands Coast Guard's SAR workflow with iTasks. In E. Portela L. S. M.A. Santos (Ed.), 8th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management: From Early-Warning Systems to Preparedness and Training, ISCRAM 2011. Lisbon: Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management, ISCRAM.
Abstract: The dynamic nature of crisis response operations and the rigidity of workflow modelling languages are two things that do not go well together. A recent alternative approach to workflow management systems that allows for more flexibility is the iTask system. It uses an embedded functional language for the specification of workflow models that integrates control-flow with data-flow in dynamic data-dependent workflow specifications. Although there is a variety of publications about the iTask workflow definition language (WDL) and its implementation, its applications have been limited to academic toy examples. To explore the iTasks WDL for crisis response applications, we have developed an iTask specification of the Search And Rescue (SAR) workflow of the Netherlands Coast Guard. In this specification we capture the mix of standard procedures and creative improvisation of which a SAR operation exists.
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Masahiro Watanabe, Yu Ozawa, Kenichi Takahashi, Eri Takane, Tetsuya Kimura, Soichiro Suzuki, et al. (2021). Hardware Design and Tests of SMURF V1 Platform for Searching Survivors in Debris Cones. In Anouck Adrot, Rob Grace, Kathleen Moore, & Christopher W. Zobel (Eds.), ISCRAM 2021 Conference Proceedings – 18th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 849–866). Blacksburg, VA (USA): Virginia Tech.
Abstract: When a large-scale disaster such as earthquake occurs, a huge number of victims will be trapped under debris in a wide area. Rescue activities in debris are technically not easy and endanger the first responders. There are several methods for improving safety and efficiency of rescue operation, but their availability is limited to a certain area or short operating time. Our project called CURSOR is developing tools to comprehensively search victims using a large number of ground-based robots entering debris transported by aerial drones. Here we show the development of the exploration robot collecting information with several sensors. The robot system was designed based on the requirements and performance was evaluated by ruggedization tests and mobility tests. No critical problem was found in the durability, and the mobility showed as the same as the ordinary wheel. To improve the mobility, we are planning to apply a proposed unique track mechanism.
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Michael Morin, Irène Abi-Zeid, Claude-Guy Quimper, & Oscar Nilo. (2017). Decision Support for Search and Rescue Response Planning. In eds Aurélie Montarnal Matthieu Lauras Chihab Hanachi F. B. Tina Comes (Ed.), Proceedings of the 14th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response And Management (pp. 973–984). Albi, France: Iscram.
Abstract: Planning, controlling and coordinating search and rescue operations is complex and time is crucial for survivors who must be found quickly. The search planning phase is especially important when the location of the incident is unknown. We propose, implement, solve, and evaluate mathematical models for the multiple rectangular search area problem. The objective is to define optimal or near-optimal feasible search areas for the available search and rescue units that maximize the probability of success. We compare our new model to an existing model on problem instances of realistic size. Our results show that we are able to generate, in a reasonable time, near optimal operationally feasible plans for searches conducted in vast open spaces. In an operational context, this research can increase the chances of finding s urvivors. Ultimately, as our models get implemented in the Canadian Coast Guard search planning tool, this can translate into more lives being saved.
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Michael Morin, Irène Abi-Zeid, Thanh Tung Nguyen, Luc Lamontagne, & Patrick Maupin. (2013). Search and surveillance in emergency situations – A gis-based approach to construct optimal visibility graphs. In J. Geldermann and T. Müller S. Fortier F. F. T. Comes (Ed.), ISCRAM 2013 Conference Proceedings – 10th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 452–457). KIT; Baden-Baden: Karlsruher Institut fur Technologie.
Abstract: We present a methodology to construct optimal visibility graphs from vector and raster terrain data based on the integration of Geographic Information Systems, computational geometry, and integer linear programming. In an emergency situation, the ability to observe an environment, completely or partially, is crucial when searching an area for survivors, missing persons, intruders or anomalies. We first analyze inter-visibility using computational geometry and GIS functions. Then, we optimize the visibility graphs by choosing vertices in a way to either maximize coverage with a given number of watchers or to minimize the number of watchers needed for full coverage.
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Parvaneh Sarshar, Jaziar Radianti, & Jose J. Gonzalez. (2015). On the Impacts of Utilizing Smartphones on Organizing Rescue Teams and Evacuation Procedures. In L. Palen, M. Buscher, T. Comes, & A. Hughes (Eds.), ISCRAM 2015 Conference Proceedings ? 12th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management. Kristiansand, Norway: University of Agder (UiA).
Abstract: A serious fire game with two different scenarios for the search and rescue (SAR) operation was designed and played. In the first scenario, the SAR operation was performed without any smartphone app assistance, while in the second scenario, our recently developed smartphone app was employed to carry out the evacuation. In this paper, the effects of utilizing this app on organizing firefighting teams, performance of the firefighters, and the evacuation procedure are studied. The results collected from a post-game questionnaire, which was answered by the players of the firefighter role, are analyzed, turning out that the employment of the smartphone app is not only preferable and effective, but also user-friendly. It is also shown that a semi-centralized firefighting organizational model suits the second scenario, whereas a decentralized one is typically used in other scenarios, such as the first one.
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Samuel Auclair, Pierre Gehl, Mickael Delatre, Christophe Debray, & Philippe Méresse. (2022). In-depth Analysis of Practitioners' Perceptions about Seismic Early Warning Prior to Aftershocks: The Point of View of the USAR Community. In Rob Grace, & Hossein Baharmand (Eds.), ISCRAM 2022 Conference Proceedings – 19th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 740–754). Tarbes, France.
Abstract: Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) teams are particularly exposed to the risk of collapse of buildings due to aftershocks, making concept of earthquake early warning (EEW) particularly interesting. In addition to scientific advances in EEW, it is crucial to understand what are the real expectations and needs of USAR teams, and to what extent EEW solutions could meet them. In this study, we conduct a survey to collect insights from USAR rescuers: it highlights that aftershocks are a major concern for them. In this context, we find that the concept of EEW is very favorably received by the respondents, who consider different types of possible actions upon receipt of an early warning. This study provides a basis for the functional specifications of future solutions of EEW useful to all USAR teams, as well as for the definition of their modalities of engagement on the field.
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Sanfilippo, F., & Rañó, I. (2023). Mimicking the Sense of Smell of Search and Rescue (SAR) Dogs: a Bio-inspired Steering Framework for Quadruped Robots. In Jaziar Radianti, Ioannis Dokas, Nicolas Lalone, & Deepak Khazanchi (Eds.), Proceedings of the 20th International ISCRAM Conference (pp. 892–901). Omaha, USA: University of Nebraska at Omaha.
Abstract: Due to their sense of smell and ability to explore areas for missing people, dogs are valuable for search and rescue (SAR). Canines can discover humans under water, under snow, and even beneath crumbling structures because they can smell human scent. Building unmanned autonomous quadruped robots with canine agility is an attractive step to fully replicate the capabilities of dogs. Robots with legs are already capable of mimicking some of the physical traits of dogs, such as the capacity to traverse rough terrain. However, they would need to replicate also the level of sensory perception of a dog to successfully perform SAR operations. To achieve this, a navigation strategy that uses a direct sensor-motor coupling by following the principles of the Braitenberg vehicles is adopted in this work. This paper represents one of the first steps towards the connection of bio-inspired sensor-based steering mechanisms and bio-inspired locomotion for quadruped robots.
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Sebastian Schmitz, Konrad Barth, Tim Brüstle, Tobias Gleibs, & Ompe Aimé Mudimu. (2019). Testing the implementation of a flying localization system into emergency response using a tabletop exercise. In Z. Franco, J. J. González, & J. H. Canós (Eds.), Proceedings of the 16th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response And Management. Valencia, Spain: Iscram.
Abstract: To optimize the search for trapped victims after building collapses, the authors participated in the development ofI a localization system based on an unmanned aerial vehicle. The objective of this study is to evaluate an approach to implement this system into the command and control structures during the emergency response after a building collapse. For this purpose, a tabletop exercise, based on a gas explosion scenario in an apartment building, was carried out with emergency response managers of the fire department and the German federal agency of technical relief. Observers have documented the exercise. Additionally, audio and video recordings were used. Thus, statements could be made about the implementation approach and the tabletop exercise method. Based on the results, the implementation approach can be considered appropriate. In addition, knowledge was gained about the appropriateness of tabletop exercises for the purpose of scientific evaluation.
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Sebastian Schmitz, Lennart Landsberg, Tim Brüstle, Johannes Weinem, & Ompe Aimé Mudimu. (2018). Evaluation of a flying localization system for the rescue of buried victims – A scenario based training approach. In Kees Boersma, & Brian Tomaszeski (Eds.), ISCRAM 2018 Conference Proceedings – 15th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 1143–1147). Rochester, NY (USA): Rochester Institute of Technology.
Abstract: The objective of this study was to develop various scenarios for evaluating an unmanned aerial vehicle that is developed for the localization of buried people after a building collapse. To test their concept of implementing this system into the command structure of organized first response the authors plan to carry out a tabletop exercise in laboratory scale and a large-scale exercise. Scenario based training is used as methodic approach for these exercises. To develop realistic scenarios, relevant national and international organizations and their requirements have been identified. Also, the requirements of the localization system have been taken into account. Furthermore, real incidents have been analyzed and their match with the requirements has been verified. As result one national and one international scenario, based on real incidents, are developed.
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Spyros Chrysanthopoulos, Theofanis Kapetanakis, Giannis Chaidemenos, Stelios Vernardos, Harris Georgiou, & Claudio Rossi. (2020). Emergency Response in Recent Urban/Suburban Disaster Events in Attica: Technology Gaps, Limitations and Lessons Learned. In Amanda Hughes, Fiona McNeill, & Christopher W. Zobel (Eds.), ISCRAM 2020 Conference Proceedings – 17th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 984–989). Blacksburg, VA (USA): Virginia Tech.
Abstract: Emergency response operations in large-scale urban/suburban disaster events is often addressed by the standard protocols and international guidelines for collapsed buildings, heavy debris, etc. However, a wide range of First Responder (FR) operations need to address various other contexts, work environments and hazards. In this paper, two real disaster events are explored as use cases for such urban/suburban FR operations, namely a flash flood and a wildfire, both in Attica, Greece (2017-2018). Based on our team's experience from these mobilizations and active participation in both these events as FR actor in the field, we present the challenges, the complexity of such multi-aspect disaster events, the limitations of emergency response, the technology gaps of the FR teams, as well as the lessons learned during these deployments. Finally, we make some notes on future prospects and possible advancements in tools and technologies that would greatly enhance the operational safety and readiness of the FR teams in such events.
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Tiina Ristmae, Dimitra Dionysiou, Miltiadis Koutsokeras, Athanasios Douklias, Eleftherios Ouzounoglou, Angelos Amditis, et al. (2021). The CURSOR Search and Rescue (SaR) Kit: an innovative solution for improving the efficiency of Urban SaR Operations. In Anouck Adrot, Rob Grace, Kathleen Moore, & Christopher W. Zobel (Eds.), ISCRAM 2021 Conference Proceedings – 18th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 867–880). Blacksburg, VA (USA): Virginia Tech.
Abstract: CURSOR (Coordinated Use of miniaturized Robotic equipment and advanced Sensors for search and rescue OpeRations) is an ongoing European H2020 project with the main objective to enhance the efficiency and safety of Urban Search and Rescue (USaR) operations on disaster sites. CURSOR's approach relies on the integration of multiple mature and emerging technologies offering complementary capabilities to an USaR system, so as to address several challenges and capability gaps currently encountered during first responder missions. The project's research and development are structured around an earthquake master scenario. CURSOR aspires to advance the state-of the-art in several key aspects, including reduced time for victim detection, increased victim localization accuracy, enhanced real-time worksite information management, improved situational awareness and rescue team safety.
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Vladimir Zadorozhny, Pei-Ju Lee, & Michael Lewis. (2015). Collaborative Information Sensemaking for Multi-Robot Search and Rescue. In L. Palen, M. Buscher, T. Comes, & A. Hughes (Eds.), ISCRAM 2015 Conference Proceedings ? 12th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management. Kristiansand, Norway: University of Agder (UiA).
Abstract: In this paper, we consider novel information sensemaking methods for search and rescue operations that combine principles of information fusion and collective intelligence in scalable solutions. We will elaborate on several approaches that originated in different areas of information integration, sensor data management, and multi-robot urban search and rescue missions.
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Martin Voshell, & Stijn Oomes. (2006). Coordinating (Shared) perspectives in robot assisted search & rescue. In M. T. B. Van de Walle (Ed.), Proceedings of ISCRAM 2006 – 3rd International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 188–196). Newark, NJ: Royal Flemish Academy of Belgium.
Abstract: From high fidelity field exercises to disaster response deployments, search and rescue robots are being readily integrated into rescue operations. Previous research has proposed that for such new technology to be successful in an operation the organization architecture needs to support the coordination of shared perspectives between the human team members and the robotic platforms. For this, the robot platforms need to be effective team players in the field of practice. Based on this conceptual model, this paper introduces a novel software interface utilizing virtual position and orientation indicators to alleviate perceptual ambiguities and navigation problems experienced by robot handlers and problem holders. By actively orchestrating and sharing these indicators between handler and operator displays, the interface caters to user expertise and to the natural competency of the human perceptual system. These probes provide a basic tool for aiding robot navigation and way-finding fundamental to effective team coordination and communication in urban search and rescue missions.
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Øyvind Hanssen. (2021). Improving Trails from GPS Trackers with Unreliable and Limited Communication Channels. In Anouck Adrot, Rob Grace, Kathleen Moore, & Christopher W. Zobel (Eds.), ISCRAM 2021 Conference Proceedings – 18th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 489–502). Blacksburg, VA (USA): Virginia Tech.
Abstract: In this document we explore position tracking in the context of land based search and rescue operations, where we also may have a limited and unreliable communication channel. This is the case when using APRS (amateur radio tracking) in voluntary SAR services in Norway. We have looked more closely into trails of movements and how to plot these on the map to present informative real-time pictures to the incident commanders. A simple scheme is proposed to improve trails by piggybacking positions at the end of regular transmissions.Experiments show that a significant amount of positions are recovered. In some cases this can recover useful information, though it depends on the actual situation.
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