researchers working at the Research Center on Environmental Technologies and Multimedia ##tion for Sustainability ( CITSEM ) at Universidad Politécnica de Madrid ( mit ) have developed the Forest Fire Detection Index , an algorithm that can be used in environmental surveillance missions . Using drones , the team constantly monitors forested areas , relaying environmental data in real - time . The drones have been tested in several different scenarios , and the team believes they could be cheaper and more effective than using manned helicopters or planes .
Scientists working at the Research Center on Software Technologies and Multimedia Systems for Sustainability (CITSEM) at Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (UPM) have developed the Forest Fire Detection Index, an algorithm that can be used in environmental surveillance systems. Using drones, the team constantly monitors forested areas, relaying accumulated data in real-time. The drones have been tested in several different scenarios, and the team claims they could be cheaper and more effective than using manned helicopters or planes.