The remote surveillance of forest fires

The radiometric considerations for fifteen forest fire surveillance and detection systems are reviewed. The system response is optimized in the 3-6-micro spectral region. A formulation of system noise-equivalent temperature is presented in terms of operational performance requirements and start-of-the-art component parameters. The radiometric criteria are investigated for detection of incipient forest fires and mapping of terrain background. Obscuration of fire targets by timber canopies is discussed. A prototype fire detection system based on these considerations is being evaluated.