Yama-go Hiker's Alert System
From 2020 until September 2023, Hong Kong's mountainous regions witnessed a substantial number of rescue incidents, totaling approximately 3,000. The Eastern Kowloon District saw the highest concentration with 1,029 cases. A significant portion of these incidents, over 20%, involved young hikers aged between 20 and 29 years old. Notably, 231 incidents involved solo hikers and 26 individuals were reported missing, with more than 70% of these missing individuals later found deceased. These figures underline the pressing need for improved safety measures for hikers navigating these treacherous terrains.
Hiking in the mountains of Hong Kong comes with various inherent risks. Accidents, injuries, and medical emergencies requiring immediate response are common, categorized under SOS incidents. Hikers also face unpredictable weather conditions, including rockfalls, heavy rainfall, and even wildfires, which can turn a day out in nature into a perilous ordeal. Furthermore, connectivity issues pose a significant challenge as many areas lack reliable communication signals, making it difficult for hikers to stay connected for safety.
To tackle these challenges, we have been introduced the innovative Yama-Go system. This system is designed to enhance the safety of hikers by using a combination of advanced technology components. The system's foundation is a Satellite Station with a 10KM coverage radius, equipped with a Beidou Satellite transceiver for precise global positioning and a LoRa Transceiver for long-range communication, even in remote areas.
Additionally, the Yama-Go Tag is a personal safety device carried by hikers. It features a GPS for location tracking, a LORA for local connectivity, a motion sensor to detect unusual stillness, a message display panel for real-time updates, and an SOS button for emergency situations.
The Yama-Go Mobile app complements the physical devices. It acts as a receiver for messages and alerts, includes an SOS feature that hikers can activate in emergencies, and uses a motion sensor to detect and respond to potential accidents. The app also collects data to improve future safety measures and ensure that hikers' locations are monitored continuously, eliminating any blind spots.
This comprehensive Yama-Go system not only allows hikers to send SOS signals in case of danger but also continuously receives hazard messages about weather and environmental conditions. It can automatically send SOS signals if it detects special risks, such as a hiker being motionless for a concerning period. Additionally, it issues alarms and notifications about potential dangers, provides emergency instructions, and suggests evacuation routes, significantly enhancing the safety of hikers in Hong Kong's mountainous regions.
