Testing Apps in the Wild: Empowering Wildland Practitioners with Fuels Data | by Wildlands | July 2023
Introduction:
In the face of increasing wildfires and their devastating impact on the environment and human health, AI2’s Wildlands team has developed an innovative solution to aid field practitioners in their efforts to combat these destructive fires. The Fuels Data app is a powerful tool that streamlines the process of collecting data in the field, provides tools to summarize the collected data, and constructs a dataset for future AI models. During a recent training workshop at Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge, the app was put to the test by a group of field practitioners, who were impressed by its efficiency and accuracy. With ongoing development and feedback from practitioners, the Fuels Data app aims to revolutionize the way wildfires are managed and controlled. If you are interested in partnering with the Wildlands team and trying out the app, contact them at wildland-fire-team@allenai.org.
Full Article: Testing Apps in the Wild: Empowering Wildland Practitioners with Fuels Data | by Wildlands | July 2023
Wildfires Continue to Plague North America Despite Changing Seasons
As we enter the summer season in North America, wildfires have become a prevailing issue, causing concerns about air quality and long-term impacts. Formerly limited to the summer months, fire season now extends year-round due to climate change. The intensification of fires is a global concern, affecting not only the West Coast of the United States but also regions worldwide. These wildfires pose significant risks to our health and well-being.
Historic Wildland Management Practices and the Need for Change
Traditional wildland management practices focused on quickly suppressing any fire, preventing the natural benefits of fire in fire-adapted ecosystems. Consequently, excessive fuel accumulation and disruptions in vegetation cycles have made wildlands more vulnerable to extreme fires. To mitigate the risk, it is crucial to restore wildlands to a natural fire-adapted state and prioritize fuels reduction efforts. Techniques such as mechanical thinning and controlled burns help reduce fuels. However, planning such activities requires accurate measurement of surface fuels before and after the reduction treatment.
Introducing the Fuels Data App
In response to the need for efficient data collection and analysis, the AI2 Wildlands team has developed an app called Fuels Data. This app aims to simplify the work of field practitioners by providing tools to collect and summarize data while constructing a dataset suitable for training AI models. The app was tested in the field during a training workshop at Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge, involving a group of practitioners led by Heather Heward, a senior Fire Ecology & Management instructor at the University of Idaho.
Benefits of the Fuels Data App
During the workshop, participants were trained in both the traditional photoloading process using pen and paper and the app-enabled process. The app proved to be a valuable tool, performing calculations on the spot and eliminating the need for manual calculations. Additionally, attendees appreciated the convenience of having all their data organized within the app. The app’s user-friendly interface and ability to save time and enhance accuracy were highly praised by workshop participants.
The Future of Fuels Data
The Wildlands team has been actively gathering feedback from practitioners to refine the Fuels Data app. Incorporating user suggestions and requests into their roadmap, the team aims to further improve the app’s functionality. They are developing models to support semi-automatic estimation of fuel components in captured images, starting with estimates of down dead and woody fuels. The team also plans to expand the app’s capabilities to detect additional classes of fuel.
Get Involved
The Wildlands team is actively seeking practitioners who wish to partner with them and test the Fuels Data app. For inquiries and partnerships, please contact the team at wildland-fire-team@allenai.org. The app is currently available for download in its early version on the app stores for iPhone, iPad, and Android.
Training Workshop at Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge
The training workshop conducted at Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge provided valuable insights into the challenges faced by field practitioners in rugged terrain conditions. The Wildlands team’s participation in the workshop allowed them to experience firsthand the difficulties encountered by practitioners, informing their plans for making usability improvements to the app, including a feature to organize field photos.
Overall, the Fuels Data app shows promise in revolutionizing the way field practitioners collect and analyze data related to wildfires and fuel reduction efforts. With ongoing development and collaboration with practitioners, the app has the potential to significantly enhance wildfire management strategies and contribute to the preservation of our wildlands.
Summary: Testing Apps in the Wild: Empowering Wildland Practitioners with Fuels Data | by Wildlands | July 2023
As wildfires continue to be a widespread issue in the United States, the need for effective wildland management practices becomes crucial. Paul Albee, Principal Research Engineer on AI2’s Wildlands team, has developed the Fuels Data app to assist field practitioners in measuring surface fuels before and after fuels reduction treatment. The app simplifies data collection, provides tools for data summarization, and constructs a dataset for training AI models. The app was recently tested at Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge during a photoloading workshop and received positive feedback from practitioners. The team is actively seeking partnerships with practitioners to further improve the app and make their work easier.
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AI, short for Artificial Intelligence, refers to the simulation of human intelligence in machines designed to mimic human-like behaviors and cognitive functions. It involves the creation and programming of smart computer systems that can learn, reason, and make decisions autonomously, without explicit human intervention.
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The future of AI is promising and holds significant potential in shaping various aspects of our lives. Advancements in AI technologies may lead to breakthroughs in healthcare, transportation, education, and other critical domains. However, the ethical and societal implications must be carefully considered to ensure responsible and equitable adoption of AI. Continued research, collaboration, and regulation are essential to harness AI’s full potential while mitigating any potential risks.
