Alexandra Reed 
I’ve always been fascinated by stories of human ingenuity, especially when they involve using technology to overcome seemingly insurmountable challenges. One such story, which I recently stumbled upon, is about a group of British Mountain Rescue volunteers who are using homemade AI drone software to find missing people in the vast and unforgiving landscapes of the UK’s mountains. It’s a tale of dedication, innovation, and the power of collaboration – and it’s one I’m excited to share with you.
A Harrowing Disappearance in the Scottish Highlands
Our story begins with Charlie Kelly, a 56-year-old forensic psychologist with a passion for hiking. He loved tackling Scotland’s Munros, peaks over 3,000 feet, and meticulously marked off each conquest in a special book. In September 2023, Charlie set out to climb Creise, a Munro overlooking the stunning Glen Etive. He planned to make it a quick trip, but the allure of the mountains and the mild weather tempted him to consider tackling a second peak.
He assured his partner, Emer Kennedy, that he was well-prepared with extra food, water, and warm clothes, even if he had to wait out the night on the mountain. Throughout the following day, Charlie sent reassuring messages whenever he found cell service. He was in good spirits and confident he’d reach his car parked near the Glencoe Ski Center before dark. But that evening, after a final message saying he was just half an hour away, Charlie vanished.
A Herculean Search Effort
The Glencoe Mountain Rescue team launched an extensive search operation. They deployed sniffer dogs, quad bikes, helicopters, and drones equipped with infrared and conventional cameras. Professionals from the Coastguard, Police Scotland, and the Royal Air Force joined forces with dozens of highly trained volunteers from various Mountain Rescue teams. For days, they combed the rugged terrain, their hope fading with each passing hour. They found Charlie’s backpack, but no other trace of him.
A Spark of Innovation in the Lake District
Meanwhile, hundreds of miles away in England’s Lake District, two Mountain Rescue volunteers, Dan Roach and David Binks, were following Charlie’s story with growing concern. They had been developing a unique piece of software for over two years, a program that could potentially revolutionize drone searches. Their goal was to automate the process, allowing drones to scour landscapes far more efficiently than human eyes ever could.
Roach, a passionate climber and drone enthusiast, had long believed that drones could be more than just flying cameras in search and rescue. He envisioned a system that could analyze images and identify potential clues that human observers might miss. But his ideas were often met with resistance from the more traditional members of the Mountain Rescue community. Undeterred, Roach continued to experiment, collaborating with his friend and fellow volunteer, Dan Parsons, who brought his expertise in forestry and drone surveying to the table.
The Birth of MR Maps
The turning point came when Roach met David Binks, a retired software developer and Mountain Rescue volunteer. Binks had a proven track record of creating innovative tools for the community. His earlier program, MR Maps, allowed teams to track their members’ locations in real-time using radio signals, a game-changer in the pre-smartphone era. Intrigued by Roach’s vision, Binks decided to join the project, bringing his software development skills to bear on the challenge.
Binks embarked on a coding marathon, spending countless hours developing the software as an add-on to MR Maps. The program, with its somewhat retro Windows 95 aesthetic, was far more sophisticated than its appearance suggested. It tackled three key challenges:
Optimized Flight Paths
The software automatically generated flight paths that ensured the drone’s camera captured every inch of the ground from directly overhead. This eliminated the risk of objects being obscured by the terrain. The program even factored in the drone pilot’s position to ensure they maintained visual contact with the drone, a legal requirement in the UK.
Precise Geolocation
The software calculated the exact grid reference of every pixel in the drone’s images. This meant that any object identified in a photo could be pinpointed on a map with remarkable accuracy.
Intelligent Image Analysis
The program analyzed the images, looking for clusters of unusual colors. Instead of searching for specific colors like the red of a hiker’s jacket, it identified anything that deviated from the dominant colors in the surrounding environment. This meant it could spot a person even if their clothing blended in with the terrain.
Putting the Software to the Test
Roach and Binks knew their software had potential, but they needed a real-world test. When they heard that the search for Charlie Kelly was ongoing, they contacted the Glencoe team and offered their assistance. The Glencoe volunteers, having exhausted all other options, were willing to give the untested software a try.
On October 24, 2023, Roach, Binks, and Parsons arrived in Glencoe. After being briefed by the local team, they divided the remaining search areas and launched their drones. They were nervous but hopeful. They had tested the software extensively, even finding their own jackets hidden in fields, but this was the first time they were using it in a real search and rescue operation.
David Binks started his drone’s search in an area designated as “Area A.” After a few minutes, he lost sight of the drone and had to recall it. Frustrated, he decided to move on to “Area B” while reviewing the images from the first flight. As he scrolled through the photos flagged by the software, he was stunned. Two images clearly showed Charlie Kelly lying on the ground.
Closure and a Glimpse of the Future
The Glencoe recovery team reached the location identified by the drone and found Charlie. He had fallen and sustained fatal injuries. The area where he was found had been searched extensively, but his body was hidden in a gully, invisible to searchers on the ground. His clothing, a light brown top and dark blue trousers, blended in with the rocky terrain, making him difficult to spot from the air. But the software, with its ability to detect subtle color variations, had found him.
The discovery of Charlie Kelly was a bittersweet moment. It brought closure to his family and friends, but it also highlighted the tragic consequences of accidents in the wilderness. More importantly, it demonstrated the immense potential of MR Maps and its drone add-on. The software has since been used in other searches, successfully eliminating areas of interest and reducing the time and effort required to find missing people.
The Power of Volunteerism and Open Source
The story of MR Maps is a testament to the dedication and ingenuity of Mountain Rescue volunteers. These individuals, from all walks of life, generously donate their time and skills to help others in need. Roach, Binks, and Parsons have chosen to make their software freely available to anyone involved in search and rescue, including police forces. They believe that the technology should be used to save lives, not to generate profits.
The Growing Need for Mountain Rescue
Mountain Rescue teams in the UK are facing increasing demands. The popularity of outdoor activities has surged in recent years, leading to more people venturing into the mountains and unfortunately, more accidents. Social media has also played a role, drawing crowds to picturesque but potentially dangerous locations. Volunteer teams are stretched thin, responding to hundreds of callouts each year.
In this context, tools like MR Maps are invaluable. They can significantly reduce the time spent searching for missing people, freeing up volunteers for other tasks and potentially saving lives. The software is particularly effective in challenging terrain where traditional search methods are less efficient.
A Legacy of Hope and Innovation
The story of Charlie Kelly’s disappearance is a reminder of the inherent risks of exploring the wilderness. But it is also a story of hope and innovation. The dedication of Mountain Rescue volunteers, coupled with their willingness to embrace new technologies, has led to the development of a powerful tool that can make a real difference in the lives of others. MR Maps is a testament to the human spirit, a reminder that even in the face of tragedy, we can find ways to improve and protect ourselves and those around us.
My Reflections on the Story
As I delved deeper into this story, several things struck me:
The Importance of Collaboration
The success of MR Maps is a result of collaboration between individuals with different skill sets and backgrounds. Roach’s vision, Parsons’ drone expertise, and Binks’ software development skills combined to create something truly remarkable.
The Power of Persistence
Roach faced skepticism and resistance when he first proposed using AI in drone searches. But he persevered, continuing to refine his ideas and eventually finding the right partner in Binks.
The Value of Open Source
Binks and Roach’s decision to make their software freely available is a testament to their altruism and their commitment to the Mountain Rescue community. They believe that the technology should be used to save lives, not to generate profits.
The Growing Role of Technology in Search and Rescue
Drones and AI are increasingly being used in search and rescue operations around the world. These technologies can cover vast areas quickly and efficiently, helping to locate missing people and potentially save lives.
The story of MR Maps is an inspiring example of how technology can be used for good. It is a reminder that even small teams of dedicated individuals can make a big difference in the world. And it is a testament to the power of human ingenuity and the enduring spirit of volunteerism.
I hope this story has resonated with you as much as it has with me. It’s a reminder that even in the face of adversity, we can find ways to innovate and improve, making the world a safer and more hopeful place.
Additional Insights and Information
Mountain Rescue in the UK
Mountain Rescue in the UK is a volunteer-run organization that provides search and rescue services in mountainous areas. Teams are made up of local residents who donate their time and skills to help others in need.
The Use of Drones in Search and Rescue
Drones are becoming increasingly popular in search and rescue operations due to their ability to cover large areas quickly and efficiently. They can be equipped with various sensors and cameras, including infrared and thermal imaging, to help locate missing people.
The Role of AI in Image Analysis
Artificial intelligence (AI) is being used to analyze images from drones and other sources to identify potential clues that human observers might miss. AI algorithms can be trained to recognize patterns and anomalies, such as changes in vegetation or the presence of objects that are out of place.
The Future of Search and Rescue Technology
The future of search and rescue technology is likely to involve even greater use of drones, AI, and other advanced technologies. These technologies will help to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of search and rescue operations, potentially saving more lives.
Conclusion
The story of MR Maps is a powerful example of how technology can be used for good. It is a reminder that even small teams of dedicated individuals can make a big difference in the world. And it is a testament to the power of human ingenuity and the enduring spirit of volunteerism. As technology continues to advance, we can expect to see even more innovative solutions being developed to help those in need. The future of search and rescue is bright, and it is being driven by the passion and dedication of people like Dan Roach, David Binks, and Dan Parsons.
