CMU Showcases UAV-AI System for Flood and Fire Alerts

Chiang Mai University (CMU) has unveiled a new unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) system integrated with artificial intelligence (AI) to tackle flooding, forest fires and PM2.5 pollution in northern Thailand. The innovation, presented on 23 March 2026, aims to deliver highly accurate geographic data and real-time alerts to improve disaster management. Officials say the system could significantly enhance decision-making and environmental monitoring across the region.

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The project is led by the College of Arts, Media and Technology at CMU, with Assistant Professor Dr Phudinan Singkhamphu heading the research team alongside Associate Professor Dr Passithi Charoenkwan. The team presented its work, titled “Development of highly accurate terrain and elevation mapping from UAV aerial imagery,” at the Thailand Clean Air & Water Security Forum 2026 Episode 1: Chiangmai – Lamphun. The research uses photogrammetry combined with high-precision GPS-enabled UAVs to create terrain maps with a margin of error of no more than 10 centimetres.

These high-resolution maps are designed to support flood modelling, including risk assessment, water flow simulation and infrastructure planning. The data can also serve as a foundation for smart city development and future water management systems. Demonstrations showed drones conducting low-altitude surveys to generate detailed mapping platforms for accurate water management.

In addition, CMU has developed UAV systems equipped with AI to detect and monitor forest fires, a major contributor to PM2.5 pollution in the north. The drones can patrol high-risk areas, capture aerial imagery and train AI systems to identify fire and smoke sources with precision. The system can then transmit real-time GPS coordinates of hotspots, with drones capable of flying distances exceeding 60 kilometres.

A key advantage of the innovation is its affordability, with each system costing under one million baht, compared to several million for industrial alternatives. The platform processes drone imagery into large-scale maps and uses AI to automatically identify and report hotspots, producing hourly or daily reports for authorities. It also allows community participation, enabling residents to upload drone data to expand coverage and improve responsiveness.

Experts suggest the system could strengthen coordination between government agencies, local authorities and community fire-fighting teams. By improving access to timely and accurate data, it is expected to enhance emergency response and long-term environmental planning.

Khaosod reported that CMU plans to expand the platform into a fully integrated environmental and disaster data system. This would combine water management, fire surveillance and air quality monitoring to support policy decisions and operational planning, reinforcing the university’s role in driving sustainable development.

Pictures courtesy of Khaosod

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Adapted by ASEAN Now Khaosod 24 Mar 2026

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