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Author(s):
José G. Flores Garnica, Uri David Casillas Díaz, Alejandra Macías Muro
Year Published:

Cataloging Information

Topic(s):
Fire Behavior
Simulation Modeling
Mapping

NRFSN number: 19082
Record updated:

In the field of geographic information systems (GIS) there are certain tasks that are performed repetitively and are thus sometimes monotonous, where it is necessary to structure, integrate and analyze a series of georeferenced information, which, however, always carries the same sequence. Therefore, we developed a sequential model which allows automating certain processes in the definition of priority wildfire protection areas. For this, we used the Model Builder tool (ArcGis), which is based on a visual programming language that allows structuring the sequence of processes. To illustrate this, we used vector-type information layers corresponding to the variables of three criteria, namely risk, hazard and value, such as: towns and roads in forest areas, the historical fire record, burned land polygons, fire behavior in forest ecosystems, ecosystem classification, slope, exposure, precipitation, temperature, drought, fire regimes, protected natural areas, bird conservation areas, RAMSAR sites, payments for environmental services, priority land areas, indigenous communities, poverty levels and timber value. As a result, we obtained a sequential model of priority wildfire protection areas, based on which a map where these areas are located and dimensioned according to their classification (very low, low, medium high and very high) was generated. It is therefore concluded that it is a practical tool which saves time in processes and sequences, in addition to avoiding human errors when working manually. Finally, it is pointed out that the sequence model is useful for designating protection areas. This information is important to support decision-making in the definition of fire management strategies.

Citation

Flores Garnica, José German; Casillas Díaz, Uri David; Muro, Alejandra Macías. 2019. Standardized process to generate mapping of priority areas for protection against wildfires. In: González-Cabán, Armando; Sánchez, José J., tech. eds. Proceedings of the fifth international symposium on fire economics, planning, and policy: ecosystem services and wildfires. Gen. Tech. Rep. PSW-GTR-261 (English). Albany, CA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Research Station: 182-196.

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