PROJECT BRIEF

In 2024, Hurricane Helene struck Asheville, unleashing catastrophic flooding that left neighborhoods submerged and entire sectors of the city without power, communication, or access. Traditional response tools failed. Roads were impassable, infrastructure damaged, and emergency teams cut off from real-time information.

To overcome these challenges, the Asheville Police Department turned to a new kind of resource—automated drones, coordinated citywide.

We established a full service autonomous drone network for real-time surveillance, disaster recovery, mapping and urban planning. Our area-wide drone network provides secure, 24/7 remote access for key city stakeholders, first responders, and those involved in rebuilding after a major event. Our unique history and experience has brought us together to be able to change the way disasters are handled and monitored. Technology is rapidly evolving, and it’s time to bring visibility in ways that had previously never been possible.

SOLUTION OVERVIEW

The recent hurricane left the Asheville area vulnerable to safety risks, looting, and environmental hazards. We established a drone network that covers the entire damage area to:

 

  • Survey and map damage zones and monitor the changes from prior maps

  • Monitor landslide risks and geotechnical changes

  • Provide aerial surveillance and assistance for law enforcement and city officials

  • Track rebuilding efforts to ensure compliance with permits and safety regulations

  • Enhance insurance and building inspections with high-resolution aerial data

  • Support debris clean up teams with remote live access to critical areas

  • Provide access to on demand response flights to first responders throughout the rebuilding process and beyond

DETAILS

  • Approximately 13 Drone docks installed at key locations to provide full coverage
  • 2 Mile operational radius for maximum overlap and fast response
  • Multiple groups using a single source for access to data, requests, flights, and coordinated efforts
  • 2 min average response time upon request
  • Training provided

PALISADES USE CASES: 

  • Disaster Recovery: Structural assessments, rebuilding oversight, and progress tracking
  • Public Safety: Crime prevention, looter monitoring, emergency response, thermal imaging, night flights, incognito subject tracking, and enhanced situational awareness added to any call within the area
  • Urban Planning: Architectural analysis, permit verification, and city development monitoring
  • Environmental Monitoring: Landslide risk analysis, air quality assessment, and terrain shifts
  • Insurance & Inspections: High-resolution imaging for property claims and construction validation
  • Community Safety & Oversight: Ensuring abandoned structures are secured and preventing unauthorized occupation.
  • More services applicable

DEPLOYMENT SUCCESSES:

—Mapped Critical River Infrastructure—

Rapidly captured high-resolution data of Asheville’s waterways, with mapping continuing throughout the rebuild process.

—Established Local Partnerships—

Secured rooftop and on-site access through collaboration with Asheville businesses, enabling continuous drone operations during disaster recovery.

—Crime Prevention & Tactical Response—

Established a 911 fly-to-location immediate response system, including looting deterrence, suspect location, and live overwatch during dangerous incidents.

—Launched Text-to-Fly Emergency Feature—

Validated performance of real-time mapping, mission planning, and data-forwarding tools across multiple platforms and devices.

—Software Tested & Proven—

Multiple organizations communicating needs and sharing information

—Beta Testing: Dock 3 Systems—

Deploy drones in priority zones for damage assessment and security

—Local Partner Theft Prevention—

Assisted commercial property owners in using drone patrols to deter and document attempted theft during the post-storm recovery period.