A Scoping Review on Role of Edge Computing in Search and Rescue Operations

Search and rescue counts as a prominent sector, and its importance is magnified by the recent increase in natural calamities caused due to global warming. Though a lot of new technologies have been integrated into the present search and rescue architecture, there are still many obstacles. These reduce the efficiency of this integration. Edge computing is embodied as a subdivision of artificial intelligence. It endeavors to decentralize existing computing from a central server and bring it closer to the edge. Search and rescue is a unique field and has few special operation constraints and difficulties. They arise due to the conditions under which the operations are carried out. Edge computing is an ideal fit for the search and rescue scenario. Many of edge computing's key advantages align well with the requirements of the search and rescue venture. This article reviews the scope of implementing edge computing into a search and rescue procedure. It also elaborates on the various problems that can be resolved using edge computing while illustrating the present literature available on the topic. The article discerns open research issues in this field. Doing so proposes a future direction for investigation in the application of edge data processing in search and rescue.