When clouds or fog affect satellite observations, teams can use ground cameras, drones and field reports to continue verification. Information from different sources helps fill gaps that may arise when relying on a single observation method.
For forestry staff, the practical questions are: What reliable information is currently available? What remains unknown? How can the situation be checked next?
Does the absence of a satellite detection mean there is no fire?
No.
Whether a satellite detects an anomaly depends on observation timing, fire characteristics and factors that may obscure the view. No detection means the available observation did not provide an identifiable hotspot signal. It does not establish that no fire exists on the ground.
During periods of high fire danger, or when smoke sightings or other reports have already been received, teams should continue verification under their established fire management procedures.
How does the platform help provide additional field information?
The STARPATH GLOBAL wildfire monitoring platform brings together ground monitoring, drone observations and reports from field teams to help staff understand a suspected fire and its surroundings.
For example, after receiving a potential fire report, duty staff can review nearby equipment and responsible teams to determine whether ground observations are available. Where conditions permit, drones or field personnel can then conduct further checks.
Reviewing this information within the same incident helps staff compare observations from different times and locations and decide whether further follow-up is needed.
Can combining monitoring methods eliminate every gap?
Each method has its own operating conditions. Ground cameras depend on their location and line of sight. Drone operations depend on weather and field conditions. Personnel also need time to reach a site.
Combining sources creates more opportunities to obtain useful information and cross-check observations. The platform organises this information so that duty staff and commanders can make better-informed decisions about the next verification step, even when the picture is incomplete.
