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Evolving RPAS (Drones) from Observation to Intelligence in Queensland Fire Department Operations
The increasing scale and complexity of disasters has driven Queensland Fire Department to transform how aerial intelligence is captured, analysed and shared. This abstract presents lessons identified and lessons learned from the evolution of the QFD RPAS program over the past six years, demonstrating how technology-enabled capability has matured from simple visual observation to an integrated intelligence function supporting response, recovery and strategic decision-making.
When first established under a CASA Remote Operator’s Certificate (ReOC), RPAS training focused on providing live vision to an Incident Controller. Early lessons identified revealed growing demand for shared situational awareness across Regional and State Fire Control Centres, partner agencies and recovery stakeholders during large-scale bushfires, severe weather and flooding events. This drove deliberate evolution in training, governance and technology integration.
A key lesson learned has been transitioning pilots from aircraft operators to intelligence practitioners. RPAS training now includes GIS drawing, orthomosaic mapping, live-streaming and multi-platform data integration, enabling pilots to extract, interpret and distribute intelligence in near real time. Fire behaviour, flood impacts and infrastructure damage observed on the ground are simultaneously visible across ICCs, RFCCs and the SFCC, shortening the intelligence cycle and improving coordinated decision-making.
A further lesson learned has been integrating RPAS data into enterprise GIS and outward-facing dashboards. Working with QFD GIS teams, RPAS outputs are transformed into live operational mapping layers shared with Local Government Areas, Queensland Police Service, Transport and Main Roads, Marine Safety and recovery agencies. During major bushfires, tropical cyclones and Queensland flooding, this capability delivered real-time spatial intelligence to support recovery planning and cross-agency coordination.
Senior and Chief Remote Pilots continuously evaluate emerging technologies, integrate them into intelligence ecosystems and translate lessons into doctrine and training, embedding sustained organisational learning for the future.
When first established under a CASA Remote Operator’s Certificate (ReOC), RPAS training focused on providing live vision to an Incident Controller. Early lessons identified revealed growing demand for shared situational awareness across Regional and State Fire Control Centres, partner agencies and recovery stakeholders during large-scale bushfires, severe weather and flooding events. This drove deliberate evolution in training, governance and technology integration.
A key lesson learned has been transitioning pilots from aircraft operators to intelligence practitioners. RPAS training now includes GIS drawing, orthomosaic mapping, live-streaming and multi-platform data integration, enabling pilots to extract, interpret and distribute intelligence in near real time. Fire behaviour, flood impacts and infrastructure damage observed on the ground are simultaneously visible across ICCs, RFCCs and the SFCC, shortening the intelligence cycle and improving coordinated decision-making.
A further lesson learned has been integrating RPAS data into enterprise GIS and outward-facing dashboards. Working with QFD GIS teams, RPAS outputs are transformed into live operational mapping layers shared with Local Government Areas, Queensland Police Service, Transport and Main Roads, Marine Safety and recovery agencies. During major bushfires, tropical cyclones and Queensland flooding, this capability delivered real-time spatial intelligence to support recovery planning and cross-agency coordination.
Senior and Chief Remote Pilots continuously evaluate emerging technologies, integrate them into intelligence ecosystems and translate lessons into doctrine and training, embedding sustained organisational learning for the future.
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