Case Study: Wildfire Prediction and Management Using AI/ML on GCP for a Leading Energy Company

Client: Leading Energy Company

Industry: Energy and Utilities Solution

Provider: VerticalServe

Executive Summary:

The client, a leading energy company, was facing challenges in predicting and managing wildfires, which threatened their infrastructure and posed risks to public safety. They required a comprehensive solution that leveraged AI/ML on Google Cloud Platform (GCP) to predict, detect, and manage wildfires effectively. VerticalServe, a renowned consulting company, was engaged to develop and implement this solution, incorporating unstructured data like images, LiDAR, videos, and various other data types.

Challenges Faced by the Client:

1. Inefficient data intake and management: Managing and processing diverse and unstructured data, such as images, LiDAR, and videos, was a significant challenge.
2. Limited predictive capabilities: The client’s existing system lacked the ability to predict and detect potential wildfire threats effectively.
3. Inadequate infrastructure visualization: The client needed better visualization and metadata management for electric poles and other infrastructure components.
4. Absence of a comprehensive data science framework: The client required a robust data science framework for implementing AI/ML models and MLOps.

Solution Implemented:

VerticalServe implemented a comprehensive wildfire prediction and management solution using AI/ML on GCP. The following steps were taken:

1. Data intake and management: Developed a system for the intake and management of unstructured data, including images, LiDAR, and videos, from various sources.
2. Unstructured data lake on GCP: Created an unstructured data lake on GCP to store, process, and analyze diverse data types efficiently.
3. Data science framework using Vertex AI: Implemented a data science framework using Vertex AI, which included data labeling, MLOps, and model development and deployment.
4. Electric pole visualization and metadata management: Developed a solution for electric pole visualization on maps and metadata management using Elastic.
5. Processing apps on GKE: Deployed processing applications on Google Kubernetes Engine (GKE) for efficient scaling and management of resources.
6. ML models for defect detection and vegetation growth: Developed machine learning models for electric pole defect detection and vegetation growth detection, aiding in proactive maintenance and wildfire prevention.

Results Achieved:

1. Improved data intake and management: The implemented solution facilitated efficient intake and management of diverse and unstructured data, improving overall data processing capabilities.
2. Enhanced predictive capabilities: The AI/ML models on GCP significantly improved the client’s ability to predict and detect potential wildfire threats.
3. Better infrastructure visualization and metadata management: The electric pole visualization on maps and metadata management on Elastic provided valuable insights into the client’s infrastructure.
4. Comprehensive data science framework: The implementation of the data science framework using Vertex AI enabled the client to develop, deploy, and manage AI/ML models effectively.
5. Efficient resource management: The use of GKE for processing applications allowed the client to optimize resource allocation and scaling.
6. Proactive maintenance and wildfire prevention: The ML models for electric pole defect detection and vegetation growth detection helped the client proactively address infrastructure issues and mitigate wildfire risks.

Conclusion:

VerticalServe’s implementation of a wildfire prediction and management solution using AI/ML on GCP for the leading energy company revolutionized their approach to handling wildfire threats. The new platform provided efficient data intake and management, enhanced predictive capabilities, and a comprehensive data science framework. The client now benefits from better infrastructure visualization, optimized resource management, and proactive maintenance, which ultimately contribute to more effective wildfire prevention and public safety measures.

About:

VerticalServe Inc — Niche Cloud, Data & AI/ML Premier Consulting Company, Partnered with Google Cloud, Confluent, AWS, Azure…50+ Customers and many success stories..

Website: http://www.VerticalServe.com

Contact: contact@verticalserve.com

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