The purpose of this site is to provide a place where people can work through a review process of various LANDFIRE data products and a method for submitting feedback and suggestions on a number of LANDFIRE data products in a guidebook structure. The site is based on a content management platform with structured content for a dynamic web experience. The feedback and suggestions will be reviewed both within and external to LANDFIRE and potentially improve future mapping updates and remaps.
In the past, LANDFIRE conducted a series of physical calibration workshops across the country soliciting input on Fire Behavior Fuel Model (FBFM) mapping rule relationships as well as direct communication with specialists reviewing vegetation and fire regime data products along with quantitative state and transition models. These efforts provided some success but were also challenging given travel and participation across the United States. Given the success of other efforts to improve data sets (Alaska Guidebook, SE SWRA updates) the LANDFIRE program has developed this web-based database to facilitate improved product review.
Your comments are valuable for several reasons. Based on input we receive, we may be able to adjust the FBFM rulesets, correct systemic errors within an Existing Vegetation Type (EVT) map, and provide for adjustments between map zones. For example; with your input and help, we may be able to identify areas where a subtle change in a bio-physical setting causes a change in fuel models, but the larger scale analysis did not identify the transition or it may help identify less obvious regional differences in the relationship between vegetation type and fuel models. User comments may capture useful insights and regional differences from experts that will be helpful in the mapping processes. The comments and suggestions may help inform the current LANDFIRE ReMap project.
Examples of database comments we think will be most useful:
- Suggested edits to the EVT-FBFM rule sets.
- Identification of map zone seam lines that are not supported by bio-physical (on-the-ground) changes.
- Examples of places where a fuel model change occurs, but is not represented on the map. What on-the-ground characteristics are driving the fuel model change?