Drones in Disaster Response: Real-Time Data Collection and Analysis

Mugisha Emmanuel K.

Faculty of Science and Technology Kampala International University Uganda

ABSTRACT

In recent years, drones have emerged as critical tools in disaster response due to their rapid deployment, real-time data acquisition capabilities, and ability to access hazardous or inaccessible areas. This paper examines the evolution and deployment of drone technology in disaster scenarios, highlighting their role in collecting and analyzing real-time data to assess structural damage, locate victims, and support rescue operations. Various types of drones, including quadcopters and ground-based systems, are examined for their efficiency in different disaster contexts. The integration of technologies such as thermal imaging, 3D mapping, and automated victim detection significantly enhances situational awareness and response speed. Case studies from past disasters, such as earthquakes and hurricanes, demonstrate practical applications and outcomes. Challenges such as data processing bottlenecks, logistic limitations, regulatory gaps, and ethical concerns, including privacy and data sensitivity, are critically analyzed. The study also outlines emerging trends, including autonomous decision-making, hydrogen-powered drones, and enhanced collaborative mapping systems. This research contributes to the discourse on how drone technology can be optimized for disaster resilience while maintaining ethical integrity.

Keywords: Drones, Disaster Response, Real-Time Data, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), Victim Detection, 3D Mapping, Ethical Considerations.

CITE AS: Mugisha Emmanuel K. (2025). Drones in Disaster Response: Real-Time Data Collection and Analysis. Research Output Journal of Engineering and Scientific Research 4(2): 29-36. https://doi.org/10.59298/ROJESR/2025/4.2.2936