Research for Civil Security

18 NavIgatION aND lOCalIzatIONLandmarkeNavigation infrastructure for fire-fightersmotivationDuring operations, fire-fighters have to be able toprovide a reliable assessment of the situation on-sitequickly, and in so doing explore the operation sitereliably, also in unsafe environments and underpoor visibility conditions. Despite proven aids,navigation under such conditions is difficult. Timeand again, emergency teams are directly exposed toactual hazards as a result.Project description and goalsNavigation is an occupational competence, inwhich experience, sensory impressions and trainedmethods play an important role. The objective ofthe research project is to develop an orientationand navigation infrastructure based on ubiquitouscomputing technology. This infrastructure will effectivelybuild on the capabilities of the emergencyforces. The project applies a new research methodology,in which the developers also take part in firebrigade training exercises, in order to focus on theusers and their expertise.Innovations and applicationsIn the application scenario, emergency forces markimportant reference points with so-called interactivelandmarks. These landmarks are small, distributableunits that contain sensory and transmissiontechnology. Their interactive clothing brings thedistributed sensor units to the attention of the firefighters,permitting them to interact with the landmarks.The fire-fighters can refer to this referencesystem by radio or in status meetings and developa common understanding of the situation on-site.The new system helps improve the reconnaissanceeffectiveness of emergency forces and increasestheir safety.Emergency personnel during a reconnaissance operation (source: Fraunhofer FIT)Further information:www.landmarke-projekt.de