First responders are more frequently using Small Unmanned Aerial Systems (sUAS) to aid rapid response to various types of natural disasters. Platforms, however; are typically focused on small, specific areas of interest and resulting data is rarely shared in real time. Decision makers may have no access to this data, nor access to broad area Common Operating Pictures (COP) fusing real-time sUAS data with layers of contextual information and products from supporting groups. Such practices are, however; common within the Department of Defense (DoD). Skyward seeks to transition these practices to the civil community. During Phase I Skyward proposes to research the feasibility of developing enhancements to an existing sUAS-based Processing, Exploitation and Dissemination (PED) system based CONOPS which incorporates an sUAS platform, asset tracking technology, real-time sensors and geospatial data fusion and visualization environment. Phase I enhancements will focus on pulling products from supporting organizations for storage, visualization and sharing with the goal of rapid, enhanced broad area situational awareness for decision makers and first responders. This system, and the proposed enhancements, represent a revolutionary approach to civil disaster response Command and Control.
