UAV Station Deployment for Emergency Traffic Incident Management: A Pareto Frontier-Based Approach

This study examines the issue of frequent traffic accidents leading to congestion and subsequent accidents. Timely investigation and management of these incidents is essential for effectively addressing this problem. This study aims to utilize Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) technology to improve the efficiency of assessing and investigating traffic accidents. We propose a bi-objective spatial optimization model based on identifying high-risk accident locations. This model combines coverage and median objectives within a service area, taking into account coverage requirements and optimizing site distribution. We also propose a constraint-based process to generate a Pareto frontier to help identify various alternative UAV station location scenarios. The model was validated using real traffic accident data from Nanning City, resulting in a UAV station configuration solution that reduces accident response time and improves assessment efficiency by considering multi-objective trade-offs. This study demonstrates the potential of UAV technology to improve the management and response to traffic accidents.