A system that broadcasts real-time footage from a disaster site captured by a drone to a control center.

LG Uplus announced that it has built a real-time disaster site video transmission system using drones in Seocho-gu, Seoul to enhance the crisis management response capabilities of local governments in the event of various disasters such as large-scale fires and earthquakes, which have recently emerged as social issues.

This system relays disaster scene footage captured by a camera installed on a drone to a local government control center via a smartphone linked to the drone and an LTE-only network. For video broadcasting, the 'Industrial Direct Cam' application, which serves as a platform for transmitting video from a smartphone to an LTE network, is utilized, and drone-captured video can be viewed in real time through various devices such as control smartphones, PCs, and IPTVs.

LG U+ explained that it plans to provide local governments with a remote drone control system beyond visual line of sight, in accordance with the revised Aviation Safety Act, as well as a system where managers directly control drones within the line of sight.

While many local governments have introduced drones to strengthen their disaster response capabilities, the footage stored on the drone controller's SD card had to be manually transferred to the control PC for confirmation, limiting their ability to respond quickly and in real time when a disaster occurs.

However, Seocho-gu has established LG U+'s real-time disaster site video transmission system, enabling real-time disaster site video confirmation and group calls between staff members to quickly share the situation and establish countermeasures.

Seocho-gu plans to operate a real-time drone video transmission system for disaster sites for the next five years, and is considering introducing additional related devices so that the system can be utilized at autonomous centers under its jurisdiction, such as district offices, in addition to the district office situation room and two urban safety divisions.

To build this system, the two sides have been conducting various tests since October of last year, including building a dedicated LTE network and testing the connection between drones and industrial cam apps. Based on the successful implementation and operation of the Seocho-gu disaster management system, LG U+ plans to expand the system to the metropolitan area and each local government.

Meanwhile, LG U+ was the first in Korea to introduce a cloud drone control system last year that enables stable drone flights for disaster surveillance, surveying, and logistics transport even in non-visual areas or at night through a communication network. Last month, the company also launched a total LTE drone service that provides everything from water drones and customized LTE drones to cloud control and comprehensive insurance using an LTE control system.

LG U+ plans to develop a 3D map, an aerial radio map, and a real-time drone route guidance system this year, while also entering the public sector through a total LTE drone service.