The National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV) recently took part in thejoint exercise of the Network of Competence Centers dedicated touse of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), drones, for civil protection purposesThe activity took place in the Metropolitan City of Florence and simulated a hydrogeological emergency.
The exercise involved numerous operators divided into seven teams from the main Network entities.
Between these, INGV participated with the personnel of the Drone Units of the Pisa and Palermo Sections, which conducted aerial surveys of the Migneto dam in Mugello. Coordinated by the Exercise Coordination Center, the researchers used sensors to identify subsidence and leaks in the structure.
The initiative, organized by the Civil Protection Center of the University of Florence and Metropolitan City of Florence with the support of the Department of Civil Protection (DPC), represented an important opportunity for discussion between the various actors of the Civil Protection system, promoting the collaboration between scientific research and operational emergency management.
The Network of Competence Centers for the Applications of Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems was established in 2020 at the request of the DPC. It includes: Eucentre Foundation (coordinating body), the INGV, the Cima Foundation, National Research Council (CNR), Civil Protection Center of the University of Florence Higher Institute for Environmental Protection and Research (ISPRA) and the regional agencies for environmental protection ARPA Calabria, ARPA Lombardy e ARPA Aosta Valley.
In the picture: INGV personnel involved in the drill at the Migneto Dam. From left: Angelo Battaglia, Fabio Pisciotta, Luca Nannipieri, Alessandro Fornaciai, and Andrea Bevilacqua.