Before beginning a FlamMap project it is important to spend some time to identify the project data needs and the data sources. FlamMap utilizes the same data as FARSITE, so if you have the data to do FARSITE fire simulations for a project, you are all set to use FlamMap.
A landscape is required for FlamMap, FARSITE, or SpatialFOFEM runs.
Optional raster (grid) and vector themes can be used for a variety of purposes as shown in the table below.
One text file is required to run FlamMap, the Initial Fuel Moistures (.FMS) File. For Farsite simulations a Weather Stream (.WXS) File for the weather and wind data and the Initial Fuel Moistures (.FMS) File are required.
Some GIS data themes are described as "optional". This means only that you do not need them to run a surface fire simulation. It DOES NOT mean that these are not required to calculate some aspects of fire behavior (e.g. crown fire) that are important to your analysis.
To utilize the optional dead fuel moisture model in FlamMap you also need a Weather Stream (.WXS) File.
File Name |
File Ext. |
File Type |
Required |
Optional |
.LCP or .TIF |
Raster |
Fuel Model, Slope, Aspect, Elevation, and Canopy Cover themes |
Canopy Bulk Density, Canopy Base Height, and Stand Height themes |
|
.FMS |
Text |
Yes |
none |
|
.WXS |
Text |
Required for Farsite simulations. |
FlamMap requires a Weather Stream (.WXS) File to utilize the optional dead fuel moisture model. |
|
.FMD |
Text |
No |
For fuel models other than the standard fire behavior fuel models. |
|
.LCP or .TIF |
Raster |
No |
For additional information, orientation, wind field inputs, or as an editing mask. |
|
.SHP |
vector |
Yo |
For additional information, orientation, as an editing mask, ignition source. |