Uncrewed aircraft system base site suitability analysis for multi-hazard disaster response

Integrating Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) for search-and-rescue (SAR) enhances disaster risk reduction (DRR), yet technical and topographical constraints limit efficacy. This study proposes a pragmatic, multi-hazard framework combining geospatial analysis and mathematical optimization for strategic pre-disaster base planning. We evaluated site suitability by integrating evacuation facilities, multi-hazard exposure, slope, and land use data. Applied to Japan’s Mt. Unzen region, prone to landslides and tsunamis, the methodology identified optimal UAS base zones across diverse seasonal scenarios. Results demonstrate that flexible base selection maximizes risk-weighted coverage. Furthermore, while extending UAS operational range improves coverage, marginal benefits diminish beyond a specific threshold. These findings provide DRR practitioners and drone operators with a structured framework for pre-disaster positioning, significantly improving the efficiency and reach of emergency response operations. This integrated model bridges the gap between single-hazard studies and real-world multi-hazard complexity, offering actionable insights for strategic disaster preparedness and rapid SAR deployment.