1 evaluation of existing fire tracking systems fejf meeting day 1, 1030a – albuquerque, nm

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1 Evaluation of Existing Evaluation of Existing Fire Tracking Systems Fire Tracking Systems FEJF Meeting FEJF Meeting Day 1, 1030a – Albuquerque, Day 1, 1030a – Albuquerque, NM NM

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Page 1: 1 Evaluation of Existing Fire Tracking Systems FEJF Meeting Day 1, 1030a – Albuquerque, NM

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Evaluation of Existing Fire Evaluation of Existing Fire Tracking SystemsTracking Systems

FEJF MeetingFEJF Meeting

Day 1, 1030a – Albuquerque, NMDay 1, 1030a – Albuquerque, NM

Page 2: 1 Evaluation of Existing Fire Tracking Systems FEJF Meeting Day 1, 1030a – Albuquerque, NM

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Project OverviewProject Overview

• Is there an existing FTS system, with few or minor modifications, that will satisfy the WRAP’s requirements for an FTS.

• Web-based and historical systems (e.g., wildfire systems) to be reviewed.

• Primary emphasis of this project is on real-time data import and export capabilities.

• Evaluation made from the perspective of an FTS user.

Page 3: 1 Evaluation of Existing Fire Tracking Systems FEJF Meeting Day 1, 1030a – Albuquerque, NM

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Project GoalsProject Goals

• Evaluate existing FTS and provide:– A feasibility assessment of existing systems. – An analysis of modifying each system to

include WRAP needs.– Estimate resources needed to modify the system

to meet the required elements for tracking prescribed fires.

Page 4: 1 Evaluation of Existing Fire Tracking Systems FEJF Meeting Day 1, 1030a – Albuquerque, NM

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Systems EvaluatedSystems Evaluated1. San Joaquin Valley Smoke Management System Wayne

Clark2. Airshed Management System (formerly, RAZU) Dave

Grace, USDA – Forest Service3. Smoke Management Database – New Mexico

Lisa Bye, USDOI – BLM, NPS, FWS in New Mexico4. Nez Perce Tracking System Andrea

Boyer, Nez Perce Tribe5. South Carolina Tracking System

Ken Cabe, South Carolina Department of Forestry6. Florida Tracking System

Jim Brenner, Florida Division of Forestry7. USDA Smoke Management System Dale

Guenther, USDA – Forest Service

Page 5: 1 Evaluation of Existing Fire Tracking Systems FEJF Meeting Day 1, 1030a – Albuquerque, NM

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Project MethodologyProject Methodology

• Develop evaluation chart that includes:– Basic data elements– System information– Front- and Back-end

applications– Indexing and reporting– Optional modules– Interface/exchange of

data

• Conduct interviews with current FTS users/managers.

• Feasibility assessment of 7 systems.

• Shortlist and assess 3 systems– Necessary

modifications– Cost to modify & host

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Feasibility AssessmentFeasibility Assessment

• Reviewed all FTS for all elements and system characteristics listed in the Workplan.

• Developed a point system to rank the evaluated FTS.– Importance of each category of elements

reflects Project Team judgment.• Maximum possible points:

Basic Elements = 55 System-Related Features = 45.

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Feasibility AssessmentFeasibility Assessment

• Bonus Point Categories1. 2 points per each Basic Elements category

-- the majority of listed elements were included in the FTS and/or if all critical elements were included.

2. 5 bonus points to overall score

-- if the Project Team identified some unique flexibility, an apparent ease in transfer of the FTS to the future WRAP system , and/or an expressed willingness of the current FTS host to support transfer to the WRAP system.

Page 8: 1 Evaluation of Existing Fire Tracking Systems FEJF Meeting Day 1, 1030a – Albuquerque, NM

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Table 1 - FTS Evaluation Point System

Data Elements Critical Elements Evaluated

Max Possible Points

Task 2.A. Basic Data ElementsBurn Date Start date; end date 10

Burn Location Latitude/longitude 10Burn Area Size of burn (acres); fuel type 10

Components related to Annual Emission Goals 15Emission Reduction Techniques Any ERT element 5

Bonus Ranking 5Total for Basic Data Elements 55

Task 2.B. System Information Web-based, exporting capabilities 15Task 2.C. Back-End and Front-End Applications 10Task 2.D. Indexing and Reporting 10Task 2.E. Optional Modules 5

Task 2.F. Interface and/or Data Exchange 5Total for System-Related Features 45

Total Maximum Possible Score 100

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Feasibility AssessmentFeasibility Assessment

• Points assigned in a 2-step process:Step 1 – Each individual element listed in the

evaluation table was objectively scored (0 = not included; 1 = included; 3 = critical elements included) and an overall bonus for the category was scored (0 = few if any elements are included; 2 = most and/or critical elements included).

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• Step 1 Example – For the Burn Date category (14 points total).– 8 listed elements

• start date – CRITICAL 3 POINTS• start hour – 1 point• multi-day start dates – 1 point• multi-day start hour – 1 point• end date – CRITICAL 3 POINTS• end hour – 1 point• multi-day end dates – 1 point• multi-day end hour – 1 point• 2 bonus points if majority of elements or all critical elements are present in

the FTS.

FTS#1 - both critical elements and none of the other listed elements. - - FTS#1 receives an objective total score of 8.

FTS#2 - includes 1 critical element (start date) and 3 listed elements. - FTS#2 receives an objective total score of 6.

FTS#3 - includes all listed elements and receives the maximum of 14 points.

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Feasibility AssessmentFeasibility Assessment

Step 2 – Based on the objective scores in step 1, each FTS was assigned a score for the category based on the maximum possible points for the category. Within a category, the relative points assigned to an FTS accurately reflected how well it stacked up against all of the other FTS.

Page 12: 1 Evaluation of Existing Fire Tracking Systems FEJF Meeting Day 1, 1030a – Albuquerque, NM

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• Example (Burn Date category): Total possible points for the Burn Date category is 10.

FTS#1 (objective score of 8) is assigned a 7 (all critical elements; no additional listed elements).

FTS#2 (objective score of 6) is assigned a 5 (one critical element; two of four other listed elements).

FTS#3 (objective score of 14) is assigned a 10 (all listed elements).

Page 13: 1 Evaluation of Existing Fire Tracking Systems FEJF Meeting Day 1, 1030a – Albuquerque, NM

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Table 2 - FTS Evaluations

Data Elements

Max Possible Points

San Joaquin Valley

Airshed Management

System (MT/ID)

Smoke Management

Database (NM)

Nez Perce

Tracking System

South Carolina Tracking System

Florida Tracking System

USDA Smoke Management

SystemTask 2.A. Basic Data Elements

Burn Date 10 5 3 5 7 5 5 5Burn Location 10 7 8 8 2 9 10 8

Burn Area 10 9 9 9 6 9 7 7Components related to Annual Emission Goals 15 12 4 13 10 10 10 10

Emission Reduction Techniques 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0Bonus Ranking 5 0 5 5 0 0 0 5

Total for Basic Data Elements 55 33 29 40 25 33 32 35Task 2.B. System Information 15 6 10 12 4 4 4 12Task 2.C. Back-End and Front-End Applications 10 3 6 8 10 5 3 10Task 2.D. Indexing and Reporting 10 4 4 8 0 4 4 10Task 2.E. Optional Modules 5 0 0 3 5 0 0 0Task 2.F. Interface and/or Data Exchange 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Total for System-Related Features 45 13 20 31 19 13 11 32

Total Maximum Possible Score 100 46 49 71 44 46 43 67

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Short-Listed Systems (3)Short-Listed Systems (3)

• State of New Mexico Smoke Management Database (total score 71)

• USDA Smoke Management System (total score 67).

Summary: -- Both include most of the critical elements.-- Both received the five bonus points for apparentflexibility, ease in transfer, and/or willingness of hostto support transfer the FTS to the WRAP FTS. -- Both scored well in the Indexing and Reporting

category.-- No obvious incompatibilities with transferring overeither system to the WRAP FTS.

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Short-Listed Systems (3)Short-Listed Systems (3)

A 3rd FTS was considered and added to the short list (as approved by the FTS Task Team)

• Airshed Management System (MT/ID).

Summary: -- The unique aspects of this FTS include a standard and rigorous architecture, an interactive mapping website, and features that promote regional coordination.

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Technical Mods and CostsTechnical Mods and Costs

• List of Essential Elements developed based on:

– WRAP Policy – Fire Tracking System (April 2, 2003),– “Needs Assessment for Evaluating and Design of an Emission

Data Reporting, Management, and Tracking System” (July 25, 2003 – in particular those sections pertaining to fire tracking),

– “Fire Tracking System” presentation from the Coeur d’Alene, Idaho meeting on May 15-17, 2001, and the WRAP Emissions Data Management System (EDMS) design information,

– The detailed list of basic and system elements for an FTS as presented in the Final Workplan for this Project.

– Materials prepared by the Regional Coordination Task Team of the FEJF

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KEY FEATURES OF WRAP FTS

Elements Date of BurnBurn LocationArea of BurnFuel TypePre-Burn Fuel LoadingType of BurnNat/AnthAnnual Emission Goal InfoAEG (addl)ProjectionsEmissionsEmissions (addl)

System Features Real time data import and export

Web based

Can info easily be shared between states

GIS/mapping capabilities

Conventional system language & design

Important Characteristics Straightforward queries

Straightforward reporting

Important Elements for Regional Coordination

Basic Elements of FTS Policy

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Technical Modifications - MethodTechnical Modifications - Method

• Assessment of technical modifications to create an FTS with all essential elements and key system characteristics.– Devised an system to evaluate merits of one

FTS in relationship to the other FTS• -1 or -2 – system deficient compared to other FTS• 0 – system essentially as proficient as other FTS• +1 or +2 – system more proficient compared to

other FTS

Page 19: 1 Evaluation of Existing Fire Tracking Systems FEJF Meeting Day 1, 1030a – Albuquerque, NM

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Technical Modifications - SummaryTechnical Modifications - Summary

• WRAP FTS Requirements– Existing FTS are evaluated to be very similar in

terms of meeting the WRAP FTS Requirements• NM – Score +2 (PM emissions and track multi day

burns)

• MT/ID – Score +1 (flexible user permissions)

• USDA – Score +1 (flexible user permissions)

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Technical Modifications - SummaryTechnical Modifications - Summary

• WRAP FTS System Characteristics– MT/ID and USDA have the system edge over NM

• NM – Score 0 (plus - simple ACCESS system; minus – size and user limits; not protected well from corruption)

• MT/ID – Score +4 (plus - built in automation; supports many users and records; minus - more complex to manage; expensive to implement Web GIS)

• USDA – Score +4 (plus - built in automation; supports many users and records; minus - more complex to manage; system currently under development so features could not be tested)

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Table 4 - WRAP FTS RequirementsFTS Requirements Total Points: 2 1 1

Element New Mexico MT/ID USDA AssessmentWhat required fields are missing?

Burn hour, location of closest town, burn agency info., blackened acres, ERT emission factors, emission reductions, responsible agency

0

Burn hour, location of closest town, emissions, emission factors, ERT, burn agency info., blackened acres, ERT emission factors, emission reductions, responsible agency

0

Burn hour, location of closest town, emissions, emission factors, ERT, burn agency info., blackened acres, ERT emission factors, emission reductions, responsible agency

0 All FTS have essentially the same missing data elements.

Is the system web-based? Yes with limitations (see Table 2) 0 Yes 0 Yes* 0 Web-friendliness of all FTS is similar.

Can the system perform emissions calculations?

PM10 emissions are estimated by means of emission factors, acreage, and tonnage. 1

No emissions.

0

Currently developing a link to CONSUME.

0NM has the edge here, with PM emission calculation cabability. While not sophisticated, it's funtional and relatively simple to add pollutants and use the same calculation method.

Is there ERT support? ERT’s are recorded but no emission reduction information 0

No ERT information.0

No ERT information.0

Capability to deal with ERT's is essentially non-existent with all FTS. Would have to build this capability from scratch.

Is there a GIS capability? Predetermined map images

0

Currently developing a web-based interactive ArcGIS server application to display burn locations and associated database information. 0

Currently developing a system that uses Google Earth to display burn locations and associated database information.

0

Currently, systems deal with GIS is a limited way, at best. MT/ID does provide a client-based interactive system that can only be used by one user with access to the application. Waiting for MT/ID or USDA is an option. Our assumption for this assessment is that GIS functionality would have to be added to any of the FTS.

Is there multi-day burn support?

Yes 1

No0

No0 NM is currently the only system that supports

this.

Is there support for Importing from or exporting to other systems?

No

0

No

0

No

0 Ability to communicate with other systems would have to be added to any FTS chosen.

Is there ad-hoc query support?

Queries must be created by user with access to the application server 0

Queries must be created by user with access to the application server 0

Queries must be created by user with access to the application server 0

Similar query capabiliites for all three FTS. Whether the WRAP takes query support as-is or enhances it, it would be the same effort for all FTS.

Is there an ability to assign different user permissions?

Yes, only at the database level0

Yes, per record, table, or view1

Yes, per record, table, or view1 Permission capabilities essentially the same for

all FTS.

Is there Annual Emission Goal support?

No0

No0

No 0

Capability to deal with AEG is essentially non-existent with all FTS. Would have to build this capability from scratch.

* Latest version of the interface is in beta and some new features including the add/change burn data are not yet functional.

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Table 5 - FTS System Characteristics and RequirementsFTS Requirements Total Points: 0 4 4

New Mexico Montana/Idaho USDA 4 Assessment

Ease of use of web interface Easy button navigation and plenty of help. Use of acronyms provides some confusion of web page organization. 1

Not clear that you can indicate type of fuel. Relationship between preseason and proposed burn is not clear. 0

Easy button navigation with clear labels. Latest version of the interface is in beta form and not currently available for testing by the Project Team. Some of the new features are not yet available.

-1Web interfaces are relatively straightforward…with the potential for some confusion with MT/ID and upcoming improvements for USDA.

System Characteristics

PermissionCan only set-up permissions at the file level. 0

Can set-up permissions by table, view, or record. 1

Can set-up permissions by table, view, or record. 1

MT/ID and USDA have greater flexibility for permission settings. May or may not be a critical aspect of the WRAP FTS.

Users

Limited to approximately 10 concurrent users in a web environment.

-1

Able to support hundreds of concurrent users

1

Able to support hundreds of concurrent users

1Perhaps the biggest limitation to the NM system. If the WRAP FTS is limited to approximately 30 total users with concurrent access limited to 10 users, then this limitation becomes unimportant.

Automatic Scheduled JobsDifficult to create automatic scheduled jobs such as back-ups or data aggregation. 0

Built-in ability to set-up scheduled jobs that run automatically. 1

Built-in ability to set-up scheduled jobs that run automatically. 1 MT/ID and USDA have more flexibility to execute

scheduled jobs automatically.

Robust QueriesDatabase can become corrupt if client query fails to complete. -1

Use of transaction logs prevent database from becoming corrupted because of incomplete queries.

1Use of transaction logs prevent database from becoming corrupted because of incomplete queries.

1 MT/ID and USDA are more robust systems.

System Storage Capacities2 GB database size limit. Includes data, queries, and forms -1

More than 1,000,000 TB1

More than 1,000,000 TB1

Quite possible that NM system will bump up against storage limitations without expansion of backend.

Database Record LimitsOne database will hold approximately 2,000,000 fire records 0

Limited by server storage.1

Limited by server storage.1

Quite possible that NM system will bump up against storage limitations without expansion of backend.

Ease of Use of System

Easy to set-up database and develop queries and forms.

1

Somewhat complex to set-up and manage database. Requires good knowledge of SQL language.

-1

Somewhat complex to set-up and manage database. Requires good knowledge of SQL language.

-1

NM system requires less software expertise to set-up and maintain. Although the sophistication of the WRAP FTS in general may require enough database/software expertise to maintain that the expertise required by MT/ID and USDA would be in place anyway.

Hardware and software requirements

SoftwareMS Access 2000 (~ $230)

1SQL Server 2000 standard edition for single processor (~ $6,000) 0

SQL Server 2000 standard edition for single processor (~ $6,000) 0 Essentially no software costs associated with NM.

Modest software expense for MT/ID and USDA.

Web/GIS Server

ArcView desktop software (~ $1,500) required to generate maps.

0

No Web/GIS server currenlty required. With development of user-based GIS capabilities, ArcGIS Server ($30,000 for one server with 2 processors)* would be required.

-1

Cold Fusion Server (~ $1,300)

0Signigicant software expense for MT/ID for the ArcGis Server, modest expense for NM and USDA.

Database ServerServer with 1 GB RAM, 120 GB hard drive, and 1.0 GHz processor (~ $1,100) 0

Server with 1 GB RAM, 120 GB hard drive, and 1.0 GHz processor (~ $1,100) 0

Server with 1 GB RAM, 120 GB hard drive, and 1.0 GHz processor (~ $1,100) 0 Essentially the same basic server requirements for

all FTS.

*Used for interactive GIS system that is currently being developed

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Cost Estimate - MethodCost Estimate - Method

• Primarily based on input from FTS managers – should be considered approximate.

• Cost estimate to include:– Development hours

– Additional hardware costs

• Cost estimates most useful as an assessment of relative costs to modify the FTS evaluated.

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Cost Estimate - SummaryCost Estimate - Summary

• To create a WRAP FTS with essential elements and system characteristics, NM FTS can be most efficiently transferred (580 hours).

• Similar effort required to modify any of the three FTS to include preferred elements and system characteristics (1300 – 1340 hours).

• Similar effort required to modify any of the three FTS to build WRAP FTS with all bells & whistles (1400 – 1500 hours).

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Table 3 - FTS Modifications and Resources(E)ssential New Mexico Montana/Idaho USDA(P)referred Level of Effort Level of Effort Level of Effort

or (O)ptional (hours)* (hours)* (hours)* Assessment/NotesFinal design of database and structure

E

Types of records to be included, classes of users, editing protocols, and burn approvals if appropriate

60 80 80SQL Server database requires more work than Access database

P

Address system shortcomings: permissions; user number; automation; query limitations; size limitations.

120 0 0

NM Access database could be upgraded to SQL Server database. MT/ID and USDA already use SQL Server.

EAdd fields needed to meet WRAP requirements

80 100 80 MT/ID is missing more required fields than NM or USDA.

EWeb interface modifications to enhance ease of use

40 40 40All require slight changes.

Add features to compute emissions

E Develop approach 40 40 40

Options:

A. WRAP Phase II/III emission inventory

E

Develop queries to compute emissions by using look-up tables of emission factors, acreage, and tonnage

40 60 60

NM already has some of the query structure in place.

B. Inter RPO (FEPS)

O

Develop queries to compute emissions by using fuel specific emission and consumption factors and fuel moisture options

60 80 80

NM already has some of the query structure in place.

C. Link to CONSUME

O

1) Identify CONSUME inputs that can be pulled from the database

80 80 80Note "a" for USDA: USDA is currently developing a link between their FTS and CONSUME.

O2) Create fields in the database to hold CONSUME output

20 20 20 Note "a" for USDA: USDA is currently developing a link between their FTS and CONSUME.

O3) Develop Visual .NET application to control CONSUME

100 100 100 Note "a" for USDA: USDA is currently developing a link between their FTS and CONSUME.

Modifications

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Table 3 - FTS Modifications and Resources(E)ssential New Mexico Montana/Idaho USDA(P)referred Level of Effort Level of Effort Level of Effort

or (O)ptional (hours)* (hours)* (hours)* Assessment/NotesERT

E Develop approach 40 40 40

ECreate menu of ERT's and associated emission reduction credits

20 20 20

EDevelop queries to compute ERT impacts

40 40 40

GIS

EPredetermined maps 20 80 80 Note "b" for NM: New Mexico FTS already

displays some predetermined maps of burn locations.

PInteractive system 600 600 600

Note "c" for MT/ID & USDA: No hours may need to be expended since interactive GIS system is currently being developed.

Regional coordination features & methods

E Assess current protocols 40 40 40

E

Modifications to accommodate import from different federal and state systems

40 60 60Less effort required to modify Access database than SQL Server database.

Export data to modeling and/or projection system

E

Assess input requirements of federal or state system such as EDMS, WFMI, FACTS, or TEISS

40 40 40

ECreate queries to output data in NIF or flat file format

20 40 40 Queries in NM Access database are easier to create than in the MT/ID and USDA SQL Server databases.

E Add export feature to interface 20 20 20

EAssign different levels of user permissions

20 20 20

Support for Annual Emission Goals

EDevelop queries to report number of times ERT’s are used

20 20 20

Total Level of Effort (hours) 1,560 1,620 1,600

*Level of effort does not include estimate for workplan development. We estimate that 160 labor hours would be required for workplan development.Essential: 580 740 720Preferred: 720 600 600Optional: 60/200 80/200 80/200

Modifications

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Recommendations - MethodRecommendations - Method

• Extended the Technical Modifications assessment to Post-Modification period.– By dedicating a estimated amount of labor, how

would each FTS perform as the WRAP’s FTS?– Tabulated this assessment and used results to

inform the Project Team’s recommendations.

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Table 4 - FTS Post Modification Analysis A

s-Is

Afte

r Ess

ent

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New Mexico MT/ID USDA

WRAP FTS RequirementsWhat required fields are missing? 0 1 1 0 1 1 0 1 1

Is the system web-based? 0 1 2 0 1 2 0 1 2

Can the system perform emissions calculations?

1 2 2 0 2 2 0 2 2

Is there ERT support? 0 1 1 0 1 1 0 1 1

Is there a GIS capability? 0 1 2 0 1 2 0 1 2

Is there multi-day burn support? 1 1 1 0 1 1 0 1 1Is there support for Importing from or

exporting to other systems?0 1 1 0 1 1 0 1 1

Is there ad-hoc query support? 0 1 1 0 1 1 0 1 1Is there an ability to assign different user

permissions?0 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1

Is there Annual Emission Goal support? 0 1 1 0 1 1 0 1 1

Page 29: 1 Evaluation of Existing Fire Tracking Systems FEJF Meeting Day 1, 1030a – Albuquerque, NM

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Table 4 - FTS Post Modification Analysis A

s-Is

Afte

r Ess

ent

ial M

odifi

catio

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Is

Afte

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ent

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Is

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New Mexico MT/ID USDA

FTS System Characteristics and RequirementsEase of use of web interface 1 1 2 0 1 2 -1 -1 2System Characteristics

Permission 0 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1

Users -1 -1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1

Automatic Scheduled Jobs 0 0 1 1 1 1 1 1 1

Robust Queries -1 0 1 1 1 1 1 1 1

System Storage Capacities -1 0 1 1 1 1 1 1 1

Database Record Limits 0 0 1 1 1 1 1 1 1

Ease of Use of System 1 1 1 -1 -1 -1 -1 -1 -1Hardware and software requirements

Software 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0Web/GIS Server 0 0 0 -1 -1 -1 0 0 0Database Server 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Page 30: 1 Evaluation of Existing Fire Tracking Systems FEJF Meeting Day 1, 1030a – Albuquerque, NM

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Table 4 - FTS Post Modification Analysis A

s-Is

Afte

r Ess

ent

ial M

odifi

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ferred M

odifi

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Is

Afte

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New Mexico MT/ID USDA

Total Points: 2 14 23 5 16 19 5 15 20

System Points: 0 3 10 4 5 6 4 4 7

Elements Points: 2 11 13 1 11 13 1 11 13

Estimated Hours: 580 720 740 600 720 600

Estimated Cost (not incl. maintenance: $ 60,000 $ 72,000 $80,000 - $110,000

$ 60,000 $ 78,000 $ 60,000

Total Estimated Costs for Essential and Preferred Modifications

$130,000 - $140,000 $140,000 - $170,000 $138,000 - $150,000

Total Estimated Costs Including Optional Modifications:

$135,000 - $160,000 $150,000 - $190,000 $145,000 - $170,000

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Table 4 - FTS Post Modification Analysis

Assessment/Notes/Comments

Total Points:NM scores highest with Essential and Preferred modifications. If all Optional Modifications are executed, scores for FTS are assumed to be equal to scores for "Preferred Modifications." All FTS would have enhanced emission calculation capabilities.

System Points:

With Preferred modifications ($60k), NM FTS achieves near maximum system points. MT/ID and USDA have more system functionality "out-of-the-box" but more difficult (and expensive) to tailor to WRAP's system specifications. Some system improvements being worked on by MT/ID and USDA hosts.

Elements Points:With Essential modifications, all systems have required WRAP elements. With Preferred modifications, a couple of elements get enhanced functionality.

Estimated Hours:

Estimated Cost (not incl. maintenance:

Total Estimated Costs for Essential and Preferred Modifications

Total Estimated Costs Including Optional Modifications:

The effort to implementing Essenstial, Preferred, and Optional modifications is expected to be essentially the same for all FTS. Some FTS development is underway for MT/ID and USDA (timing of completion is uncertain and results of development are untested). Successful development could reduce resources necessary to modify MT/ID and USDA.

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RecommendationsRecommendations

• What existing FTS would work best “as-is” for the WRAP’s FTS?– MT/ID FTS

• The MT/ID FTS is a currently functioning system that supports burn managers in the states of Montana and Idaho.

• The system uses an SQL Server database that can meet the needs of the WRAP region, and the user interface is fully functional.

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RecommendationsRecommendations

• What existing FTS would require the least amount of modification to work well as the WRAP FTS?– NM FTS– By upgrading the Access database to SQL Server, the New

Mexico FTS becomes a system capable of meeting current and future WRAP needs. The Project Team has estimated that 120 labor hours would be required to do this upgrade.

– NM FTS already supports limited emissions estimation (PM10), and it generates maps of burn locations. These features are not supported in the existing versions of the MT/ID and USDA systems, and would require approximately 140 labor hours to fully implement in the NM FTS.

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RecommendationsRecommendations

• What combination of existing FTS, technical modifications, and exceptional features from other FTS would comprise a WRAP FTS with the most complete set of features and capabilities?– Modified version of the MT/ID FTS (assuming the current

manager proceeds with the planned interactive GIS upgrade).– The MT/ID FTS has the advantage over using the New Mexico

FTS because it already uses an SQL Server database. – The Project Team preferred the MT/ID FTS over the USDA FTS

because the preferred interactive GIS system is already being designed for the MT/ID FTS, and the USDA FTS is not yet in production mode.

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RecommendationsRecommendations

• Rather than starting from an existing FTS, is there a better way for the WRAP to proceed with building the WRAP FTS? – The *easy* answer is NO. Starting with one of the three FTS

evaluated in this report could be a cost effective and efficient way of building the WRAP FTS.

– Each of the FTS already incorporates many of the essential features, and two of the systems are currently being modified to include the preferred GIS feature.

– The labor (time and money) that has been dedicated to build the essential elements and basic functionality of these FTS could be considered a down-payment on building the WRAP’s FTS.

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RecommendationsRecommendations

• Rather than starting from an existing FTS, is there a better way for the WRAP to proceed with building the WRAP FTS? – But…there are always other ways to build an equal or better

mousetrap. Rely on NM/FEJF specifications on a super-industrial system and use programming to make it look slick & contemporary.

• Make an existing “Commodity” FTS (not so stand-alone, proprietary)• Upgrade NM to be *industrial strength* database• Host on existing e-commerce site (e.g., Yahoo!)• Multi-users accommodated on a Web interface• Export events to Google Earth for review and regional coordination

– To be dicussed during the FTS Task Team break out session.

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Next StepsNext Steps

• Finalize Draft Report

• Post for review by task team.

• Incorporate comments and post Final Report.

• FTS Task Team prepares a plan to move forward with building and implementing the WRAP FTS.