- Author
- Kourtz, P.
- Title
- Forest Fire Detection Demand Model - For Scheduling and Routing of Airborne Detection Patrols.
- Coporate
- Forest Fire Research Institute, Ottawa, Canada
- Report
- Publication 1322, 1973, 38 p.
- Keywords
- forest fires | infrared fire detection | airborne computers | computer simulation | algorithms | fire data | dynamic programming | forecasting
- Identifiers
- northwestern Ontario, Canada; high altitude infrared system
- Abstract
- A computer simulation model was constructed to help determine the worth of a high altitude infrared system for supplementary forest fire detection over a large area of northwestern Ontario. The model made use of a scheme for forecasting detection demand that predicted, on an hourly basis, the expected number of fires burning in 25-mile square cells within the study area. A dynamic programming algorithm was devised that determined the patrol route to be taken in order to maximize the expected number of detected fires, given a limited aircraft range, the cloud situation, and the forecast of detection demand. Trials of the model, using actual 1970 fire and weather data, indicated that an infrared detection system has a useful role to play in conjunction with the study area's existing airborne visual and public detection systems especially when patrols are carried out only when the detection demand is high. It is doubtful if this area could economically support its own infrared system, however, such a system in use across Ontario would probably have high payoffs.