An autonomous deployment system is herein for functional utilization in the physical placement and deployment of a heating or thermal mat(s). The system is designed to enhance human productivity and ease deployment of the prior art thermal radiating or generating devices for the removal and or inhibition of accumulation of snow and ice. The deployment system as can be designed to operate autonomously with automatic controls and sensors to control both the thermal system and the technology of controlling a deployment system. The system is well suited to autonomously deploy and retract rolled membranes and or flexible materials out over a flat or sloped surface area. The inherent flexibility of the mat allows it to traverse gently curved surfaces.