26.11.2025
The experience and organization of the Rescue Drone Network (RDN) – Veneto, a volunteer organization created to support civil protection through the professional use of drones and robotic technologies was presented under the aegis of one of our partners – the University of Trieste. After an overview of the project FIRESAFENET, dedicated to fire prevention and risk management in cross-border areas, the structure of the network, highlighting how it represents the first structured network of drone operators for rescue in Italy was illustrated.
The presentation described the main areas of operation: video links with ground teams, search and rescue, scouting and surveillance, and emergency photogrammetry. Then some of the operations carried out in 2024 were reviewed, including Operation Cicero in Albignasego, the RDN national gathering in Desenzano del Garda, and Operation Poseidon in Giacciano con Baruchella, documented through images and field reports.
A significant part was dedicated to the internal structure of the association, divided into functional units such as the Mission Control Unit, Flight Operations, Local Emergency Secretariat, and the LiFE system for real-time video transmission, which is essential for reducing decision-making times during emergencies. The equipment and technologies available were also presented—from enterprise drones (Matrice M30, M350, Mavic 3T) to network infrastructure such as Starlink antennas and power stations – along with the software tools used in missions.
The conference concluded with a presentation of the network's training philosophy, based on shared procedures, cross-cutting skills, and a spirit of service, and the announcement of the imminent opening of the RDN Friuli Venezia Giulia section in 2025.
