Enhancing situation awareness through real-time video

The development of technological image capturing and data transmission systems has made it possible for authorities to use more developed ways to attain more detailed situation information. Real-time video offers numerous possibilities to authorities, especially in rescue services. Situation information acquired through real-time video can for example make the production of rescue service officers' situation picture more efficient and accurate. Real-time video also serves distance leading exceptionally well and makes decision-making a lot easier because of more accurate situation information. This paper is reporting the results of a Thesis conducted in cooperation between Laurea University of Applied Sciences, Emergency Services College, Eye Solutions Ltd. and VideoDrone Ltd. as part of the AIRBorne information for Emergency situation Awareness and Monitoring (AIRBEAM) project. The paper evaluates and discusses the suitability of situation information produced by real-time video to the officer in charge of rescue services. The paper ultimately attempts to understand real-time video in rescue services as a phenomenon, which possibilities are not yet utilized. The paper is defined to focus on different levels of rescue service leading and addresses three real-time video production sources.