General #

The configuration screen contains four distinct tabs: Common, FLAM, G4M, and BeWhere. Each tab corresponds to a specific section of the AFEIM model and allows you to input various datasets and configurations based on your modeling needs.

In the ‘Common’ tab, you will define the general settings used across the different models. The primary elements that need to be set here include the following:

1. Temporary File Location: This is where the software will store intermediate files generated during the modeling process. Click on the Open button and select your desired temporary output folder. Ensure you have ample disk space allocated for this.
2. Base Map: You need to choose the base map, typically a raster file, by clicking the Open button and locating the desired file. The file defines the projection, extent, and cell size.
3. Modeling Period: Set the start and end dates for the modeling period. This defines the temporal scope for which you want the model to run simulations or analysis. Date can be set by selecting from the calendar or manually typing. NOTE: date should be in form YYYY –MM-DD.
4. Climate Data: The common tab also allows you to input the folder where your climate data are located, which are used as the foundational dataset across all the models (FLAM, G4M, and BeWhere). Specifically, the climate data parameters you need to configure in the common tab are temperature, precipitation, humidity, and windspeed. Note that for temperature, it is not required to fill all the temperature related parameters (Tmin, Tavg, Tmax). You have the option to put whichever available data you have but make sure you put it in the right tab. For this purpose, we used the historical data for all these parameters as this will be needed in the processing prior projection of burned areas.

Note that it is recommended to verify that the projection of all input datasets is consistent to ensure accurate spatial analysis. Additionally, ensure that the resolution of the datasets is uniform, as differing resolutions may lead to inaccuracies in the model’s outputs and comparisons. In the FLAM Configuration tab (as shown in the screenshot), you will set up the specific input files required for the FLAM module. The configuration fields in this section allow you to provide data related to population, fuel, lightning, fire shapes, and output results.