Supporting Teleoperated Humanitarian Aid Missions with 3D Visualization Using Remote Sensing Data

Natural disasters, conflicts and vulnerable supply chains pose challenges for humanitarian aid efforts. The AHEAD project, a collaboration between the German Aerospace Center (DLR) and the World Food Programme (WFP), aims to develop a comprehensive system for delivering relief supplies through remote-controlled trucks. This study explores the potential of a multimodal 3D situational awareness map that integrates remote sensing and other geo data. This advanced map could support teleoperated truck missions in challenging environments, e.g. for route planning, terrain analysis or evaluation purposes. A key focus of this work is the additional value of a 3D visualization compared to established 2D mapping applications. Structured interviews were conducted with end users, scientists and engineers in the project to identify their needs and requirements for a 3D situational awareness map. Based on the outcomes an exemplary 3D web application integrating geodata and crisis information from remote sensing, governmental and open sources was designed and implemented for test sites in Bavaria. In situ drone imagery was captured and added to increase the local situational awareness. During the operation, the live position of the truck was continuously transmitted to the application and displayed as 3D model. The created web-based application was very well received by the end users. Especially the integration of drone imagery draped on the derived surface model in combination with the available satellite data provided a high additional value by highlighting steep slopes or other blockages in the truck’s path.