The EXE Spotorno 2024 exercise, which took place from November 4th to 6th, 2024, represented an essential opportunity for technical and scientific comparison aimed at perfecting the operational capabilities of the various UAS (Unmanned Aerial Systems, i.e. drones) network nuclei of the Civil Protection Department‘s centres of competence.
The initiative was promoted by the CIMA Foundation in synergy with the Eucentre Foundation, the Liguria Region, the Liguria Region Directorate of the National Fire Brigade, and the Municipalities of Spotorno and Bergeggi. It aimed to strengthen operational capabilities and define and test standardised drone use procedures in complex emergencies.
The complexity of emergency management requires a multidisciplinary approach. Each organisation brings its specific expertise, facilitates the integration of resources, and improves response capabilities.
The event was held at the Savona University Campus, and practical activities were carried out in the territories of Spotorno and Bergeggi. The presence of leading experts made it possible to explore crucial issues for emergency management, developing valuable synergies in coordination and innovative response strategies. The primary objective of the exercise was to harmonise operational procedures and strengthen interoperability between teams, thereby optimising network support in emergency response. In a context of increasingly complex environmental risks, the exercise thus represented a proactive response to the need to ensure greater effectiveness in managing critical situations.
Activities and Objectives
The exercise addressed vital aspects of improving situational awareness and supporting strategic decisions in critical situations. The main activities included assigning tasks to UAS teams in the context of emergency activation with the Fire Brigade, logistical management, data acquisition using drones, data processing and analysis aimed at post-event monitoring of critical infrastructures, the evolution of hydrogeological phenomena, and environmental impacts along the coastline. This synergic approach, with the primary objective of standardising working methodologies, allowed for timely intervention, improving the efficiency of emergency operations.
Innovation and Collaboration
A central aspect of the EXE Spotorno 2024 exercise was using advanced technologies and close cooperation between the participating organisations. The CIMA Foundation, as the organiser, led the planning and coordination, while the Eucentre Foundation supported the optimisation of interoperability between the teams, promoting standardised operating procedures. The Centre for Civil Protection of the University of Florence, CIMA, EUCENTRE, ARPA Lombardia, ARPA Valle D’Aosta, ARPA Liguria and ARPA Calabria trained the operational teams that conducted the survey operations. At the same time, the CNR unit at the base camp supported much of the analysis of the collected data. The timely delivery of the first-level products was one of the significant challenges faced and successfully overcome. The collaboration between CIMA, Eucentre and the other partners ensured the effective integration of technologies and teams, improving the system’s responsiveness.
Perspectives and Future Improvements
The exercise revealed indications of future improvements, including the need to implement digital tools for real-time tracking of flight operations and more accurate communication planning to avoid interference. It also highlighted the value of realistic operational simulations and the need for annual meetings to review procedures and develop improvement strategies. CIMA Foundation and Eucentre reiterated the importance of an ongoing training programme for personnel involved in emergency operations to ensure timely response and informed decisions in critical contexts. The appointment is for next year with a new exercise.
