PSI - Issue 78

Mario Graniero et al. / Procedia Structural Integrity 78 (2026) 1040–1047

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The processed data, including the updated 3D interactive map overlaid with detected damage, would be made immediately available to emergency response teams and infrastructure managers. This information would enable them to: prioritize rescue efforts by identifying accessible sections of the highway for immediate rescue operations and locating trapped individuals more precisely; plan repair strategies by assessing the extent and type of damage to different structural components, allowing for efficient allocation of resources and planning of repair methodologies; ensure operator safety by guiding ground teams to safe access points and avoiding highly unstable areas; and estimate downtime by providing accurate estimates of the time required for restoration, aiding in logistical planning and public communication. This case study exemplifies how FW-UAVs, integrated with data-driven models and AI, can significantly enhance the speed, accuracy, and safety of post-disaster assessment and response for linear infrastructures in seismically vulnerable regions like Italy.

3.2. Real-time mapping and Digital Terrain Model (DTM) generation with FW-UAV LiDAR

The capacity for real-time mapping represents a significant advancement in emergency response, a capability greatly enhanced by Fixed-Wing Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (FW-UAVs) equipped with LiDAR sensors. Unlike traditional post-processing workflows that can delay critical information, real-time mapping systems enable the immediate collection, processing, and visualization of geospatial data, providing emergency responders with dynamic situational awareness (Nex and Remondino, 2014; Remondino et al., 2012).

Fig. 3. Functions and limitations on different UAV types (Sun et al., 2024)

In the context of linear infrastructure, this means that as an FW-UAV flies over a damaged highway or railway, a preliminary map showing affected sections, potential hazards, and even the extent of ground deformation can be generated and transmitted to ground stations in near real-time. This instantaneous data flow is crucial for making rapid, data-driven decisions during unfolding disaster scenarios, such as identifying safe access routes for rescue teams, pinpointing areas in urgent need of aid, or assessing the stability of critical infrastructure components. The generation of highly accurate Digital Terrain Models (DTMs) is another pivotal application where FW-UAVs, particularly those with LiDAR payloads, offer distinct advantages. DTMs are fundamental for understanding the bare earth topography, which is essential for analyzing landslide susceptibility, hydrological modeling, and precise