Our solution addresses Capability Gap 2: the real-time detection, monitoring and analysis of threats and hazards. Developed by the German Aerospace Center (DLR) and partners, the system combines high-performance aerial imagery (MACS cameras), real-time onboard image and geospatial processing, and seamless integration with incident command and control systems. It enables first responders to have comprehensive situational awareness from aerial imagery - within seconds after data acquisition.
What sets this solution apart is its unique ability to generate and distribute high-resolution and highly precise geospatial intelligence in real time - directly from airborne platforms, such as drones (for small- to mid-scale incidents) or crewed aircraft (for wide-area operations). As an incident is surveyed, the system continuously compiles an up-to-date situational map that can be immediately visualized and used by responders, e.g. via the CommandX platform, which is already widely used by emergency services. The system is particularly suited for large-scale incidents such as wildfires, floods, earthquakes and other complex disaster scenarios. It supports informed decision-making by accurately mapping hazard zones, asset locations and threat developments in real time.
With a Technology Readiness Level of 9, the solution has already been operationally tested by the Duisburg Fire Department for over three years. It uses Quantum-Systems' vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) drone platform, combined with DLR's advanced imaging technology and algorithms, and Eurocommand's incident management and control software. This integrated system offers a globally unique capability: true real-time geospatial data generation and situational awareness for tactical emergency response.
Level of innovation: Technology known and used worldwide for more than 3 years, but with a globally unique integration and real-time operational capability.
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The objective of our solution is to fundamentally improve situational awareness and decision making for first responders by enabling real-time geospatial intelligence during disaster operations. Today, most geospatial data used in emergency situations is delayed, static or generated post-action, which limits its operational value. Our ambition is to make real-time, high-resolution aerial mapping a standard tactical tool for incident command in a wide range of operational scenarios.
This solution directly addresses one of the most critical capability gaps faced by first responders: the inability to dynamically detect, monitor, and assess threats and hazards as they evolve on the ground. By equipping emergency services with a proven, field-ready system for live map generation and integration, we aim to transform the way responders operate in complex and large-scale scenarios such as wildfires, floods and earthquakes.
We envision a future where mobile aerial platforms - particularly small, tactical VTOL drones - can be deployed within minutes of an emergency and immediately deliver actionable maps and threat visualisations into command systems. This capability will not only increase the safety and effectiveness of responders, but also optimise resource deployment, coordination and public safety outcomes.
Our ambition goes beyond technological innovation: we aim to establish this capability as a new operational standard for disaster management across Germany, Europe and internationally. By demonstrating interoperability with existing Command and Control platforms and ensuring ease of deployment, we are paving the way for large-scale adoption. We are moving from reactive to predictive and proactive disaster response.
Our solution represents a breakthrough in the operational use of small aerial platforms for disaster response. While the potential of drones in emergency scenarios is widely acknowledged, most existing systems rely on post-processing, manual video analysis, or proprietary, isolated environments. This severely limits their operational value in dynamic situations. Our approach is innovative in three ways:
Technological innovation: We provide real-time geo-referencing of aerial imagery, live generation of situational maps, and seamless integration into existing command and control (C2) systems. This enables immediate access to actionable geospatial intelligence - without human intervention, post-flight processing, or data conversion delays.
First to market: To our knowledge, there is no comparable system on the European market that combines drone imagery, real-time geospatial processing and deep integration into widely used emergency response systems. Our solution is not a laboratory prototype - it has been field tested and is technically mature (TRL 9).
Process innovation: The system redefines how situational awareness is obtained and utilized. Instead of relying on manual interpretation of drone video or paper-based reports, decision-makers receive continuously updated, geo-referenced maps directly in their operational software. This fundamentally changes the speed, accuracy and workflows of incident command.
Unlike widespread consumer-grade drone deployments ( most notably DJI systems), which are limited in scope and require significant manual data handling, our solution is scalable, automated, and tailored for professional, large-scale operations. It unlocks the true potential of drones in disaster response - enabling responders to see, decide and act faster than ever before.
In complex disaster scenarios, timely and accurate situational awareness is essential. Effective decision-making, efficient deployment of resources, and responder safety all depend on the availability of a clear, up-to-date operational picture. Our system directly addresses this critical need by significantly accelerating and improving the situational assessment process.
The solution provides incident commanders with a near-instant, geo-referenced overview of the affected area - automatically generated, continuously updated, and fully integrated into established command-and-control (C2) systems. This reduces the cognitive and personnel burden traditionally associated with manual interpretation of drone footage or ground-based reporting. As a result, decisions can be made faster and with greater confidence, and emergency resources are deployed more efficiently.
The system has been under operational evaluation by the Duisburg Fire Department for the past three years. In addition, the German Aerospace Center (DLR) has used it regularly in support of civil protection authorities during both training exercises and real-world large-scale incidents. One of the most impactful operations occurred in 2023, following the devastating earthquake in Turkey. The system was used to deliver a high-resolution, real-time situational map to first responders from international teams including I.S.A.R. Germany and THW. These data were directly integrated into the UN’s ICMS platform, greatly enhancing both safety and coordination on the ground.
At national level, the system has also been deployed very successfully in a number of large-scale emergencies, particularly for serious wildfires. Across all scenarios, leading emergency responders have emphasized the system’s operational value: faster access to reliable situation data, reduced workload for staff, and improved coordination and safety in the field.
The consortium behind the proposed solution brings together four highly complementary partners with a long track record of effective collaboration: the German Aerospace Center (DLR), Eurocommand, Quantum-Systems, and the Duisburg Fire Department.
Our team combines experts in aerial imaging, hard- & software development, drone technology, command-and-control systems, and emergency response. All partners have extensive experience in both R&D and real-world missions. Even our developers regularly join exercises and missions with responders, ensuring deep understanding of field needs and operational workflows. This collaboration guarantees a solution that is technically robust, operationally validated, and highly relevant in practice.
The consortium behind the proposed solution brings together four highly complementary partners with a long track record of effective collaboration: the German Aerospace Center (DLR), Eurocommand, Quantum-Systems, and the Duisburg Fire Department.
Our team combines experts in aerial imaging, hard- & software development, drone technology, command-and-control systems, and emergency response. All partners have extensive experience in both R&D and real-world missions. Even our developers regularly join exercises and missions with responders, ensuring deep understanding of field needs and operational workflows. This collaboration guarantees a solution that is technically robust, operationally validated, and highly relevant in practice.