An Exploratory Study using Low-cost Drone Imagery to Analyze Post Disaster Recovery

Abstract

Globally collected data supports the documented increasing trend of severity and frequency of natural disasters. This study investigates using drone imagery as a potentially effective method for visual damage evaluation. The study begins with a literature review of current disaster evaluation techniques and disaster appropriation and then proposes metrics that leverage a drone-based methodology. This proposed method uses drone images analyzed over six months from damaged areas in Nashville, Tennessee after an EF-3 Tornado went through the area in 2020. These locations, East Nashville and Mt. Juliet are located in separate counties, with differing acreage areas, population size, and median income. The study uses manually quantified metrics of blue roofs, unrepaired/under-construction, and debris piles to track the recovery. These quantified results are compiled into three tables incorporating previously collected government stakeholder opinion to assess metric potential. The quantified metrics are assessed as potential recovery metrics, specifically blue roofs, and a discussion commences regarding a potential contribution to equitable disaster assistance.