Pre-Incident Planning for FIFA: Turning Drone Data into 3D Operational Readiness

Synopsis

Traditional pre-incident planning (PDFs, CAD drawings, or static maps) does not prepare a unified command for the complexity of dense stadium environments, layered transit corridors, temporary structures, and evolving security perimeters. As agencies prepare for FIFA, planning cannot rely on static diagrams or assumptions. It requires accurate, real-world data of the environments you will be responsible for securing.

This session brings together public safety leaders and 3D mapping experts to discuss how agencies are using autonomous, drone-captured imagery to generate high-fidelity 3D scans, photogrammetry-based point clouds, and measurable digital twins of stadiums and surrounding infrastructure. Skydio’s Jason LaFond and Noreen Charlton will be joined by Captain Tyler Grosser (Kansas City Fire Department) and Bret Gardner from GNext to share practical approaches to strengthening operational readiness for large-scale events.

What you’ll learn:

• How to capture stadium and surrounding infrastructure as measurable 3D planning environments
• The difference between a visual 3D model and an operationally usable digital twin
• How to use models for tabletop exercises and command-level scenario planning
• Where 3D modeling reduces decision friction in unified command and interagency coordination
• How to pressure-test infrastructure, staffing, and airspace plans before public scrutiny

This session is built for agencies actively managing FIFA operations and seeking clear, implementation-focused guidance.