Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

This compilation of frequently asked questions (FAQs) provides answers to common questions about the FlamMap fire modeling system. Please check these FAQs and the Known Bugs page for answers to your questions before contacting the Fire Applications Help Desk.

• 1. How is FlamMap supported?
• 2. Where can I get the GIS data to run FlamMap?

Because of similarities in FlamMap and FARSITE there is overlap in many of the questions asked. Please see the FAQ Page for FARSITE as many of the topics discussed there are applicable to FlamMap as well.

1. How is FlamMap supported?

Since FlamMap is released only as a Beta version, there is no formal support mechanism.

The online help system (contained in the file FlamMap3.chm) is your first source of support. It comes with the FlamMap installation package or can be downloaded from the Downloads page. However, the help system is incomplete with the exception of the tutorial. Each Beta version update will have significant additions to the help system.

If you think you have discovered a problem with the software please submit a Bug Report (see the Known Bugs page for more information).

2. Where can I get the GIS data to run FlamMap?

FlamMap uses the same Landscape (.LCP) Files used by FARSITE.

When creating a landscape from scratch the only data generally available are DEMs (Digital Elevation Model) from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). A geographic information system (GIS) can create the slope, aspect, and elevation themes from a DEM. All fuel-related data must be produced using a GIS - essentially mapping the different fuel layers over the landscape.

Many U.S. federal land management agencies are developing fuel data for use in FlamMap and FARSITE but data do not exist for most of the U.S. yet. Typical data sources include:

1. existing vegetation maps that can be cross-walked to fuels;
2. satellite image analysis along with ground-truth data; and
3. aerial photography and manual interpretation.