Exploration of a disrupted road network after a disaster with an online routing algorithm

Abstract

This paper considers the problem of supporting immediate response operations after a disaster with information about the available road network to reach certain locations. We propose an online algorithm that aims to minimize the route length required by an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) to explore the road accessibility of potential victim locations. It is assumed that no information about disruptions in the road network is available at the start of the exploration. The online algorithm applies two movement and three orientation strategies. Additionally, a cutting strategy is used to restrict the search space after new information about the state of single roads is obtained. We consider a road and an aerial network for the movements of the UAV, since it is not necessary to follow the route of a road any longer, if it can be marked as disrupted. In extensive numerical studies with artificial and real-world test instances, it is evaluated for different disruption levels, which combinations of movement and orientation strategies perform best. Additionally, we propose different refuelling strategies for the UAV and present how they differ in the number of refuelling operations and the required additional route length. The results show that an efficient online algorithm can save valuable exploration time.

Selecting Freight Transportation Modes in Last-Mile Urban Distribution in Pamplona (Spain): An Option for Drone Delivery in Smart Cities

“…The consideration of the use of drones in urban last-mile distribution and other mobility applications is a hot research topic also highlighted by other authors [51,52], making drone delivery a promising way of capillary distribution in urban scenarios. Furthermore, Macrina et al [53], Lemardelé et al [54] presents and discuss the current advantages of the use of drones in urban distribution along with its potential future applications.…”

An Online Algorithm for Routing an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle for Road Network Exploration Operations after Disasters under Different Refueling Strategies

“…We extend the algorithm presented in the study Reyes-Rubiano et al [4]. We propose three refueling strategies and different numbers of possible refueling station in the disrupted network.…”

“…Our solution approach aims to balance the cost of considering a safety fuel buffer and the cost of performing a refueling operation every time it is needed. We extend the algorithm of Reyes-Rubiano et al [4] by adding the following procedures: (1) Detection of refueling stations reachable by road from the DMC. This procedure determines which refueling stations are operating at each time t of the exploration.…”

“…UAV use offers an increment of the speed and flexibility of humanitarian operations [3]. Based on the study of Reyes-Rubiano et al [4], we study the evaluation operation using a UAV with flying range limitations. Reyes-Rubiano et al [4] focus on the evaluation of the state of the road network.…”

“…Based on the study of Reyes-Rubiano et al [4], we study the evaluation operation using a UAV with flying range limitations. Reyes-Rubiano et al [4] focus on the evaluation of the state of the road network. The main objective of this operation is to determine the roads that can be used for the distribution of humanitarian aid or evacuation of the affected population.…”