OVERWATCH Conference in Warsaw: Future Technologies for Crisis Management

OVERWATCH is a project implemented under the Horizon Europe programme, integrating Earth Observation data, drone technologies, artificial intelligence, and augmented reality (AR). Its goal is to develop a comprehensive decision-support system for crisis situations, particularly in the context of floods and wildfires.

The event programme included presentations of the solutions developed within the project, along with their applications based on real-life incidents in Poland and Portugal. A key highlight was an interactive demonstration session, during which participants had the opportunity to test the system’s tools, including the analytical platform and augmented reality-based solutions.

Two panel discussions formed an important part of the conference. The first focused on wildfire management and featured representatives of Portuguese and Polish institutions, who shared their practical experience in dealing with these kind of crisis situations. The second panel addressed the use of geospatial data in flood response and the development of support systems for emergency services, with participation of representatives from Poland and Italy, offering a broader perspective on challenges and best practices across countries.

The programme was complemented by a presentation on the social perception of drone use in crisis management, as well as an overview of the project’s future development plans and potential pathways for practical implementation.

Organizers emphasized that the integration of advanced technologies—from satellite data to AI and AR tools—can significantly enhance the effectiveness of hazard monitoring and the coordination of rescue operations, addressing the growing challenges posed by climate change.