JPL PUBLICATION 86-5

Conceptual Design Study:

Forest Fire Advanced System

Technology (FFAST)

J. David Nichols

Jet Propulsion Laboratory

John R. Warren

U.S. Department of Agriculture

Forest Service

lJPL-Publ-86-5) CCNCfETUA L DISIGN STUDY: N86-2503U

FCEES1 FIRE ADVANCE D £YSliifi 1ICHKCLCG Y

(1FAST) (Jet trcpulsicr Lat.) 152 p

HC A07/MF A01 CSCL 02F Ucclas

G3/43 43382

.

February 15, 1986

Prepared for

U.S. Department of Agriculture

Forest Service

and

National Aeronautics and Space Administration

by

Jet Propulsion Laboratory

California Institute of Technology

Pasadena, California
TECHNICAL REPORT STANDARD TITLE PAGE

1. Report No.

JPL PUB 86-5

2. Government Accession No. 3. Recipient's Catalog No.

4. Title and Subtitle

Conceptual Design Study: Forest Fire

Advanced System Technology (FFAST)

5. Report Date

February 15, 1986

6. Performing Organization Code

7. Author ($)

Nichols, J.D. and Warren, J.R.

8. Performing Organization Report No

9. Performing Organization Name and Address

JET PROPULSION LABORATORY

California Institute of Technology

4800 Oak Grove Drive

Pasadena, California 91109

10. Work Unit No.

11. Contract/or Grant No.

12. Sponsoring Agency Name and Address

NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION

Washington, D.C. 20546

13. Type of Report and Period Covered

JPL Publication

14. Sponsoring Agency Code

RE152 PL-644-11-00-03-98

15. Supplementary Notes

16. Abstract

The National Aeronautice aadid tho Unitt>d-Ste

>paee-Adminictration'a Jet Propulcion .

Ja£feed States Departmen f Agricult

conccpfeua4L-des4gn—frtudy that., defined jp integrated

forest fire detection and mapping system that will be based upon——-

 UCLS> - - ^r . -

technology available in the 1990s A Uncertainties in- emerging and ae4in<3a.

advanced technologies related to the conceptual design were identified and

recommended for inclusion as preferred system components. System

component technologies identified for an end-to-end system include

thermal infrared, linearfarray detectors, automatic georeferencing ;and

signal processing, geosynchronous satellite communication links, and

advanced data integration and display.. Potential system configuration

options were developed and examined for possible inclusion in the preferred

system configuration. The preferred system configuration will provide

increased performance and be cost effective over the system currentl'y in

use. Forest firef management uiser requirements and the system component

emerging tecrinoiogies w^re the'has is .for the system configuration design. .

£fao conceptual dcoigniaijudy ctofincd :t^£ preferred system configuration u->«s> deHrvad

that warrants continued refinement and development, 'examined economic aspects .f t

of the current and .preferred system, and provided preliminary cost estimates

for follow-on system prototype-development.

17. Key Words (Selected by A

Forestry

Infrared Detection

18. Distribution Statement Qcsf

ci_

Unclassified, distributio ist n unlimited

19. Security Clossi. (of this report)

Unclassified

20. Security Classif. (of this page)

Unclassified

21. No. of Pages

135

22. Price

JPL 0184 R 9/83
JPL PUBLICATION 86-5

Conceptual Design Study:

Forest Fire Advanced System

Technology (FFAST)

J. David Nichols

Jet Propulsion Laboratory

John R. Warren

U.S. Department of Agriculture ^\^\ \

Forest Service .)» M

February 15, 1986

Prepared for

U.S. Department of Agriculture

Forest Service

and

National Aeronautics and Space Administration

by

Jet Propulsion Laboratory

California Institute of Technology

Pasadena, California
The research described in this publication was carried out by the

Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, and

was sponsored by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service

and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.

Reference herein to any specific commercial product, process, or

service by trade name, trademark, manufacturer, or otherwise, does

not constitute or imply, its endorsement by the United States Government or the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of

Technology.
ABSTRACT

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration's Jet Propulsion

Laboratory and the United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service completed a conceptual design study that defined an integrated forest fire detection and mapping system that will be based upon technology available in the

1990s. Uncertainties in emerging and advanced technologies related to the

conceptual design were identified and recommended for inclusion as preferred

system components. System component technologies identified for an end-to-end

system include thermal infrared, linear-array detectors, automatic georeferencing and signal processing, geosynchronous satellite communication links,

and advanced data integration and display. Potential system configuration

options were developed and examined for possible inclusion in the preferred

system configuration. The preferred system configuration will provide

increased performance and be cost effective over the system currently in use.

Forest fire management user requirements and the system component emerging

technologies were the basis for the system configuration design. The conceptual design study defined the preferred system configuration that warrants

continued refinement and development, examined economic aspects of the current

and preferred system, and provided preliminary cost estimates for follow-on

system prototype development.

iii
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

The conceptual design study was performed through NASA Task

Order" RE-152 A/398. NASA sponsorship was through the Technology Utilization Office. Although numerous individuals contributed to this task,

several deserve special'recognition. We wish to thank the members of

the Value Analysis Team: Dr. James R. Huning, Jet Propulsion Laboratory;

Dr. Robert D. Gale, USDA-Forest Service, Cooperative Fire Protection Staff,

Washington Office; and Mr. Michael S. Edrington, USDA-Forest Service,

Deputy Forest Supervisor, Williamette National Forest, Oregon. Special

thanks to Jo Anne Jamison for her typing of the manuscript.

-iv
CONTENTS ' '

1. INTRODUCTION 1-1

1.1 BACKGROUND 1-3

1.2 FUNDING 1-4

1.3 OBJECTIVE 1-4

1.4 APPROACH 1-5

1.5 FFAST SYSTEM CONCEPTUAL DESIGN 1-6

2.- SYSTEM DESIGN APPROACH, DESIGN DRIVERS, AND

FUNCTIONAL REQUIREMENTS 2-1

2.1 DESIGN APPROACH 2-1

2.2 DESIGN DRIVERS 2-1

2.3 SYSTEM FUNCTIONAL REQUIREMENTS 2-3

2.3.1 Sensors 2-4

2.3.2 Data Processing 2-5

2.3.3 Communications 2-5

2.3.4 Data Display 2-7

2.3.5 Functional Requirements Summary ..... 2-7

3. BASELINE DESIGN DESCRIPTION 3-1

3.1 COLLECTION OF FIRE DATA 3-1

3.1.1 Sensors 3-2

3.1.2 Storage of Fire Data 3-4

3.2 GEOREFERENCING OF FIRE DATA 3-6

3.2.1 Global Positioning Satellite Access 3-7

3.2.2 Signal Processing for Automatic Georeferencing . . . . 3-8

3.3 COMMUNICATIONS ................ . . . .... 3-8

3.4 DISPLAY OF FIRE DATA 3-9
4. CONCEPTUAL DESIGN PHASE ...... 4-1

4.1 CURRENT IR SYSTEM CONFIGURATION 4-1

4.2 VALUE ANALYSIS . . . 4-4

4.2.1 Value Analysis Phases . 4-5

4.2.2 Value Analysis Results 4-6

4.3 TRADEOFF EVALUATION PROCESS (TEP) ....... 4-8

4.3.1 Tradeoff Evaluation Process Summary ... 4-8

4.3.2 Tradeoff Evaluation Process Results 4-11

4.4 TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT . 4-18

4.5 ALTERNATIVE FFAST SYSTEM CONFIGURATIONS 4-21

4.5.1 Current IR System"Configuration 4-22

4.5.2 Option A System Configuration 4-24

4.5.3 Option B System Configuration 4-25

4.5.4 Option C System Configuration 4-25

4.5.5 Option D System Configuration 4-26

4.5.6 Preferred System Configuration 4-26

5. ECONOMIC ASPECTS OF THE CURRENT AND PREFERRED SYSTEM 5-1

5.1 CURRENT SYSTEM 5-1

5.2 SUPPLEMENTAL DATA . 5-4

5.3 COMPARISON OF CURRENT AND PREFERRED SYSTEM 5-7

5.4 SUMMARY 5-9

6. SYSTEM COST ESTIMATE ....... i. ...... 6-1

6.1 SCOPE OF SYSTEM COST ESTIMATES . ....... . i 6-1

6.2 WORK BREAKDOWN STRUCTURE 6-2

6.3 COST SUMMARY BY WORK BREAKDOWN STRUCTURE .......... 6-2

6.4 MASTER PROJECT SCHEDULE 6-2

VI
6.5 PRIMARY COMPONENT MILESTONE CHART 6-2

6.6 PREFERRED SYSTEM CONFIGURATION COMPONENT COST AND

CONTINGENCY ESTIMATES 6-2

6.7 LABOR, SERVICES, AND TRAVEL COSTS 6-3

7. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS 7-1

8. REFERENCES 8-1

APPENDIX

A. TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT A-l

LIST OF FIGURES

Figures

1-1. FFAST Strawman System Configuration 1-2

2-1. Relative Size: Line Widths on Topo Maps 2-6

3-1. Comparison of Line Scanner and Linear Array 3-3

3-2. FLAME Equipment Inside Beechcraft King Air Aircraft 3-5

4-1. Forest Fire Mapping System Existing Configuration 4-2

4-2. Function Analysis System Technique (FAST) Diagram -

Alternative One 4-9

4-3. Function Analysis System Technique (FAST) Diagram -

Alternative Two 4-10

4-4. Collect Fire Data - Sensor and Storage 4-12

4-5. Georeferencing 4-13

4-6. Communications - Transmit Data 4-14

4-7. Display Data 4-15

4-8. Fire Mapping and Detection Alternatives 4-16

4-9. Alternative FFAST System Configuration Matrix 4-23

VI1
4-10. Preferred System Configuration . .".... 4-27

6-1. FFAST Preliminary Work Breakdown Structure

Operational System 6-4

6-2. FFAST Preliminary Operational System

Master Project Schedule 6-7

6-3. FFAST Preliminary Primary Component Milestone Chart 6-8

Tables

LIST OF TABLES

1-1. Approximate Cost Contributions 1-5

5-1. Current Infrared System Cost 5-2

5-2. 1985 Infrared Aircraft 5-5

5-3. Baron Aircraft 5-5

5-4. Lead Aircraft Utilization 5-6

5-5. Preferred System Configuration Hardware and Software ... . 5-7

5-6. System Comparison Annual Cost 5-8

6-1. FFAST Preliminary Operational System Capability

Costs by Work Breakdown Structure Element 6-5

6-2. Preferred System Configuration Component

Cost and Contingency Estimates 6-11

6-3. Preliminary Projected Labor, Services, and Travel Costs . . . 6-12

Vlll
SECTION 1

INTRODUCTION

In the spring of 1982, a feasibility study to examine the application of advanced technology to forest fire detection and mapping was initiated

jointly with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service

and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL). The start of the project was the

result of past efforts that JPL and the Forest Service had entered into on the

Fire Logistics And Mapping Equipment (FLAME) project. The objective of the

FLAME project was to .bring the electronics within the existing Forest Service

scanners up to date. This was necessary because the line scanners were early

1960s vintage and the increasing down time due to maintenance difficulties and'

scarcity of adequate replacement parts hampered full utilization.

While the improvements to the infrared (IR) line-scanning

capability were dramatic and sorely needed, it was thought that an advanced

system could be developed to further improve upon the current thermal infrared

information system. The first step was a feasibility study carried out over a

six-month period in 1983. The goal of the feasibility study was to determine

the need for an improved fire detection and mapping system and the user needs

in data requirements and operations. User needs were gathered by visiting the

Regional Aviation and Fire Directors for the Forest Service. Since resources

in fire mapping and detection are sometimes shared between the United States

and Canada, several fire management personnel in the various Canadian resource

agencies were also visited. The feasibility study presented and discussed a

strawman system configuration that combined technology and user needs

(Figure 1-1). The feasibility study recommended and outlined the

implementation of the next phase for the project, a two-year, conceptual

design phase to define a system that justified continued development.

This document reports the results of the conceptual design study to

evaluate the application of JPL technology to forest fire detection and

mapping.

1-1
cO

•rl

4J

(B

l~l 360

•H

4-1C5s0) 2

3bo

•H

1-2
1.1 BACKGROUND

Thermal infrared sensing for forest fire detection and mapping has

been under development by the USDA-Forest Service since the FIRESCAN Research

Project began in 1962 (Hirsch, 1968). The original Forest Service airborne,

infrared, line-scanning systems were based on research conducted during the

FIRESCAN Project. The original systems were stand-alone IR systems designed

to produce hard-copy images, onboard the aircraft, of the thermal characteristics of the terrain and fire. Timely delivery of fire imagery to a fire camp

was a problem as the imagery was delivered either via drop tubes, conditions

permitting, or hand delivered via ground transportation from the nearest

airport.

The original scanner units became obsolete due to improvements in

technology and the increasing difficulty in maintaining the units for operational readiness. Replacement parts for the scanner units were difficult to

find and in some cases had to be custom built.

The FLAME project, a joint effort between the USDA-Forest Service

and JPL, was charged with designing, developing, and implementing a modern,

airborne, IR detection system with improved performance and flexibility over

the original systems (Enmark, 1984). As a result of the FLAME project, the

USDA-Forest Service Texas Instruments RS-7 scanner was replaced with a system

providing increased spatial resolution, incorporation of human engineering,

and real-time video display and storage. New detectors were installed to

improve response time and data capture. All cabling was replaced and the controllers for the scanning unit were redesigned so that operator intervention

was made easier. A new film recorder was integrated into the system as was a

video frame buffer. A video monitor was supplied for real-time display of the

data.

1-3
In use today by the USDA-Forest Service are two airborne thermal IR

surveillance and mapping systems, the JPL line scanner (FLAME) mounted in a

Beechcraft King Air, and a modified Texas Instruments RS-25 scanner mounted in

a Sweringen Merlin aircraft. The two systems are the only ones in the world

designed specifically for fi>-e detection and mapping. The two systems are

based at the Boise Interagency Fire Center (BIFC) in Boise, Idaho and are

available for use on a nationwide basis to government agencies that request

fire mapping and detection missions. Participating government agencies that

use the systems include the United States Department of the Interior (USDI),

Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), National Park

Service (NPS), and natural resource agencies in Canada.

The airborne sensor systems in use today for forest fire mapping

missions are rotating-mirror, thermal infrared line scanners that use dualelement detectors in the 3-5 and 8-12 micrometer bands. The field of view is

rapidly swept across the flight line in a direction perpendicular to the

aircraft's axis. The sensors are relatively large and heavy, and require

large amounts of power.

1.2 FUNDING

Funding for the conceptual design study was the result of a joint

effort by the NASA Technology Utilization and Industrial Affairs Division at

NASA Headquarters in Washington, D.C. (NASA, 1982), and the USDA Forest

Service Aviation and Fire Management, Washington Office.

The conceptual design phase was conducted during Fiscal Years

(FY) 84 and 85 (see Table 1-1). The cost of the conceptual design phase was

$150,000 per year for each of the two years. The USDA Forest Service Aviation

and Fire Management, and NASA Technology Utilization and Industrial Affairs

divided the costs equally in each of the two years.

1.3 OBJECTIVE

The objectives of the conceptual design phase were to examine in

detail user requirements for tactical information on forest fire activity,

1-4
Table 1-1. Approximate Cost Contributions

Agency

NASA1

USDA-FS3

Feasibility

Study

FY 83

$47 K

$30 K4

Conceptual

Design

FY 84

$75 K

$75 K

FY 85

$75 K

$75 K

Transition

Year

FY 86

$50 K

$50 K

Detailed

Design

FY 87-89

10*2

90%2

^Technology Utilization and Industry Affairs Division.

^Suggested percentage contribution to total cost.

^United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service.

^Cost incurred as a function of facility use and manpower.

document functional requirements for a completed system, examine technology

that will be available for application to the project objectives, and prepare

a preferred system configuration. The results of the conceptual design will

be applied to forest fire mapping and detection to be used by the USDA-Forest

Service and cooperating agencies in the 1990s. To accomplish the objectives,

uncertainties in emerging and advanced technologies related to the conceptual

design were identified. Operational capabilities and characteristics as well

as functional requirements were determined. Preliminary budgetary costs and

schedule estimates for the planning of the detailed design and build of the

complete system were developed.

1.4 APPROACH

The conceptual design was developed for an end-to-end system.

Analysis of component and subsystem technologies and function were performed,

including tradeoff studies and projection of technology availability. Areas

of risk were identified and alternative approaches discussed. A proposed

approach, task definition, schedule, and preliminary cost estimate were

prepared to define the required follow-on development effort. Should the

conceptual design effort lead to a detailed design and fabrication of a

prototype system, it is envisioned that private industry would participate as

1-5
subcontractors for supplying components making up various parts of the total

system. Industry would contribute the specialized expertise that results from

privately funded research and development activities. Such expertise may

pertain to production processes, communication problems, and computer

hardware. Early involvement of industry will facilitate the industry role in

fabricating the required number of systems to meet the demand.

1.5 FFAST SYSTEM CONCEPTUAL DESIGN

The initial phases of the conceptual design effort involved

reestablishing contacts with the Forest Service Regional Aviation and Fire

Management Directors so that new ideas could be incorporated into the design.

Gathering new ideas and user needs provided the basis for the development of

the functional requirements of the system. Concurrent with the functional

requirements generation, a technology assessment (see Section 4.4 and Appendix A) was performed to ascertain to what degree appropriate technology will

have matured by the 1990s. A performance measure for each technology is

defined and incorporated into the performance requirements for the system.

Additionally, the value analysis and tradeoff evaluation process

procedures (Sections 4.2 and 4.3 respectively) were followed in order to maintain the appropriate technology level for the system and to ensure that the

most economic means of.design and implementation is pursued. The result was

the identification of FFAST system functions that will fulfill the system

functional requirements. Alternative FFAST system configurations were then

developed to form the basis of the preferred system configuration. Finally,

preliminary operational system capability costs and schedule estimates were

developed for a prototype preferred system configuration.

1-6
SECTION 2

SYSTEM DESIGN APPROACH, DESIGN DRIVERS, AND FUNCTIONAL REQUIREMENTS

2.1 DESIGN APPROACH

There are five basic considerations behind the design philosophy of

the system. The first consideration is that the new system will have improved

timeliness over the current system. The new system will produce the end product within thirty minutes of the actual data collection. The second consideration is the improved accuracy the system will have over the existing system.

The third consideration is the modularity of design to facilitate service,

reliability, maintainability, possible upgrading, and long life of the system. The fourth consideration is the ease with which the system can be used.

Extensive operator training should not be required. A user manual should only

be necessary during initial training and to refresh the operator of the full

capabilities of the system after a period of no usage. The fifth consideration is the use of commercially available components when possible.

2.2 DESIGN DRIVERS

User needs are the driving impetus for the conceptual design functional requirements. The user needs have been identified and derived from

numerous meetings with fire management and user personnel. Prime sources have

been the regional Aviation and Fire Management Directors and their staffs.

User needs for information are stated in terms necessary for fire management

and suppression activities. The user needs include the following:

1. Timely delivery of the fire perimeter and hot spot locations

already georeferenced and transposed to the maps which are

being used for fire management activities. Timely is defined

as within one-half hour after the IR mapping flights. This

item includes both mapping and detection needs.

2. Indications of relative fire intensity.

2-1
3. Accurate location information with accuracy-needs estimates

ranging from a few feet to a few hundred feet depending upon

conditions, such as weather, stage of fire, values at risk,

resources available, time of day, crew positions, terrain,

fuel, and fire control status.

4. Compatibility and capability to interface with a variety of

data bases and computer models, available or planned.

5. Communications capability (voice and data) from ICP to anywhere in the country via satellite link into the nationwide

telephone system. The number of channels or lines varies

widely depending upon the fire size, stage, conditions, etc.

6. Potential for the system to be used for nonfire activities

such as insect and disease surveillance, smoke monitoring, air

quality, and other incident types.

7. Improved display methods for showing relationships, potential

interactions, optional plans, land ownership, values at risk,

etc., implying interactive video graphics, value-added processing, and data communications.

8. The application of fire location information during wildfires

to validate and provide feedback to fire spread predictions

and models.

9. Detection flights over selected areas during high fire danger

periods or following lightning strikes detected by the Automatic Lightning Detection System (ALDS). The ALDS accuracy in

predicting numbers of fires started and locations could be

verified and upgraded by IR detection flights, and the combined, coordinated use of ALDS, IR and Remote Automated

Weather Station (RAWS) data could greatly reduce the number of

escaped lightning fires each year.

2-2
10. Potential use of system components such as laser terrain

profiling for improving aircraft safety during low level

operations.

11. More dependable availability of systems (users have perceived

that existing systems are not always available when needed).

In order to support the conceptual system design effort, a set of

functional requirements for the FFAST system was developed based upon the

identified user needs, additional meetings with USDA-Forest Service personnel,

and technical judgment. The functional requirements identify basic functions

that are necessary to satisfy the user needs for more effectively providing

information on fire activity. The functional requirements address how the

system must collect, process, display, and disseminate data. The functional

requirements will be used to initiate preparation of design specifications.

The following subsections summarize the functional requirements.

2.3 SYSTEM FUNCTIONAL REQUIREMENTS

The system functional requirements identify the functions necessary

to satisfy user needs for an improved fire detection and mapping system. The

FFAST functional requirements (Dutzi, 1984) fall into two categories:

(1) basic requirements, including accurate acquisition and timely georeferencing and delivery of thermal IR imagery, improved voice and data communications, improved image processing, reduction and display, and compatibility

with other systems, and (2) desired attributes that may not be as clearly

defined as functional requirements, including integration of distributed data

bases, modeling capability, and applications of the system to other forest

management areas.

The FFAST Feasibility Study (McLeod, 1983) addressed the information and communications needs of the user community for forest fire suppression and management. The users of FFAST data were defined as personnel

directly involved in decision making for fire management and suppression

activities. Most of the users are located at the Incident Command Post (ICP),

the end destination of fire information to be generated and delivered by the

2-3
FFAST system. Some users may be located at various other USDA-Forest Service

offices. Typical users include Incident Commanders and their staffs, and line

personnel who are responsible for formulating tactical fire suppression plans,

making decisions on deployment of fire-fighting resources, and carrying out

the plans through the mop-up phase.

2.3.1 Sensors

Gathering information on fire activity has historically been accomplished in the thermal infrared portion of the spectrum due to the relatively

proven technology available. The functional requirements for the data collection activity are based upon requirements for the sensors. The sensors will

be multilinear or area detector arrays using dual or multiple band detectors,

operating in the thermal infrared wavelength bands of 3-5 micrometers and 8-12

micrometers, and possibly other parts of the spectrum. The thermal sensors

will have a minimum spatial resolution of one milliradian. The sensor will

represent and relate terrain features and fire temperatures such that fires

can be clearly identified. Fires will include any hot areas from 200° to 600°

Celsius with temperature beyond 600° being represented at full scale. A

nonlinear scale or separate scales for terrain and fire may be used. The

total (cross track) field of view will be 110 degrees, with plus or minus

10 degrees added for roll. The detectors will be cooled, if required, to a

minimum operating temperature of 77° Kelvin, via liquid nitrogen, thermoelectric, or refrigeration means.

The sensors will convert the detected energy into digital signals.

The sensors will provide a minimum of eight-bit (256 level) output per pixel

with each pixel representing a unique uniform rectangular area on the ground.

At least 2000 pixels cross track for the aircraft will be acquired, processed,

and stored for immediate or future processing.

The sensors and related instruments will be capable of meeting all

performance requirements under environmental conditions experienced with

normal aircraft operating procedures during takeoff, flight, landing, and

storage. Finally the FFAST sensors will be compatible with existing and

planned USDA-Forest Service aircraft.

2-4
2.3.2 Data Processing

The data-processing system hardware and software for meeting FFAST

minimum functional requirements for imagery enchancement, reduction, and georeferencing will be capable of processing and delivering data to the ICP

within 30 minutes of the thermal IR mission regardless of whether the system

is located onboard the aircraft or in a ground-based facility.

The data-processing system will be capable of incorporating potential enhancements in integration of distributed data bases, mapping capability, and modeling capability (existing or planned) within the USDA-Forest

Service (e.g., FLIPS, GEOLOC, ARC-INFO). The system will also be capable of

digitizing, reducing, and storing the thermal IR output of the thermal IR

sensors.

The georeferencing subsystem will be capable of adjusting the thermal IR imagery output to geographic coordinates corrected for latitude and

longitude. The georeferencing subsystem will automatically locate common

control points between the thermal infrared imagery and a geographic grid.

Automatically registered to a geographic base, it will have a positional

accuracy of 10-50 meters on the ground. The relative size of line widths on

/

USGS Topographical Maps to meet this final georeferencing subsystem requirement is illustrated in Figure 2-1.

2.3.3 Communications

Voice and data transfer, at least 2400 baud, will be provided

between any combination of aircraft, ICP, and any ground facility interfacing

with the public switched telephone network. Communications equipment for the

FFAST system shall be compatible with existing and planned communications systems and equipment of the USDA-Forest Service and associated user agencies.

The terminals and antennas for long-range ICP communications will be lightweight, easily transportable, rugged, and easily maintainable. The voice and

data communications equipment will operate under the environmental conditions

encountered at the working facility where used.

2-5
CD

CD

CD

LA

CMi

•=r oo

CD CD

10 N^

•s •%

CM i— i

i_n

to

CM CD

01

o,

CD

, f"0

CD -s

to

CSJ UD OO O

T)

•H

•3-

0)

V

N

•H

CA

4J

*

T-l

a)

a,

CD

CDI LT»

CM

CD

LO

CM

CM to

CSJ

60

C3- OO

CM

UD

2-6
Data transfer will occur between the sensor-carrying platforms to

the ground facility or receiving station. The data will also be transferred

from the sensor-carrying platforms to the ICP. The georeferenced and rectified thermal IR data shall be delivered to the ICP from the data-processing

system within a maximum of thirty minutes after the completion of the detection or mapping mission.

Two-way voice communications capability (duplex or half-duplex)

will occur between the sensor platform, the ground facility, the ICP, the cognizant USDA-Forest Service regional headquarters, and the Boise Interagency

Fire Center.

2.3.4 Data Display

The data will be displayed as a hard copy in map-like format, georeferenced and rectified. The system will be capable of producing multiple

copies of a map product on USGS topographic sheets at variable scales.

2.3.5 Functional Requirements Summary

The functional requirements provide a framework for the conceptual

design effort. The Baseline Design Description (Section 3) will use the functional requirements as a foundation from which to develop components that will

fulfill the objectives of the FFAST project.

2-7
SECTION 3

BASELINE DESIGN DESCRIPTION

The conceptual design of the FFAST project has focused upon

technology that will be available and sufficiently mature by the 1990s to aid

users in fire detection and mapping. This section will develop how the FFAST

system will function by examining the FFAST system components that will meet

the functional requirements objectives.

3.1 COLLECTION OF FIRE DATA

The gathering of information on fire activity has historically been

accomplished in the thermal infrared portion of the spectrum. This will more

than likely continue due to the relatively proven technology currently being

used.

Thermal infrared sensing of forest fires and related hot spots is

performed in the two prominent atmospheric transmission windows at 3-5 and

8-12 microns. Reflected solar radiation largely can be ignored in the 8-12

micron range but not always for the 3-5 micron range. During the day, highly

reflective rocks can produce strong glint near 3 microns. The radiance in the

3-5 micron band is a much stronger function of temperature than at longer

wavelengths for hot sources below about 200° Celsius. This means greater contrast exists in the shortwave band. Consequently, if both bands are used

simultaneously, hot spots smaller than an instrument's field of view can be

detected by comparing the brightness temperatures in the two bands. If there

is a mix of temperatures in the field of view, the shortwave channel will

always read a higher temperature. This principle is used in current IR airborne scanners and will continue to be an important feature of thermal IR

detection systems.

3-1
3.1.1 Sensors

Two thermal infrared sensing methods can be useful in fulfilling

the functional requirements for the collection of fire data. The current

method in use is infrared line scanners that have single or dual element

detectors. The field of view is rapidly swept across the flight line in a

direction perpendicular to the aircraft's axis. The system scanning mirror

must move fast and must be rigidly supported to produce good images. Thus,

line scanners tend to be massive and built on a custom design basis. The

second method is the use of linear array detectors that will be configured to

sense the image from the ground swath as the system is being flown over the

site of fire data collection. The linear array is oriented perpendicular to

the aircraft axis and each detector traces a separate line on the ground.

Figure 3-1 is a comparison of the line scanner with the linear array. The two

systems will be described in this section, first the IR system presently in

use by the USDA-Forest Service then the advanced linear array.

The current USDA-Forest Service infrared line scanner is the Fire

Logistics Airborne Mapping Equipment (FLAME) system. The Jet Propulsion

.Laboratory was given the task of designing, developing, and implementing the

FLAME system in order to improve performance and flexibility over the earlier

Forest Service IR detection system. FLAME is a custom built system with dual

band capability in the 3-5 and 8-12 micron range. The system was developed

for large-scale fire detection and mapping of more than a few hundred acres.

The Mercury-Cadmium-Telluride detectors have an instantaneous field of view of

one milliradian and a total field of view of 110 degrees plus or minus

10 degrees. FLAME can be either DC or AC coupled for the rapid processing of

images and mapping terrain features adjacent to large hot areas. The FLAME

system features rectilinearization of displayed images, and hard-copy display

on dry silver film, yet, geometric rectification of the image is still

required. Frequent maintenance is required in addition to normal periodic

maintenance. FLAME allows video display in real time, and digital-image frame

storage onboard the aircraft platform. The output of the system can be

enhanced with edge and hot spot markers indicated on the hard-copy image

3-2
OPTICS

SCANNING

MIRROR

DETECTOR

ARRAY

ALONG TRACK

MOTION

LINEAR ARRAY

OPTICS

GROUND

SWATH

Line Scanner Pushbroom Scanner

Figure 3-1. Comparison of Line Scanner and Linear Array

3-3
product. Liquid nitrogen cooling is required to keep the temperature of the

instrument at 77° Kelvin. The large size of the system (about 300 pounds for

the digital capability which includes the optics, instrument console, frame

buffer, Winchester disk, and film printer) and a volume of 16 cubic feet

requires a sizable aircraft platform, presently a Beechcraft King Air. The

FLAME system mounted inside a Beechcraft King Air is shown in Figure 3-2.

Linear-array, infrared detector systems are currently available on

a custom design basis built to meet user requirements. The materials used are

Mercury-Cadmium-Telluride for the 3-5 micron range currently available, and

the same materials for the 8-12 micron range that are projected to be available by 1988. Element dimensions vary with up to 128-element arrays being

built. The linear array light weight and small size, about 100 pounds when

combined with optical storage and microcomputer processor, make such system

components ideal for use in aircraft platforms smaller than those presently

used by the Forest Service for IR missions.

3.1.2 Storage of Fire Data

As will be described in the Technology Assessment (Section 4.4 and

Appendix A), methods of storing large amounts of digital and analog data both

onboard the aircraft platform and on the ground at the Incident Command Post

are numerous. The most attractive appears to be the optical disk mass storage

technology. Advances in the recent years in optical disk storage make the

future very promising. Digital encoded analog read-only optical disks are

available today from such companies as Sony, Panasonic, Hitachi, and Reference

Technology. Costs for disk players run from $3000 to $35,000 while the disks

are $375 to $750. Present systems feature a capacity up to four Gbytes per

disk at micro or millisecond access time, while the units are very compact and

lightweight. The technology is advancing rapidly, thus, it is expected that

by 1990 costs will decrease and the technology will provide read/write

capability similar to existing digital magnetic disks.

3-4
OWGINAL PAGE IS

POOR QUALITY

Figure 3-2. FLAME Equipment Inside Beechcraft King Air Aircraft

3-5
3.2 GEOREFERENCING OF FIRE DATA ''

In order to georeference fire data it is necessary to first know

the position of the sensor platform (aircraft), the location of the scene

imaged by the sensor system, then correlate the image data to a cartographic

base (map). The georeferencing of the fire data in an automated manner is a

challenge for the project. A number of technology items were identified in

the Technology Assessment as possible candidates for doing georeferencing.

Alternatives for georeferencing included LORAN-C, Inertial Navigation System

(INS), OMEGA, TRANSIT, and NAVSTAR Global Positioning System (GPS);

The LORAN-C is attractive from the cost standpoint and provides

accuracy within 600 feet and much closer via differential position calculation

methods. However, high accuracy coverage is limited to within coastal areas

and is nonexistent in some parts of the United States.

The INS, OMEGA, and TRANSIT systems offer other alternatives but do

not meet the user functional requirements.

The Global Positioning Satellite system will be the best alternative component to position determination for the project within the time frame

of the 1990s. GPS was developed by the Department of Defense as a satellitebased universal positioning and navigation system designed to provide precision three-dimensional location, velocity, and navigation information in a

real-time mode. GPS provides coverage over the entire United States establishing fixes within a real-time mode of operation. Accuracies have been

reported to be very good depending upon access mode to the data. Forest

Service personnel in the Eastern Region have reported accuracies well within

the system user requirements for forest fire detection and mapping.

The characteristics of the GPS system will meet the user functional

requirements of the project. GPS will be an 18-satellite constellation, providing continuous global positioning locations, expected to be operational by

late 1988. At present seven satellites are operational,.five are in use and

two are reserved as backups. When the 18-satellite constellation is operational excellent reliability is anticipated.

3-6
3.2.1 Global Positioning Satellite Access

Users can access the GPS data via receivers which will receive,

decode, and process the two frequencies being transmitted. The transmitted

code provides data needed for the user's receiver to calculate threedimensional position information, velocity and exact time.

Various levels of position accuracy may be attained, since the GPS

navigation signal is actually modulated by two different codes in phase. The

long-period Precision Position Service (PPS) provides precise measurement of

time, hence position, due to its higher clock rate. The PPS is so far

restricted to Department of Defense users. The shorter Standard Position

Service (SPS) with a lower clock rate facilitates acquisition of satellite

signals by civilian users. The primary difference between PPS and SPS user

hardware is the additional cost, physical dimension and power requirements of

PPS receivers to include military nonjamming devices. As of January 1985, the

Department of Defense has developed and announced a new policy that will offer

access to the PPS code to selected civil users operating in the national

interest. Equipment and support services will be provided under contract to

the user by the government or its agent. When and how the new policy will go

into effect is still undetermined.

Today GPS can be accessed by two methods available to the civilian

user, by differential sensor capability and by a technique known as Satellite

Emission Range Inferred Earth Surveying (SERIES). Both methods are detailed

in the Technology Assessment of this report. The differential GPS will use

SPS hardware to obtain access to the coded GPS navigation signal broadcast,

only the accuracy capability will be expanded to positioning within 3-5

meters. With the SERIES receiver it is possible to perform simultaneous

pseudo-ranging to multiple GPS satellites without knowledge of the GPS phase

codes or the requirement to know the receiver position and velocity and satellite positions to begin data acquisition. Real-time accuracy of the SERIES

technique will be within five meters with higher accuracy expected after

processing of the data.

3-7
Both the differential GPS and the SERIES technique method of GPS

access will meet the functional requirements of the system.

3.2.2 Signal Processing For Automatic Georeferencing

Georeferencing the fire data is the interface of the FFAST subsystems to create the appropriate image for display and hard copy. Although

techniques are currently being developed for automatic georeferencing, there

is no existing system that georeferences in a timely manner. Manual data

transfer and interpretation is the current georeferencing method. It is a

time-consuming process, often taking several hours. Recognizable control

points in the fire area must be manually correlated to surveyed points on a

cartographic base. Concurrent with manual data transfer, several computeraided techniques can be used to enhance the accuracy and interpretability of

geographic referencing. However, present computer-aided techniques can be

improved upon to meet the functional requirements.

Several technologies are being developed that will enable suitably

accurate automatic georeferencing. Very Large Scale Integration (VLSI) chips

are the most promising of the new technologies for automatic georeferencing.

VLSI chips are being developed which can process, in near real time,

quantities of data large enough for any conceivable FFAST requirement. The

VLSI chips are small enough to be incorporated into processing units within an

aircraft. VLSI algorithms for correlating image control points to maps are

being developed for referencing techniques which will prove useful as they

will provide displacement from an image area being sensed.

3.3 COMMUNICATIONS

Communications is probably the single weakest link in the existing

system. The inability to deliver the data reliably in a short amount of time

(less than thirty minutes) has hampered incorporating the fire data into the

daily fire suppression plan rather than to substantiate the plan. The most

promising method of communications appears to be via satellite link. Land

lines in remote areas are not readily available and VHF/UHF communications are

limited to line of sight or through repeater networks.

3-8
Remote fixed service for satellite communications is currently

available through the commercial sector for standard fees. A large antenna is

required and the set-up can take several hours once the equipment arrives at

the ICP. This, however, provides no link between the aircraft and the ICP.

Remote land and aeronautical communications will be available by the 1990s and

will provide service comparable to current cellular systems but on a nationwide basis. Communications between plane and ground and the ICP and control

centers will be possible. The channels will be bandwidth limited to at least

2400 baud. The entire image will not need to be transmitted to the ICP, but

fire intensity and fire perimeter information that is georeferenced can be

transmitted over a satellite communications system. The Federal Communications Commission is currently evaluating proposals for general industry service available in the 1990s.

3.4 DISPLAY OF FIRE DATA

One of the functional requirements of the system is the interface

to Forest Service practices in the display of the fire data. If the system is

to be accepted and used, the output products and information must be somewhat

conventional. Historically, fire perimeter information is plotted on a standard map, usually a 7-1/2 minute quad. The fire information on a map format

is the display product that users require. The process of using fire information from an image, digitizing, then plotting directly on to a map with a

commercially available pen plotter is readily available at a cost of around

$10,000 for the size necessary to plot on 7-1/2 minute quad sheets.

•^

Display of data on a CRT is an alternative that would meet with

acceptance provided that hard copy of what was displayed on the screen was

also available through photographic methods. A minimum raster for display

would be 1024 x 1024 elements. CRT display units are available through a

number of commercial outlets.

3-9
SECTION 4

CONCEPTUAL DESIGN PHASE

The purpose of the conceptual design was to examine in detail user

requirements for tactical information on forest fire activity, functional

requirements for a completed system, and technology that will be available for

a completed system, and technology that will be available for application to

the project objectives in the 1990s. This section describes the conceptual

design activities supporting this task. The activities involve an examination

of the current system, utilization of a structured problem-solving procedure

(value analysis), incorporation of a method of decision making based upon the

importance of advantages (Tradeoff Evaluation Process), an assessment of technology, and the development of alternative system configurations.

4.1 CURRENT IR SYSTEM CONFIGURATION

The airborne portion of the system (Figure 4-1) includes a sensor

head configuration, rotating-mirror assembly, signal processing and timing

circuits, a dry silver film recorder, a frame buffer capable of storing twenty

1024 x 1024 thermal images, a real-time video monitor, and a transmitter capable of transmitting the thermal imagery to a ground station. The imagery can

be relayed to the ground in several ways. The method used most is physical

delivery of the film product via a drop tube or by landing the plane at a

nearby airstrip. The imagery is then interpreted and pertinent information is

transferred to a map. Other methods in use and under development include

transmitting the data to a mobile van located at the fire camp or near the

fire camp. The information is then displayed on a video monitor where it is

photographed and a hard copy is produced. Two separate video cameras view the

thermal imagery and a map covering the same area and two images are merged to

display fire information directly on the map that is displayed on a CRT.

Finally, the imagery can be transmitted directly to the Operations Coordination Center (OCC) at Riverside, California where it is photographed. The fire

4-1
MANUAL INTERPRETATION

MOBILE VAN

/ \ MONITOR / \

\ / \

POLAROID MONITOR

PLOTTER DIGITIZER POLAROID

Figure 4-1. Forest Fire Mapping System Existing Configuration

4-2
perimeter is digitized from the photograph and merged with recognizable ground

control points where it is then plotted directly onto a 7-1/2 minute map sheet.

The intended use of thermal infrared mapping capability is to

assist in the formulation of the daily operations plans for fire suppression

and control. Provided the thermal infrared data are available, a synoptic

view of the incident can aid in the more effective allocation of personnel and

equipment to the fire. When thermal infrared imagery is not received prior to

plan formulation and dispersal of resources, the data serves only to substantiate the plan. Several deficiences in the following discussion cause this to

occur frequently.

Communications between the aircraft and the ground are generally

limited to line of sight. Transmission of data directly from the aircraft is

then limited to an approximately 75-mile radius from the Incident Command Post

(ICP), given uniformity of the terrain. There are also issues related to the

amount of data needed to be transmitted down to the ground. Wide-band video

links are necessary to transmit high resolution video. The more data that has

to be transmitted down, the longer it takes. The second method of getting the

data to the ICP is with a drop tube in which the film imagery is loaded into a

brightly colored tube that also has a light and an audible alarm. If the drop

tube survives the descent, the recovery can be just a few minutes. However,

if the light and audible alarm are damaged and the tube lands in high grass or

tumbles off a cliff, the film may not be recovered. The alternative to this

method is to land the aircraft at a nearby airstrip where a courier transports

the film to the fire camp. Occasionally, a courier can take longer than normal if the airstrip is some distance from the fire camp, or if in unfamiliar

territory.

Once the film is received, it is taken to the ICP and examined by

the fire staff. In order for the data to be of use in formulating operations

plans, the imagery must be georeferenced to a standard map base. Fire targets

which appear on the raw infrared imagery are located with respect to known

geographic positions on the ground. With common points between the image and

map, a grid is manually composed to depict the distortion surface required to

correct the infrared imagery to the map. The grid is drawn on the infrared

4-3
image and the corresponding grid is drawn on the map. Using the similar

squares method of manual data transfer, the fire perimeter and hot spots are

drawn onto the map. This method of manually georeferencing the imagery takes

from one-half hour to four hours, depending upon interpreter familiarity with

the area, the ruggedness of the terrain, and the ability to locate ground, control points. These two main bottlenecks, communications and georeferencing,

can cause considerable delay in the receipt of the infrared data.

4.2 VALUE ANALYSIS

Value analysis is a structured problem-solving procedure, currently

used by the Forest Service, that defines the function which is to be performed

by a part, operation, procedure, or in the case of FFAST a system. It is

intended to force critical evaluation of cost per function. By definition,

value analysis is "the systematic application of recognized techniques by

multidisciplined team(s) which identifies the function of a product or service; establishes a worth for that function; generates alternatives through

the use of creative thinking; and provides the needed function, reliably, at

the lower overall cost" (USDT, FHA, 1980). Value analysis contains three

basic precepts:

1. An organized review to improve value by using multidisciplined

teams of specialists knowing various aspects of the problem

being studied.

2. A function-oriented approach to identify the essential functions of the system, product, or service being studied and the

costs associated with those functions.

3. And creative thinking which uses recognized techniques to

explore alternate ways of performing the functions at a lower

cost or to otherwise improve the design, service or product.

The value analysis procedure was used on FFAST with the primary

program goal to have the most cost-effective infrared forest fire detection

4-4
and mapping system in operation in the 1990s. The value analysis objectives

are to:

1. Develop, analyze, and evaluate alternatives.

2. Determine design parameters for the most cost-effective

infrared detection and mapping system for the 1990s.

4.2.1 Value Analysis Phases

The value analysis procedure is structured as a series of steps or

phases with specific objectives and tasks outlined at each phase.

The first phase is the selection of the project with the primary

objective to establish the identity of candidate projects and to select specific projects to achieve maximum monetary savings, or other benefits.

The second phase is that of investigation of the project. The

objective of the investigation phase is to acquire knowledge of the design to

be studied and to assess its major functions, cost and relative worth. The

major tasks are the collection of project data, examination of sources of

project data, the implementation of a search plan and the investigation of the

data. The intent of this phase is to provide a thorough understanding of the

system by an in-depth review of all of the pertinent factual data, and to

determine the functions which are being performed and those which must be

performed by the system.

The next phase speculates on all alternatives to the design by

examining basic functions and cost elements, then developing a comprehensive

list for each alternative. Speculation includes how the problem or task might

otherwise be solved and how the basic functions could be accomplished. The

purpose is to list all possible alternatives regardless of perceived or known

cost. This activity affords the opportunity to explore ideas that may be

overlooked during the standard selection process because of biases and

4-5
engineering judgments. Alternatives are streamlined and modified, with

consideration of technical and economic factors being of prime concern.

The evaluation phase is to analyze the results of the speculation

phase and, through review of the various alternatives, select the best ideas

for further expansion. The ideas produced prior to this phase are now critically evaluated and the final alternatives are now selected.

The final phase is that of development through collection of additional data to thoroughly analyze the best alternatives selected, to prepare

cost estimates, and to change proposals, if any, which will assure feasibility

if implemented. During this phase the most promising alternatives selected

during the evaluation phase are further developed into detailed-change proposals. The intent is to obtain and present adequate backup data regarding

design changes and costs.

4.2.2 Value Analysis Results

The value analysis procedure resulted in the decision to proceed

with the FFAST conceptual design considering the conclusions of the FFAST

Feasibility Study (McLeod, 1983). The goal of the feasibility study was to

determine the need for an improved fire detection and mapping system and the

user needs in data requirements and operations. The user needs were collected

and developed into a set of user requirements, which were stated in terms of

fire management and suppression activities. The user requirements include

information on the following:

1. Fire location and intensity

2. Current fire behavior, at any given moment, within reason

3. Predicted fire behavior

4. Resources available to manage or suppress the fire

All information must be timely; the earlier the information is

received, the greater the possibility for formulating appropriate management

decisions and the larger the number of alternatives.

4-6
The FFAST Feasibility Study examined factors that would contribute

to a system that matches advanced technology and functional requirements. In

user needs and the relation to functional requirements, the following were

identified as critical to fire operations:

1. Relative simplicity of design

2. User-friendly

3. Rapid turnaround

4. Conventional output products

5. Optionally incorporate existing data bases

6. Accurate

7. Reliable, rugged, and easily maintainable

8. Adaptable to other uses

9. Easily integrated into Forest Service practices

Concurrent with the user requirements study, a technology review

was conducted to determine the suitable technology classes that would meet the

requirements. The technology review addressed a variety of possible technologies including:

1. Sensor platforms

2. Line and area array sensors

3. Georeferencing

4. Advanced satellite relay communications

5. Integration technique with existing data bases

6. Image-processing techniques

Outstanding technical uncertainties were identified and a

comprehensive list of alternatives for each functional area were developed.

Value analysis was used to prepare a Functional Analysis System

Technique (FAST) diagram as the initial step in formalizing the functional

requirements for the FFAST project. The FAST is a method for analyzing,

organizing, and graphically displaying the interrelation of the basic and

secondary functions of a product, design, process, procedure, or in the case

4-7
of FFAST, a system. A series of FAST diagrams were prepared and modified,

showing promising alternatives. Two of those diagrams are shown in Figures 4-2

and 4-3.

After the user requirements were defined, they were refined and

modified to better reflect user needs. The finalized user requirements were

used as the basis of the FFAST Functional Requirements Document (Dutzi,

1984). The purpose of the Functional Requirements Document was to identify

the functions necessary to satisfy those user requirements necessary for an

improved fire detection and mapping system.

The technology assessment for basic functions required to meet the

functional requirements was developed. The technology assessment detailed

generic traits of the system as well as off-the-shelf commercial components

that could be used to fulfill the functional requirements. A large quantity

of vendor material has been collected to support the technology assessment.

4.3 TRADEOFF EVALUATION PROCESS (TEP)

4.3.1 Tradeoff Evaluation Process Summary

The Tradeoff Evaluation Process (TEP) is a method of decision-making based

upon the importance of advantages. An advantage is a favorable difference

between two alternatives. The TEP requires that the situation or problem

requiring a decision should be clearly defined, data collected for analysis,

alternatives formulated, and the effects of the alternatives estimated. TEP

divides the decision making process into three main tasks:

1. Decide the advantages of each alternative.

2. Decide the importance of each advantage.

3. Select the preferred alternative.

The first task of TEP requires the decision on the advantages of

each alternative. The decision makers must decide the least preferred quantity or quality in each factor. TEP then requires decision makers to quantify

or describe, for each alternative for each factor, the differences from the

4-8
ORICWNA

L PAGE IS

OF POOR QUAUTY

i1iI Q " 2siI

COCOI

I

(3 if

i

uj CiO 3: cc w ; UJ UJ s

iTO

ui O

J. Q.

OUJ -

I

»- H-

ii i 2 > UJ ^QCUJ * f

c

1- I "

11

•

GLOBAL POSmONINC

SATELLITE

18

Itu

tx O

f J1Q1CORRELAT THERMAL 1 i! iiGEO-REFE

TRANSMITGEO-REFERENCED <

ft ' 5Si 0ji

NAVIGATION .

(Qg-?31i

t

= 36

: 4WITH LATITUDE /LONGITUDE LONGITUDE i|is1•uCENTRAL PROCESSING FACILITY z1s=1z9<3if>• 5 > J 5l

MAPS DIGITAL C:4

J:• 3[i

I

tL1 FUELMOIS !3zX<<o03ZO

1I1| SUPPAESSIO^

1 S

j go

y £ ItQ II- iisi

i5!^*i 9EVEL FUNCTIO J1

s

 <«

2? °°

5= !§

H

C/3scr •HcJ2O0) H

0)

E C 0) O

4-1u a

)

>> >•

C/3 -H

4-1

(a <d

•H a CO 1-1 O 60 3 -H

^jj C5

0)

li

4-9
r^TM11otc

5i«

8£2

ZOC t

LiJ*: <

II

O ^f

uj

1

*

o o LU O > CD icc§1-<

3 »-

i|If

GLOBAL POSITIONING 4611i " -5; liSi i6iCI1a <Si 5^y

ft5« 1 PROVIDE FIRE

1SATELLITE. INEHTIAL

NAVIGATION POSITION DATA

AIRCRAFT PQSIT*ON

WITH LATITUDE/LONGITUDE DATA WITH LAT IT UOE 1 LONGITUDE 3EE\,i <IES11^S! *INFORMATION INTELLIGENCE

yiZ3

•f2

1i.

'_1i1

35aiI1 SUPPRESSION 1MAPS, DIGITAL 1 §t1<3

,

aj:i:: 3I1!3

3OsiB1 RESOURCES AV

" 1

ff§1 iC1s?sIEL FUNCTIONS z<?I

>

II

bOHCO£•IHu0) HU) >, coCO •H(0 O (0C <U < >•H C J-> O (0 •H C

4-1 U U 0) C •!-> 3 r-l

fct < COI60 •H

4-10
least preferred quantity or quality. These favorable differences are the

advantages of the alternatives.

The second task of TEP is to decide the importance of each advantage. The importance of each advantage is determined by the following process:

1. Decide the most important advantage.in each factor.

2. Decide the paramount advantage, the most important of all the

advantages.

3. Assign an importance factor to the paramount advantage, such

as 1.0, 10, 100 or any convenient scaling factor.

4. Decide the importance of the most important advantage in -each

factor, compared with the paramount advantage.

5. Decide the importance of all other advantages and compare

these advantages directly with the most important advantages.

The final task is to decide the preferred alternative by totaling

the importance of advantages of each alternative, numerically or graphically,

then reevaluating all of the facts and viewpoints for correctness.

4.3.2 Tradeoff Evaluation Process Results

Following the TEP procedure for decision making, the FFAST analysis

team evaluated the alternatives for each component of the FFAST system configuration. The numerical tradeoff display of altenatives for each of the

components are illustrated in Figures 4-4 through 4-8.

4.3.2.1 Collect Fire Data. The Collect Fire Data TEP result matrix,

Figure 4-4, illustrates the use of comparing alternatives by the advantages of

important factors. An evaluation of the matrix shows that the value analysis

team considered the maintenance factor as the most important factor, listed as

4-11
U

J ^aji O1—

</) 00

cxt 0GO

LjJ

GO-

1ga

/•v' .

'—'

u_

LU— 11 o

GO

LU^1 —0£LU1 —**

OO

1—ZUJXyOu

or

LU *

LU Z 3:

— <J

—102

GO

^*• 00• <or UJ

ii i 2!

Z Z _J OOO - or ii i ^ z or — or — 1 ^C ^i—^

c_>

*c

or

UJ Z Z LU z > < 0 o or GO a. UJ >- Z _l — z -1 0,_• 3: <s<s*~1—.s• :c isISr— £ LA^. COCOON^~«_ QJ13

^~. ^C

^— ^— ' —1 Z ~~ ^c CQ > < QI ^ — ~ ^C5> . "*

>- U_

O_ LU

o ce.

0 O

O O UJ

uj or C3

_j < i _) 00 < O _

J

CD Z£ ^> ^*

U- -^ 0 0 ^— *s^ 1— < < oo or o or z 0 < 0 ISLANO

N"\•

IS IS

IS IA

^S

lX\ NO

<A•

^ s^

1

p^ ^^ IS LA COCOON^~^ LUCD^C1—z^c^>a t— ^ GOOo

m.

<s ts

Uf\ l^ i— CVJ ^. ts is 1^ PQ • *~" so

-4-

•

(S tS

l^a (^ •— cr\ UJCD^J)—Z^C^> i— a z < CD^~UJ2

1—UJLUU_o—CO0• ' ^. •f ISCM IS NO NO ^• LA f—r—LU OO U3 Z *^ o tjz 00 > LU •* .^Q

-rm —1 IS*~

•^*

«•

—1 <S

^~UJ

• CD

oo <£

1— t— S. Z C3 < or >a or < UJ2Oa.

zoOO

a o —1 O- o • o aco or uj UJ 1— or LU Q 1— 1- Z GO — 0 £ o —1 < LULA z (aLAONIS I.ISf *~IS —1 SJ UJCD LU < O h- Z Z ^c ^c z > LU a i— < z^fz

mi—oLUOora•,CMUJO O

O

Z UJ

<t CD

1— < on \— o z a. < y ^> — Q1 < U. t— O Ot—

I O00 or •— i— . — is a o — GO

CM

O —I t-

— < U_

or z i— or I

A

o LU •

LU 3: cs

< GO uj

Si LU Q

or on

LU — t-

:r u_ o H- a_ o oo "OCO S t- z s o — NO 3: ^3 Kl "% o s or o CM £ LUor •- -- UJ LU GO 2 CD LU z or Q < uj or _j or < uj o — a — i— oo < a_ z z oo o >- o a •« 00 _| I— on < z o z LU t- o; a o LU — < a: or < LU -. or x z or i— LU LU o CD H- 00t—zoozooa

UJ UJ

CO 00

Z LU

< or

o < or o oo — i— s. zLU CM or i —CM Z3

LU • a

CD *— LU

< or

or z

£-<!

00 LU Z —I O

Q OO —

Z < t-

< _l CJ

— z

CO < = z > u. 00 —I GO >- _l LU —I — O Z U. O O -I or '=> a. i— u. z a uj i— UJ GO O > LU Z o or or a i a. -i £ i — < 2 * *» *

bo

ctf O

4-1

CO

•oao01ooI&o0)ooI0) bO

4-12
oo

LU

h<c^

c^

LU

1 —

I <c

c

C

1-

c.

<

L

</•

Z1—

u_

s:

s:

— i

^3

<C

_!>:

i 1

z £^

IJ-

^c

ce

CD

cc

c:

c:

D

J

Cl_

1LU —.

CD CD

CD

K—Ll_

0 °

CD

r— 1

1

LJ_

g CDACCURAC

Y

ADVANTAGE

1 CD

CD

<— 1

r— 1

s: CD

LT»

•— 1

s: CD

LTV

| —

^

s:

COS

T

OPERATIO

N &

ADVANTAGE

S

CD

CD

i — 1

^ 2:

^— ^~

LO LO

LO

CD

t— 1

»— 1 1— ^ s: s:

LPl LO

LO

TIMELINES

S

ADVANTAGE

i— 1

CD ^

CD

CD

N"*\

^'

LA LPl

CSJ

1—

OO

^-

COS

T

TRANSMISSIO

N

ADVANTAGE

I— 1

^H

t— 1

CNJ

LU

«_> OO

^C t^

Q_ <C

s; >

— C=)

i

«=c u_

H- CD

CD

1—

00

c

•H

u

c

o

0)

o

IT)

bO

4-13
O

O

If .' 1—UJ1

OO

1 —UJ CDUJ

ca >

<c _

in u _> CD UJ UJ ca >

<_> CD

UJ •— • oi ca ca <a: 1 |1 — i _i ca

C/3 Qi Z3

._) «J_

-

^~") S^ 0o

CD

^

csj oo

en-

~> LAen

<£ UJ

— «=c

3- I—

— ) <C

— ca :Do

X^^ i — 2: CD0- CD S CDCOr— I CD ^ ^ CD CD

»~H r*^. i— i 0

.—i ||or— 1

SI 21

LA un

1-1UJ

OO tT3

OO <£.

UJ t—

LLJ ca

un

ar CDCD

•—i SI CD

LT\

a^ CDCD

I—I

LTv

in CDCDt— 1 UJCD1 —

>- ^

C2>

* «*

rl CMenCDCD1— 1 CDI— 1

UJ

<_> OO

<C. CD

Q_ <£.

1

<C LJ_

1— 0 CD1 —

caCDUJo_. UJ caUJ

CD OO

D_ OOOO SI ca u. <c oo >• CD <c <_> * * *

•H(0ca

S-l HCOCOcdo•HCvOI00 •H
C

O>1 —ssUJ

-a:

•ca.

cs

03ceUJSQr

H

•cs

51 i1 —Q£

rH

5 ^ — ^ ^ceaCOCOOceQ_i O- coca

a: ^

._><*

_i_

cs.

Mia

Ca CSL

r*1 i— I 1— 1 s.

LA LA «— LA^.

CS. S.

CS. CS.

co co

f^

i^ ^ ca ca •^S^cs LU~J ^^^~^^ t— Q CO < oCJ

CO

x easi ^~CO

X SI

IS

£ SI

LA

Z ,ca

'LACO

x eaSI CO•

X SI 2

u. O L

U0

>• t- <

H- 0 1—

^- ""^ ^

_l Q < — 0 > on or Q < o. < =

CsJ

*^ {5JSI

•""

CM

X IS

x. caLA

z ea

IA

Z ea

IA

Z ea

IA

^—— L

U

CO C3

— ^ CJ »— =) Z Q < O 5» ce o 0- < LUce

LA

CO CO

CQ CO

-1 -i

IS S) IA CO CO CO CO si ea

cr\ r^ •— cr\ IA CO CO CO CQ ea es IA LA «— rnLA CO CO CO CO _J _J ea si LA LA •— ff\ COCQSI S) LACOCO_JSI cai—^CQ LU < LU c

a

Q£ — 1—

o co z

0- ^ <

CO • •>

< 3: < i—

LA

.

(\J^CMCMCM•-COoo•

LU0 C

O

Z LU

< CO

1- < O 'Z. Q- < X. > — Q < LU 1— O O1—

(0CO •HQ0)

(-100

4-15
FACTOR

CAPITAL COST

Advantage

TIMELINESS

In Minutes

Advantage

MAINTENANCE

Advantage

ALTERNATIVES

FFAST

A

850K

<30

210

H

TOTAL IMPORTANCE

OF ADVANTAGES

1.0

1.0

B

751K

99K

<30

210

L

.1

1.0

.3

1.»

C

751K

99K

<30

210

L

.1

1.0

.3

1.4

D

751K

99K

<30

210

L

.1

1.0

.3

1.4

CURRENT IR

HAND DELIVERY

0

850K

2UO

H

.5

.5

*Costs figured on ten year, actual use basis with dedicated IR operator, 3

pilots, and four technicians.

#Total costs for ten year life of platform.

A = Line scanner, with advanced geo-referencing, communications, and display at ICP.

Platform = King Air, Merlin.

B = Linear array (dual band) with advanced geo-referencing, registration, communications, and display at ICP, Platform = King Air, Merlin, or Baron.

C = Linear array with 1 Band (10-12 Microns), no terrain information, automated

procedures on board aircraft, advanced communications and display. Platform =

Baron.

D = Linear array (Dual Band), audio transmission of GPS and uncorrected IR digitized

data of fire perimeter and intensity to central facility for registration and

rectification at ground and re-transmisson to ICP Platform = Baron.

Figure 4-8. Fire Mapping and Detection Alternatives

4-16
a paramount value of 1.0. Totaling the advantage ratings for each of the

alternatives indicates that the linear array configuration is the best alternative desirable for the collection of fire data.

4.3.2.2 Georeferencing Data. Figure 4-5 shows the resulting matrix for the

georeferencing of the data. The most important advantage of the matrix is

timeliness of processing the fire data. The alternatives of onboard aircraft

processing and processing at a central facility were estimated to have the

best advantage at five minutes processing each. The difference between the

two best alternatives is the cost of transmission investment advantage for the

onboard aircraft processing, thus, the onboard processing alternative is the

best alternative available for this system component.

4.3.2.3 Communication Data. The Communications matrix (Figure 4-6) shows

that the timeliness was again considered to be the most important factor in

the design of a forest fire detection and mapping system. The satellite audio

and direct audio transmission of the fire data are rated as being equal in the

timeliness factors as well as the other factors. Both means of audio transmission were considered to be better alternatives than either video transmission of the data or the hand delivery of the fire data. The technical

uncertainties were not evaluated at this point. The value analysis team

determined that the preferred communication system would be satellite based,

since it is feasible, given the 1990 time frame of the system requirements.

Recognized advantages of satellite communication are outlined in the

Technology Assessment Section of this report.

4.3.2.4 Display Data. The Display Data matrix is shown in Figure 4-7. The

pen plotter, using a microcomputer as the system driver, proved to be the best

alternative in all the factors considered important in data display. The cost

factor was the most important factor under consideration, with the usability

of the product also being very important. The pen-plotter display was easily

the recommended configuration of the data display component of the system.

4-17
4.3.2.5 FFAST System Alternatives. The candidate FFAST System Configuration Alternatives (Figure 4-8) were evaluated for factors considered to be of

paramount importance when comparing potential system configurations. The

FFAST alternative configurations, with a delivery of fire data to the ICP of

less than thirty minutes, have about a three to three and a half hour

advantage over the present IR system. The FFAST system configuration Option A

has the disadvantage of projected high maintenance for the line scanner

component of the system configuration. The Option C configuration uses a

single-band linear array which is a technical uncertainty. The single-band

linear array may not produce fire data that will meet the system functional

requirements. The Option D configuration would utilize a ground facility to

process the uncorrected IR data of the fire perimeter and intensity and then

retransmit the data to the ICP. The transmission and retransmission of the

fife data in Option D and the use of the processing at a ground facility are

both technical uncertainties and potential inefficiencies for a FFAST system.

The Option B is the best FFAST system alternative configuration as

a result of the TEP technique evaluation. The dual-band linear array component used in Option B is the best alternative of the collect fire data

analysis. The advanced onboard georeferencing is the most important factor

contributing to the advantage of Option B. Satellite communications are an

important part of the advantage of this configuration. The size of the

Option B system will allow the platform to be as small as a Baron class aircraft. Option B has the least amount of technical uncertainty, the advantage

of onboard data processing, a small size, and will meet the functional

requirements of an advanced forest fire detection and mapping system.

4.4 TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT

The purpose of the conceptual design phase is to examine in detail,

user requirements for tactical information on forest fire activity, functional

requirements for a completed system, and technology that will be available for

application to the project in the 1990s. To allow value analysis and tradeoff

4-18
evaluations to occur, an analysis was made between various subsystem components that could be used in the FFAST system configuration. The analysis, a

technology assessment, addressed the following items:

1. Data Bases and Data Base Management Systems (DBMS)

2. Data display devices

3. Data-storage devices

4. Satellite communications

5. Global-positioning technologies

6. Sensor systems

7. Georeferencing technologies

The technology assessment of each of these items is in terms of its

application to the FFAST system, and its projected availability as a result of

continued technical evolution. Accordingly, the technology assessment implies

that the FFAST system is modularized, and that new technology items can be

integrated into the system configuration as they become mature and commercially available. Because of likely availability, the emphasis of the technology assessment is on nonclassified technology. Only those commercially

available items that have been technically proven will be considered for

possible final system integration.

It is clear from the initial assessment of current systems and

operating procedures that significant improvements can be achieved by first

improving communications access and positioning. Communications technologies

are evolving rapidly and their integration into an advanced forest fire detection and mapping system is a function of a specific system design and then

obtaining commerically available equipment.

Positioning systems are also evolving rapidly. The most significant is the United States Global Positioning Satellite System (GPS). Although

developed for the Department of Defense, it is clear there will be commercial

use of GPS to accuracies sufficient to meet the requirements of the forest

fire detection and mapping system. As these technologies continue to evolve,

4-19
commercially available systems will become increasingly less expensive and

deliver more capability for potential users. Georeferencing technologies,

while they are evolving, perhaps are not evolving as rapidly as other technologies with broader applications. Even within the georeferencing technology

area, the major thrusts of research and development are not directly applicable to the requirements of the forest fire detection and mapping system.

Although not the intent of the project, FFAST system requirements may

effectively serve to help advance the state of the art in georeferencing

technologies. Additional user requirements, both at the Federal level and in

the commercial sector, will encourage accelerated development of georeferencing technologies. To meet the stated functional requirements of the forest

fire detection and mapping systems, a significant advancement in the georeferencing technologies is required.

A wide variety of data bases exist within the USDA-Forest Service,

as well as within other Federal agencies, specifically the U.S. Department of

Interior (U.S. Geological Survey, Fish and Wildlife Service, and Bureau of

Land Management). The variety of computer formats that are used for these

data bases presents an obstacle to possible integration within the FFAST

system, but one that can likely be overcome without significant technical

development. The primary effort will be to make these data bases have a

common or compatible computer format.

The technology assessment of data storage and display devices

involves the canvassing of the many commercially available items. As in the

case with the data bases, the emphasis here focuses on compatibility of the

devices to effectively and efficiently message the display data in ways (CRT

display, hard copy) that meet the practices of Forest Service personnel.

The technology of sensor development also is developing rapidly.

The use of infrared .linear and area array devices, with their small physical

size, low power requirements and lack of moving parts will greatly impact the

final FFAST system design. Other sensor developments, such as millimeter wave

sensors, may provide the type of information that previously was only available from infrared detectors. The assessment of this technical option will

4-20
indicate whether or not it can be considered a serious option for the FFAST

system.

The Detailed Technology Assessment is presented in Appendix A. The

technology assessments presented in the appendix vary in depth of analysis and

scope, reflecting commercial availability, technical uncertainty, and

potential applications to the requirements of the FFAST system. Because a

technology assessment represents both a slice-in-time and forecast into the

future the technical information available about items must vary.

To summarize the characteristics (size, availability, cost, performance) associated with FFAST subsystem component options and to allow easy

cross comparisons between items, a Technology Evaluation Matrix has been

constructed and shown in Appendix A. The purpose of this matrix is twofold:

1. To present the necessary information on the technology options

. in a manner that is easily comprehensible and for which quick

intercomparisons between attributes can be made.

2. To provide an operating mechanism by which information gaps

can be easily identified and filled.

The Technology Evaluation Matrix served as a primary guide in the

TEP and value analysis procedures. Vendor material (information packets,

brochures) were also available during the technology assessment.

4.5 ALTERNATIVE FFAST SYSTEM CONFIGURATIONS

Alternative FFAST system configurations have been developed with

regard for future Forest Service information needs and what emerging and

available technologies might be present in the 1990s. The components of the

system configuration were derived from identified functions that will meet the

functional requirements of an advanced forest fire detection and mapping system. The alternatives are intended as baseline configurations constructed in

4-21
a modular format on which a subsequent detailed design may be built. The

alternatives presented here and the technology discussed serves to aid in the

refining of the total system design.

An alternative FFAST system configuration matrix summarizing the

alternatives is presented in Figure 4-9.

4.5.1 Current IR System Configuration

The current Forest Service IR system configuration will be briefly

described to allow a point of comparison with the FFAST system configurations.

The current fire data collection sensor system, the FLAME unit, is

a line scanner with dual band (3-5 and 8-12 micron) capability. The platform

size required for the FLAME unit because of weight and volume is either King

Air or Merlin class. The thermal IR imagery output from the scanner, in the

form of transparent film, is acquired from the aircraft and relayed to ground

personnel in one of several ways. Occasionally, the IR film can be dropped

via a drop tube to the ground, relying on ground personnel to spot the location of the drop. Alternatively, the imagery can be hand delivered to the ICP

by a courier after the aircraft lands. The time that elapses between acquisition and delivery of the imagery varies as a function of road condition, distance, airstrip location, and location and availability of fire crew personnel.

Generally, the time that elapses between image acquisition and delivery is one

to four hours, and at times the imagery is never received.

After the film is received, it is taken to the ICP for review,

interpretation, and transposition of the pertinent fire information to maps by

ICP personnel. Fire targets which appear on the raw IR scanner film output

must be located with respect to known geographic positions on the ground if

the information is to be of value in tactical fire suppression planning. In

the best case, georeferencing at the ICP involves the adjustment of the fire

imagery to a standard geographic base. First, the interpreter identifies

common points between the imagery and a map, composes a grid based on the

4-22
U

J LLJ

cci- cc coCO ° LU U- uj DQ h^J

^^T

COMPONENT

X

X

X

X

X

OLLECT DATA

LINE SCANNER

LINEAR ARRAY 1 BANDLINEAR ARRAY 2 BANDS

O

X

XX X

X XX

X XX

X XX

ATA PROCESSING

ADVANCED GEO-REFERENCINGADVANCED REGISTRATIONAUTOMATED ON-BOARD AIRCRAFT

REGISTRATION AND RECTIFICATION

AT GROUND FACILITY

Q

XXXX

OMMUNICATION

SATELLITE

O

XXXX

ATA DISPLAY

ADVANCED DISPLAY AT ICP

Q

XX

XXX

XX

LATFORM

KING AIRMERLINBARON

a.

co

S-l 60cooCO>.

Cfl H

C/3 ss0) CO

»-i 0) ONI0)

li U

)

4-23
selected common points, and overlays the grid on the map and image. Second,

using the similar squares method of manual information transfer, the fire

perimeter is sketched on the map using the grid and control points. This

method of manually georeferencing the imagery takes from one to four hours,

depending upon interpreter familarity with the area, ruggedness of the terrain, distortions in the imagery, nonlinearities in the image scales, and the

ability to locate control points.

The imagery can also be telemetered to a mobile van which can be

positioned at the ICP. The van contains a receiving station and equipment for

aiding interpretation and rectification. The mobile van has only been used in

southern California, but can be driven to other locations. The imagery can

also be telemetered to the Operations Control Center (OCC) in Riverside,

California where it can be interpreted and rectified to a map using a computeraided system. The information can then be used at the OCC for planning. Conceivably, the mobile van could be prepositioned at fire danger areas. The

transmitted imagery can usually be available at the mobile van or OCC within

30 minutes following the completion of mapping flights, depending on conditions and locations.

The georeferenced imagery is used to identify or validate fire

perimeter and fire spot locations to aid in generating tactical fire

suppression plans prepared for the day. In general, plans are updated every

12 hours. Maps and ancillary data used in preparing the plans are physically

located at the ICP.

4.5.2 Option A System Configuration: Line Scanner, Advanced Data

Processing, Satellite Communications, and Advanced Display

The Option A configuration will use a presently available, custombuilt, line scanner with dual band (3-5 and 8-12 micron) capability for the

collection of IR image data. The platform required for the sensor system

would be the size of a King Air or Merlin class aircraft. An advanced georeferencing system will be used that incorporates the Global Positioning

4-24
Satellite system for locational determination and a differential or SERIES GPS

receiver to acquire the positioning data. After the precise position of the

fire image data is determined, registration of the imagery to a geographic

base is done automatically via a very large scale integration registration

chip. The fire perimeter and intensity data will then be telemetered via a

geosynchronous communications satellite to the Incident Command Post for processing. The fire data is then used as input to a microprocessor that runs a

pen plotter, producing a hard-copy display of the fire data on a map base,

which is given to the users at the ICP.

4.5.3 Option B System Configuration: Linear Array, Advanced Data

Processing, Satellite Communications, and Advanced Display

The Option B configuration would utilize a linear-array, IR sensor

system with dual bands (3-5 and 8-12 microns) for the collection of the fire

data. The system would use advanced georeferencing for the adjustment of the

fire imagery to a standard geographic base. The Global Positioning Satellite

system would be used to determine locational information while access to that

data would be via a differential or SERIES receiver. Automatic registration

of the fire imagery to a geographic base would be done on a VLSI geometric

registration chip. Automated data processing would occur onboard the aircraft. The fire perimeter and intensity data would be telemetered via a geosynchronous communications satellite system. A microprocessor would be used

to produce a hard-copy display from a pen plotter. The output at the ICP

would be in a user-defined map format. The sensor platform required could be

as small as a Baron size aircraft depending upon the final weight and size of

the sensor system. Advantages of the linear-array sensor system include

compact size and small weight.

4.5.4 Option C System Configuration: Single-Band Linear Array, Advanced

Data Processing, Satellite Communications, and Advanced Data Display

The Option C configuration will utilize a single-band (8-12 micron)

IR detector system. The use of a single band in the 8-12 micron range would

4-25
eliminate false signals caused by solar radiation on highly reflective rocks

that are detected in the 3-5 micron range. Although IR detector array technology is the least advanced for those devices sensitive in the 8-12 microns

atmospheric window, theoretically the single band in this range would detect

the required fire data. Georeferencing and registration of the fire data

would be automatically processed onboard the aircraft by accessing GPS positional location data. Access of the GPS data would be by a differential or

SERIES receiver onboard the aircraft. Communication of the georeferenced and

registered data to the ICP would be via a geosynchronous communications satellite. The fire perimeter and fire intensity data would be displayed on the

ground as a hard-copy map product of a pen plotter driven by a microprocessor.

Because of the weight of the system being less than the prior option configurations, the platform for the sensor would not have to be larger than a Baron

class of aircraft.

4.5.5 Option D System Configuration: Linear Array, Advanced Data

Processing at Ground Facility, Satellite Communications, Advanced

Data Display

The Option D configuration would use a dual-band linear array (3-5

and 8-12 microns) to collect the fire image data. The uncorrected IR data and

the GPS signal would be transmitted by audio over a geosynchronous communication satellite link to a ground facility for processing. Only the fire

perimeter and fire intensity would be automatically digitized onboard the

aircraft. The IR data would be georeferenced and registered to map a base at

the ground facility then the corrected fire perimeter and intensity data would

be retransmitted via the communications satellite link to the ICP. At the ICP

a microprocessor run pen plotter would produce a map product for use by the

fire control personnel. The reduced weight and volume of the onboard system

would allow the platform to be of the Baron class of aircraft.

4.5.6 Preferred System Configuration

The preferred system configuration (Option B), as illustrated in

Figure 4-10, will meet or exceed the users' functional requirements for an

4-26
CZ GEO-SYNCHRONOUS SATELLITE

C. FOR COMMUNICATIONS AND

•»_ DATA TRANSFER

GLOBAL

POSITIONING

SATELLITE

INCORPORATE

ANCILLARY DATA BASES

MAP INFORMATION

DESTINATION OF

INFORMATION

Figure 4-10. Prefer

red System Configuration

4-27
advanced forest fire detection and mapping system. The modular design of the

preferred system provides flexibility by allowing the incorporation of both

present and developing technologies at a later date. The system will rely on

thermal infrared, linear-array detector technology, coupled with a Global

Positioning Satellite system and onboard signal processing capabilities, to

produce fire data that can be georeferenced to a common map base. The reduced

size of the onboard system will allow for a smaller aircraft platform to be

used. The processed data will contain fire perimeter location, hot spot

detection, and fire intensity information. The processed fire data will be

telemetered via mobile satellite communications to the Incident Command Post

for display in a final map format for use by fire suppression personnel.

Finally, the preferred system has the advantage of the least amount of technical uncertainty associated with its basic components.

The preferred system configuration addresses the dual goals of

meeting the stated needs for fire management while being realistic in terms of

the technology that is likely'to be available by the 1990s. The technology

will make it possible to acquire the requisite information and to integrate

the various mapping and detection technologies into a high resolution, userfriendly system which would perform fire detection and mapping on a real-time

basis. The system will also be flexible enough for. expansion and multiple-use

capabilities in the future.

4-28
SECTION 5

ECONOMIC ASPECTS OF THE CURRENT AND PREFERRED SYSTEM

The various operational components' costs of the current infrared

system are identified and described in this section. Emphasis is placed on

capturing the total cost of the system. The section contrasts the cost of

the current system with that of the preferred system. The least-cost-type

analysis is utilized. The economic benefit result is the difference between

the cost of the preferred system and the current system.

5.1 CURRENT SYSTEM

The current system costs are summarized in Table 5-1. The

following is a discussion of each component and the associated costs.

The infrared (IR) equipment is the instrumentation designed to

record and process the IR data. The equipment is mounted in an aircraft and

flown above a fire. Currently, there are two operational units. The most

recently acquired, the FLAME unit, was purchased at a cost of $750,000. The

FLAME unit is a solid-state updated version of an older Texas Instruments

unit. For the purposes of this analysis, the acquisition cost of the FLAME

unit has been used as the replacement cost for both units. Using a straight

line depreciation over ten-years design life, an annual cost of $150,000 is

obtained for both units. Maintenance totaling $31,000, exclusive of labor,

was added to the annual cost. The maintenance cost was obtained from the

Forest Service Aviation and Fire Management's 1984 Scanner Profit and Loss

Statement (Gale, 1985).

Currently one mobile ground unit, based in southern California, is

used for receiving raw IR images from the aircraft while it is over the fire.

The ground unit consists of receiving equipment housed in a mobile van. A

video transmitter located onboard the aircraft is also part of this equipment. The mobile ground unit costs approximately $100,000. Amortized over a

ten-year period, a $10,000 annual cost is obtained. The use of the ground

5-1
Table 5-1. Current Infrared System Cost

(In Thousands of Dollars)

Total

Investment Annual Annual

Cost Cost Cost

Fixed Cost:

IR Equipment

1 FLAME Unit . . 750

1 Old System 750

Maintenance (not including labor) 150

IR Equipment 31

Ground Unit

Airborne Equipment 33

Receiving Equipment 33

Mobile Van 34

IR Technicians

4 Equipment Maint. & Oper. 124

Aircraft FOR (No pilot salary)

King Air (82% IR) 2,100

, ... Merlin . : 687 , ..,

132

Pilots .

4 IR Pilots 136

Interpreters

Training and Equipment 30

Total Fixed Cost " 613

Total Variable Cost (500 Hours IR Use) 178

Adjustment - Nonrevenue Activities (100 Hours) 87

Total Annual IR System Cost 878

5-2
unit is limited because of travel time to a fire, and the fact that only one

unit exists. In lieu of the ground receiving unit, the IR imagery is hand

delivered from the local airport to the ICP using ground transportation.

Four IR technicians are employed full-time to operate and maintain

the current IR equipment and mobile ground unit. The cost for the technicians, including salary and travel, has been estimated at $31,000 per technician for a total of $124,000 annually (Gale, 1985).

The aircraft Fixed Ownership Rate (FOR) charge is the fixed annual

cost of having an aircraft available. The FOR is the charge initially from

the Government Accounting Office for major procurements. The charge includes

depreciation, program management, and general administration. The Forest

Service currently has two aircraft dedicated primarily to IR operations. The

Sweringen Merlin operates approximately 275 hours annually in IR operations.

Prorating the 275 hours for the Merlin or 85 percent of its total use to IR

operations constitutes a $33,000 FOR cost. The other aircraft, a Beechcraft

King-Air is being replaced with a new model King Air. The King Air is the

primary IR aircraft as it contains the FLAME IR unit. Both King Air aircraft

were used to develop the FOR cost for the second aircraft. The 225 hours, or

82 percent of the total annual use of the old King Air, has been used for

prorating the anticipated FOR charge for the new King Air. The result is a

$99,000 annual cost for the King Air. Total aircraft FOR charged for the IR

systems equals $132,000.

Two pilots are normally used to pilot each aircraft. The pilot

pool consists of a group leader and four IR pilots who are supplemented by

regional pilots as needed. Only a portion of the four IR pilots and their

travel expenses was used to estimate pilot cost. The cost of pilots to crew

the IR aircraft is also calculated as a fixed FOR cost. This has again been

prorated by the hours spent in IR work which accounts for 500 hours out of a

total of 600 hours spent in aircraft operations. At $31,000 per pilot, the

total annual pilot FOR cost for IR operations is $136,000.

A cadre of IR interpreters has been trained and is available

throughout the country to perform the task of transferring the infrared images

5-3
to usable map form. The estimated annual cost to train and equip the IR

interpreter cadre is $30,000.

The current total investment for the IR system is $1.6 million in

IR hardware, and $2.8 million for the two IR aircraft (the aircraft are amortized over a 20-year period), plus an undetermined investment in the various

people that are trained to operate and maintain the system. The total annual

fixed cost of the IR system is $613*000.

An additional $178,000 of variable costs, based on an anticipated

500 hours of IR use, is required to operate the system (pilots are figured in

the fixed cost). The overall cost has been adjusted to include $87,000 to

account for 100 hours of nonrevenue-producing operations. The adjustment

consists of FOR charges including pilots, and 100 hours of use. The activities for the adjustment involve such things as pilot proficiency flights,

training, and flights involving maintenance. The total annual cost of the IR

system including fixed, variable, and adjustment cost is $878,000.

5.2 SUPPLEMENTAL DATA

Aircraft and pilots are a major cost of the current IR system and a

key to future cost. To better understand this component, more detailed data

on aircraft has been prepared (See Tables 5-2, 5-3, 5-4). Over time, IR

aircraft have become larger and more expensive.

Improvements in IR hardware technology will decrease the weight and

volume of future IR equipment which will permit its operation in a light twinengine aircraft of the Baron leadplane type. The equipment will be portable

enough so that it would not. require dedicated aircraft. Currently, IR pilots

and the dedicated aircraft are costing $533,000 annually and averaging $1066

for each hour of use, or 61 percent of the total annual IR system cost. .

If Forest Service Regional leadplane aircraft and pilots could be

used to accomplish the IR missions a considerable savings could be realized.

The data in Table 5-4, and the assessment of future IR hardware, suggest that

the use of existing leadplane type aircraft would be a possibility. Seven of

5-4
Table 5-2. 1985 Infrared Aircraft

KING AIR MERLIN

Speed (knots) 210 250

Payload (Ib) 2406 2355

Total Annual Use (hr) 275 325

Fixed Annual Cost FOR (with pilot) $203,000 $127,000

Per Hour Cost

FOR With Pilot $737 $390

Use Rate $297 $403

Total $1037 $793

Table 5-3 Baron Aircraft

(Costs in Dollars)

Speed (knots)

Payload (Ib)

Purchase price

205

605

350,000

Fixed Annual Cost

GA & Misc. 3,000

Depreciation 17,000

FOR without pilot (20,500)

Pilot and expense 85,000

FOR with pilot 105,500

Per Hour Cost (315 hr)

FOR without pilot (65)

FOR with pilot 335

USE rate 150

Total 485

the current leadplane aircraft are used less than 200 hours per year and an

additional seven less than 300. An additional 500 hours of IR use on these

aircraft would constitute a seven percent overall increase in their total use.

5-5
Table 5^4. Leadplarie Aircraft Utilization^

Number of

Region Aircraft

1 2

2 2

3 3

4 2

5 6

6 5

8 2

9 2

National Total 25

Total

Hours Per

Aircraft

179

361

186

541

347

265

196

215

297

Percent

Lead plane

71

7

40

8

18

20

22

7

-21

of

Use

1Source: Gale, 1983.

Table 5-3 breaks down Baron aircraft cost similarly to that in

Table 5-2 for the IR aircraft. Fixed FOR and pilot costs for leadplanes are

currently being covered by existing Forest Service programs. Additional use

of these aircraft and pilots would constitute little additional fixed cost to

the Forest Service. (If an FOR cost was charged to the IR system, it would

amount to $167,750 annually or $335 per hour. The same $167,750 would be

subtracted from the current leadplane cost.)

The variable cost or use rate that is directly related to the use

of these aircraft is estimated at $150 per hour. This amounts to $75,000

annually and would be the only aircraft charge incurred by the IR program.

The preferred IR system configuration hardware and software cost is

identified in Table 5-5. The system configuration cost in Table 5-5 constitutes one complete IR unit, exclusive of aircraft. The estimated, preferred

system configuration cost is $892,000. Assuming two units are acquired with a

10-year amortization period, the annual cost is $178,400.

5-6
Table 5-5. Preferred System Configuration Hardware and Software

Cost (In Dollars)

Linear Array 500,000

Onboard Data Storage 36,000

Georeferencing

VLSI Chip 30,000

Satellite Access 250,000

Receiver 7,000

Communication 23,000

Data Display

Microcomputer System 31,000

Plotter 15,000

Total Per Unit 892,000

Two Unit Annual Cost 178,400

5.3 COMPARISON OF CURRENT AND PREFERRED SYSTEM

The annual cost of the current IR system and the cost of the preferred system are summarized in Table 5-6. The cost of the preferred system

has been subtracted from the cost of the current system to derive the benefit

or annual savings that would be anticipated.

The cost of purchasing the preferred IR equipment is projected to

be slightly less than current equipment, for an annual savings of $2600. Only

one IR technician would be needed to service the equipment instead of the four

currently needed, for an annual savings of $93,000.

The use of leadplane aircraft and pilots would save the Forest

Service $424,000 (if a portion of the leadplane pilot and FOR were charged to

the IR system, the savings is $407,250 annually). Interpreters would not be

necessary with the new system because the system georeferencing locates the

5-7
Table 5-6. System Comparison Annual Cost (In Dollars)

IR Equipment

IR Technician

Aircraft

FOR

USE

Adjustment

Pilots

(Alt. Aircraft S. Pilots)

Interpreters

Ground Unit.

1 Unit

20 Units

Current

182,000

124,000

132,000

178,000

87,000

136,000

(377,000)

30,000

10,000

(200,000)

Preferred

178,400

31,000

0

75,000

0

34,000

(209,000)

0

5,800

(110,200)

Benefit

2,600

93,000

132,000*

103,000*

87,000

102,000

(168,000)*

30,000

4,200

(89,800)#

Total Annual 878,000 326,200 551,800

* Alternative aircraft costing assumption.

# 20 Ground units will be preferred.

images automatically by mapped coordinates. The savings on interpreters would

be $30,000 annually. For comparative purposes, only one ground unit was

considered initially with the preferred system. At $58,000 per unit, this

constitutes an annual savings of $4200 over the current ground based unit.

However, to fully utilize the capability of the preferred system, it is recommended that a total of twenty portable ground based units be purchased. The

nineteen additional units would cost $1,102,000 which, amortized over ten

years, is an added cost of $110,200 per year.

5-8
5.4 SUMMARY

The current IR system represents a $4.4 million investment in hardware and aircraft with an annual cost of $878,000. A comparable preferred

system would require a $1,784,000 investment in hardware and software, and

cost $326,200 annually to operate, providing an annual savings of $551,800.

Considering the nineteen additional ground units, the investment becomes

$2,886,000, and the annual cost is $436,400 still providing an annual savings

of $441,600.

The preferred system will have some additional start-up costs (see

Section 6), however, compared to the current system, the additional costs will

be relatively small since the system is considerably less dependent on

people. The system could be puchased in increments to reduce the "up front"

outlay. The complete preferred system would provide for:

1. A considerable improvement in IR capability and utilization.

2. A reduction in full-time equivalents in personnel.

3. Reduced need for expensive dedicated aircraft.

4. Increased utilization of other aircraft and pilots.

The complete preferred system configuration would be expected to

pay for itself in four years from the annual savings alone.

5-9
SECTION 6

SYSTEM COST ESTIMATE

6.1 SCOPE OF SYSTEM COST ESTIMATES

The objective of this section is to prepare preliminary cost

estimates and basic schedules for the design, fabrication, and installation

phases for the FFAST project preferred system configuration.

As stated in Section 1, the objective of the FFAST project is to

implement a technologically advanced (late 1980s) forest fire detection, mapping, and management system for use by the USDA-Forest Service and cooperating

agencies in the early 1990s. The preferred system configuration will provide

increased performance and be cost-effective compared to the system currently

in use. The system will be designed and built at JPL in conjunction with

private industry. In general the system design will conform to the FFAST

functional requirements as specified in JPL (Internal Document) #D-1600,

May 1, 1984 (Dutzi, 1984).

Cost and schedule estimates for the detailed design and build of

the system take into account the current maturity state for each subsystem

component. Uncertainties in emerging and advanced technologies related to the

preferred system configuration are identified. Cost projections are based

upon analyzing available subsystem component technology and substituting

advanced technology projections where possible. Experts were consulted to

assess the advanced technology projection cost estimates in the fields of

infrared detection sensing, global positioning and georeferencing, communications, and data processing.

6-1
6.2 WORK BREAKDOWN STRUCTURE

The task Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) describing the FFAST

Preliminary Operational System Capability is shown in Figure 6-1. The WBS

organizes the principal steps involved in the design, build, and installation

of the preferred FFAST configuration. This WBS is meant as a baseline on -

which further developments and refinements will be made.

6.3 COST SUMMARY BY WORK BREAKDOWN STRUCTURE

The Work Breakdown Structure shown in Figure 6-1 was used to cost

the system. Cost-estimates summaries by Work Breakdown Structure are presented in Table 6-1.

6.4 , MASTER PROJECT SCHEDULE

The projected project period of performance will be from December

31, 1986 through December 31, 1989. The preliminary FFAST Operational System

Master Project Schedule is presented in Figure 6-2. -

6.5 PRIMARY COMPONENT MILESTONE CHART

The Preliminary Primary Component Milestone Chart is shown in

Figure 6-3. Delay in the startup date for the mobile satellite communications

technology development will affect this preliminary schedule. Thus, it should

be noted that the fabrication component of the communications subtask can not

be completed until the mobile satellite communications system has been

developed.

6.6 PREFERRED SYSTEM CONFIGURATION COMPONENT COST AND CONTINGENCY

ESTIMATES

Table 6-2 shows the total projected task costs by subsystem primary

physical components along with additional cost contingency estimates for each

component. The cost contingency estimates indicate the cost variability projected for each component. Cost and contingency estimates are for the design

6-2
and build of one system, if more than one system was built these estimates

would be affected significantly.

6.7 LABOR, SERVICES AND TRAVEL COSTS

Table 6-3 shows the FY 88 to FY 90 cost estimates for projected

labor, services (including graphics, photographic reproduction,

documentation), and travel.

All numbers presented in this report are as of October 31, 1985.

6-3
ORIGINAL PAGE IS

OF POOR QUALFTY

D FFAST

FIGURATION

=8

5

cS

—

—

o<>

Q

00FERENCETA

""f a

0

O

Q uj

§§<

"22

Z

o

2000

SYSTEMS

ENGINEERING

1000

TASK

MANAGEMENT

7100

ISPLAY DESIGN

D SPECIFICATIO

<

1

Z

0?

5100

REFERENCE DES

SPECIFICATIO

1

Z

4100

ORAGE DESIGr

SPECIFICATIO

1/1 Z

I

Cl

Z..

2100

SYSTEM DESIGN A

SPECIFICATION

I

1100

ENGINEERING

MANAGEMENT

1

7200

SPLAY HARDWA

0

1

5200

SI MICRO-CHIEVELOPMENT

1

UJ

oe. 4200 RAGE HARDWA

o

I

2200 '

TECHNOLOGY

ASSESSMENT

1

1200

ADMINISTRATION

1

7210

MICRO-COMP

1

5300

TELLITE ACCES

SOFTWARE

1/1

1

u

4210

OPTICAL Dl!

PLAYER

\

2300

SYSTEM

INTEGRATION

1

1300

MEETINGS AND

REVIEWS

1

O

7220

CUSTOM CON

BOARD

5400

SATELLITE

RECEIVER

_,

IX

4220

CUSTOM CON

BOARD

\

2400

SYSTEM TEST AN

EVALUATION

Z

1400

DOCUMENTATIO

7230

MONITOR

1

5500

JBSYSTEM TESTAND REPORT

\

^

5

4230

MICRO-COMP

1

£

O

s

1

0£

7240

PEN PLOTTE

4240

MONITOR

7300

SPLAY SOFTWAR

o

1

00

ICATIONS

o

U

,_

VJJ

g

UJ

8>

3

a

<

o

1

3000

INFRARED

EQUIPMENT

7400 -

UBSYSTEM TEST

AND REPORT

1

z

o

If

6100

JNICATION D

S

5

O

u

4400

JBSYSTEM TESTAND REPORT

1

z

3100

DETECTOR DESIG ZSPECIFICATIC

Z

ZAND SPECIFICATIO

-7

6200

MMUNICATIO

SOFTWARE

O

0

1

LJJ

3200

INfRARED HARDW/

I

6300

CEIVING UNI

Of

\

3300

SUBSYSTEM TEST

AND REPORT

I

3 £»_

oo Os2

i/> t/j Z

2 5<

1 1

0)

4-1

w.

n)

o

a)

ex

o

OJ

S-l

a

l-l

a.

ss

00

•r-i

6-4
Table 6-1. FFAST Preliminary Operational System Capability

(Costs by Work Breakdown Structure Element)

WBS Element Description Cost (In Dollars)

0000 TOTAL TASK 1,698,000

1000 TASK MANAGEMENT 276,000

1100 Engineering Management 106,000

1200 Administration 100,000

1300 Meetings and Reviews 50,000

1400 Documentation 20,000

2000 SYSTEMS ENGINEERING 248,000

2100 System Design and Specifications 50,000

2200 Technology Assessment 12,000

2300 System Integration 97,000

2400 System Test and Evaluation 60,000

2500 System Test Reports 32,000

3000 INFRARED EQUIPMENT 542,000

3100 Detector Design and Specifications 22,000

3200 Infrared Hardware 500,000

3300 Subsystem Test and Report 20,000

4000 ON-BOARD DATA STORAGE 113,000

4100 Storage Design and Specifications 20,000

4200 Storage Hardware

4210 Optical Disc Player 20,000

4220 Custom Control Board 2,000

4230 Microcomputer 10,000

4240 Monitor 4,000

4300 Software Development 35,000

4400 Subsystem Test and Report 22,000

5000 GEOREFERENCE DATA 347,000

5100 Georeference Design and Specification 25,000

5200 VLSI Micro-chip Development 30,000

5300 Satellite Access Software 250,000

5400 Satellite Receiver 7,000

5500 Subsystem Test and Report 35,000

6-5
Table 6-1. FFAST Preliminary Operational System Capability

(Costs by Work-Breakdown Structure Element) (Continued)

WBS Element Description Cost (In Dollars)

6000 COMMUNICATION 76,000

6100 Communication Design and Specification 20,000

6200 Communication Software 17,000

6300 Receiving Unit 3,000

6400 Transmission Unit 3,000

6500 Subsystem Test and Report 33,000

7000 DATA DISPLAY 96,000

7100 Display Design and Specification 25,000

7200 Display Hardware

7210 Microcomputer 10,000

7220 Custom Control Board 2,000

7230 Monitor 4,000

7240 Pen Plotter 15,000

7300 Display Software 15,000

7400 Subsystem Test and Report 25,000

6-6
E

dH, a < « o ° M

 OT

§ 2 « ^ £ " * 0 g « ^ < £5 G 55 S Sj Edesa,

00i— » 00001— 1 ON MILESTONE S

ozo

iSI <-•-•s<s"•-•oZo-<-•-s<su.-.QzoM<-.-•5<s

"-•

-•

iASE I-FUNCTIONAL DESIGN

D-.

-

><|FUNCTIONAL DESIGN PLAN < • ><]COST ESTIMATES a

>siHOi oOi EdQi U

IASE II-DETAIL DESIGN

t>kiPLAN AND SCHEDULE, PHASES 2j 3, 4

•<

><]M3IA3H HUM NOIS3Q "WIiaHd ea' t

>

j<

]

ECH: M•3zi CJ

»-H: w!

Edi QJ<! i— i Eb i O

IASE III-FABRICATION AND ASSEMBLY

3-.

>bH1dUg, ^<

><3FABRICATION-ON -BOARD AIRCRAFT SYS m>kiFABRICATION-GROUND SYSTEM 0

><]TEST AND INTEGRATE-ON-BOARD SYSTEM a><]

,

TEST AND INTEGRATE-GROUND SYSTEM Ed

><]

<-> S)da3<dij>dZ-1aan>4/IU

(

>t3<2i/>2Sll/)DJ

>sj) TRAINING COURSE AND TEST SB

iASE IV- INSTALLATION AND TRAINING CM

f>

I<) SYSTEM INSTALLATION <

><]) TRAINING AND ACCEPTANCE pa

0)

rt3•Oa> JCoen

4-1O0)

•"—i ou

CLi 0) 4JUl M>» cacoa>a<o•He•HrH0)

1-1IvD360 •H

fa

6-7
ORIGINA

L PAGE IS

OF POOR QUALFTY

HCO

fa

*-*0

 H

S

 w

° oX |j w

 8 « ^ pg

» lg IT: ori o

- Q ^ ??

w S **i

< S= S

> 33

< ^ W BJ S

 o-

feHCO3g

ON00ON

t—i

0000

CTN rCT\MILESTONE S

c0„<--s<s--oZo^<--s<s-.->ozo

*/><-.-S<s

"-•

-.

r>0

rlZa1y; COH

o

-

[>ot>l>o[>E>t>i>1>1>MEETINGS AND REVIEWS <

ki>l^pfIkDOCUMENTATION pa

ct-c(iIctic • or

>033H6qq5H3;q3HQ0

!

Ii!

><]SYSTEM DESIGN AND SPECIFICATIONS <

tt«00(100<>CH:sIa ><i -4Sq50q00H}Z43qa

2htPC. 6S>-If0>Lc. ><a-4-41q-4S-1q-40^Q3 'j St<»-<£c<t0b(0>0C

>0§HS5>q^CH0qHq•^1sna

>SYSTEM TEST REPORTS w

|iii, gZ[1*chtCt<h

>3-H3d«14-1q3§LI -t

;

c!hEChthICLCt-ctEi«c^i<

">br>5-1HsgH

fa-4JE] L, O3-4OdHS4jyd<

><]INFRARED HARDWARE pa

u: ><]1. ENGINEERING MODEL

f

r><12. COMPONENT PROCUREMENT 1 r ' 3. FABRICATION

tceic<c0^i0>0pcCC

>

<1

He!uJa2H0q-4qHQH0q3o3

*Cr0<:E<££0^cP

>b33-4^Ha3

>ki) STORAGE DESIGN AND SPECIFICATIONS <

bQ<Q<bC. C0or

>b3::H35•403

HP,•Jtpbbht(I^

>bjq>5-4£JJS-13J-l

>

«d2. COMPONENT PROCUREMENT

EH'r<hO0<r

><S4•4C•4AaC4•)

O(UCo

4-)

CO

d>oexo

ll n) •HECU CUHIvO00

6-8
PAG

E is

POOR QUALITY

Ox

ON

0000i— 1 r-ooMILESTONE S

QZO~<-<-•s<s"--•oZou.<-•-s<I"•^0Zou. <-1-s<S

"-' -

><]C) SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT -

l\lij!11X"(. >ki *i,^az4!•HOdH3/iH/}03O•Na

E4C[l!l11(.t

>ki 5§di4ii]j

>kiA) GEO-REFERENCE DESIGN AND

SPECIFICATIONS

>kiB) HARDWARE DEVELOPMENT

>ki1. ENGINEERING MODEL

>ki2. COMPONENT PROCUREMENT •>k]3. VLSI MICRO-CHIP DEVELOPMENT »

>ki4. FABRICATION o>kiC) SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT -

r>kiD) SUBSYSTEM TEST AND REPORT 2

I*«ct-;cV

><\ Z-1Ha!H33J

>kiA) COMMUNICATION DESIGN AND 2

SPECIFICATIONS M

P<>- D<

!

c-<C. y-ZCX-0s

>s1:S:-iH

ti^S35•\3

>k]1. ENGINEERING MODEL K

>ki2. COMPONENT PROCUREMENT t

>k] _ 3. FABRICATION £

0«IU

!

HE- <C. >-ac. /^Lan

>0j:H>3HH43i1V)

tCf.tf<t0bP^Cl >0po

,^c.<

>"dH

•i, LI2a5-(0JH3H0HQ333•\31 ><c0hc<E- <Ccc•

>b-4sLI 0-t3I4«

>kiA) DISPLAY DESIGN AND SPECIFICATIONS M

I

\O0)

(-1

00 •H

6-9
0

0

CO

COONi— 1MILESTONES

0Z0«, <-•-•s<iu.-•aZo

,/,<-•->s<I"--0Zo

,/,<--s<£

"•' -•

1

11CfIX1(

>ki 1<i5M1|/3H3-\4

f0

>bj1uagoz-H

9tf IdA) Z— 1 JZ4-H

(M

>ki Zd13yxzxl Z1JN

ihjChC(4PC

|>ki 3HsK! a*£4i><1C) DISPLAY SOFTWARE

><]D) SUBSYSTEM TEST AND REPORT

C3vO

6-10
Table 6-2. Preferred System Configuration Component

Projected Cost arid Contingency Estimates

by Primary Physical Component

Subsystem

Cost Estimate

($K)

Cost Contingency

($K)

Primary Components

Data Collection:

Thermal Infrared Linear

Array Detector Equipment 500 250

On-Board Data Storage:

Optical Disc Player

Custom Control Board

Microcomputer

Monitor

20

2

10

4

5

1

2

1

Georeference Data:

VLSI Micro-chip

Satellite Receiver (one unit)

30

7

5

3

Communicat ion:

Transmission unit

Receiving unit

3

3

1

1

Data Display:

CPU Microcomputer

Custom Control Board

Monitor

Pen Plotter

10

2

4

15

2

1

1

3

Totals 610 296

Cost Estimate + Cost Contingency = $610,000 + $296,000 = $906,000

6-11
Table 6-3 Preliminary Projected Labor, Services, and Travel Costs

by Fiscal Year (In Thousands of Dollars)

FY 88 FY 89 FY 90 Total

Cognizant Labor

JPL Burden

Services

Travel

Totals

191

137

2

8

338

203

146

5

8

362

216

156

8

8

388

610

439

15

24

1088

6-12
SECTION 7

CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

The decision to proceed with the FFAST Conceptual Design Study was

based upon results of the FFAST Feasibility Study (McLeod, 1983) which evaluated the potential of advanced technology applications for improving the

acquisition and use of fire information. The objective of the Conceptual

Design Study was to examine how to design a forest fire detection and mapping

system based upon technology that will be available in the 1990s. The Conceptual Design resulted in a preferred system configuration that is responsive

to the identified needs of the USDA-Forest Service user community for improved

accuracy, timeliness, reliability, maintainability, and compatibility with

other systems.

System user requirements were collected from numerous meetings with

personnel in the Forest Service regions. The user needs resulted in the construction of functional requirements that identify the functions necessary to

satisfy user requirements for an improved fire detection and mapping system.

The items identified in the Functional Requirements (Dutzi, 1984) fall into

two categories: (1) basic requirements, including accurate acquisition and

timely georeferencing and delivery of IR data, improved communications,

improved data display, and compatibility with other systems, and (2) desired

attributes that may not be as clearly defined.

The functional requirements were refined using the Value Analysis

and Tradeoff Evaluation Procedures. These efforts resulted in the identification of outstanding technical uncertainties, the development of a comprehensive list of alternatives for each function, and the creation of candidate

system configurations. In parallel with the refinement of the functional

requirements was the development of a technology assessment for the basic

functions of the system. The technology assessment resulted in the identification of generic traits and off-the-shelf commercial components for the

system configuration. A large quantity of vendor material was collected to

support the technology assessment.

7-1
The candidate system configurations were evaluated for technical

feasibility and consistency with functional requirements. The preferred

system configuration is both feasible and cost effective. Preliminary costs

and schedules have been presented that show projected plans to develop a

system that would incorporate existing and future technologies to fire

management information needs. With the current expertise available and the

benefit of past experience both in fire management and advanced technology, it

is strongly recommended that the preferred system configuration be directed

for further development.

7-2
SECTION 8

SELECTED REFERENCES

Braff, Ronald, et al., "Radionavigation System Integrity and Reliability,"

Proc. IEEE, Vol 71, No. 10, October 1983.

Brownworth, Fred, USDI, USGS, Washington, D.C., personal communication, June,

1984.

Chase, Richard, USDA, Forest Service, Washington, D.C., personal communication,

July 1984.

Conway, Brian, Data General Corp., Los Angeles, CA, personal communication,

July, 1984.

Dutzi, Elizabeth J., et al., Forest Fire Advanced System Technology-Functional

Requirement, JPL (Internal Document) D-1600. Jet Propulsion Laboratory,

Pasadena, CA, May 1, 1984.

Enmark, Harry, Fire Logistics Airborne Mapping Equipment (FLAME) Final Report.

Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, CA., April 23, 1984.

Federal Highway Administration, "Value Engineering for Highways", Text and

Course Notes. US Department of Transportation, Washington, B.C., 1980.

Forest Service, "Fire Management Budget Analysis 1980", USDA, Washington,

D.C., June, 1980.

Furman, R. William and Brink, Glen E. The National Fire Weather Data Library;

What It Is and How to Use It, Technical Report No. RM-19. USDA, Forest

Service, Ft. Collins, CO, December, 1975.

8-1
Gale, Robert D. and Mauk, S. Gerald, "An Analysis of Fire Retardant Use",

Policy Analysis Staff Report. USDA, Forest Service, Washington, D.C., October,

1983. .

Gale, Robert D., USDA, Forest Service, Washington, D.C., personal communication, December, 1984.

German, Stephen C., Initial Attack Management System, Information Package.

USDI, Bureau of Land Management, Information Service, Boise, ID, July, 1984.

Harnden, Eric, Aerial Information Systems, Inc., Crestline, CA, personal

communication, July, 1984.

Huning, J.R., et al., Cloud Cover Estimation; Use of GOES Imaging in Development of Cloud Cover Data Base for Insolation Assessment, JPL Pub. 82-101. Jet

Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, CA, 1982.

Hirsch, Stanley N. et al, Project FIRESCAN Fire Mapping Final Report, Research

Paper INT-49. USDA, Forest Service, Washington, D.C., 1968.

Lee, John, USDI, Fish and Wildlife Service, Ft. Collins, CO, personal communication, July 1984.

MacClean, Bill, Integrated Circuit Engineering, Inc., Tucson, AZ, personal communication, July, 1984.

MacDoran, Peter, ISTAC Inc., Pasadena, CA, personal communication, October,

1984.

Maier, M.W., et al., "Gated Wide-Band Magnetic Direction-Finders for Locating

Cloud-to-Ground Lighting," VII International Conference on Atmospheric Electricity, American Meteorological Society, MA, June, 1984. (Reprint)

8-2
Marine Electronics, "Precision Code Available to Civil Sector GPS Users,Jl Sea

Technology, Vol. 26, No. 1, January, 1985.

Massey, Elizabeth L., USDA, Forest Service, Washington, D.C., personal

communication, December, 1984.

McLeod, Ronald G., et al., A Feasibility Study; Forest Fire Advanced System

Technology (FFAST), JPL Pub. 83-57. Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, CA.,

September 1, 1983.

Microwave System News, Vol. 14, No. 7, June, 1984.

Moomey, Michael, USDA, Forest Service, Albuquerque, NM, personal

communication, July, 1984.

Munro, William C. USDA, Forest Service, Washington, D.C., personal

communication, February, 1985.

NASA Task Order RE-170, Amendment 53, Oct. 1, 1982.

Nathan, Robert, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, CA, personal

communication, November, 1984.

Stansell, T.A., "Civil GPS from a Future Perspective," Proc. IEEE, Vol. 71,

No. 10, October, 1983.

Technology Report, "Airborne Imaging Spectrometer Facilities Geophysical

Surveys," Kaser Focus/Electro-Optics, p. 40-41, November, 1983.

Warren, John R., Thermal Infrared Users Manual. USDA, Forest Service,

Advanced Electronics Systems Development Group, Boise, ID. July, 1984.

Wilson, Ralph A., et al., Airborne Infrared Forest Fire Detection System;

Final Report, Research Paper INT-93. USDA, Forest Service, Washington, D.C.,

May 1971.

8-3
APPENDIX A

TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT

The following has been excerpted from the Preliminary Technology

Assessment, written August, 1984 (unpublished).

A-l
DATA BASES AND DATA BASE MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS (DBMS)

1.1 Data Baaes

A variety of data bases are being considered for use la the

advanced system design. The foremost of these data bases are those that are

direotly related to real-time taotioal decision making. Also, data bases

that can aid in the detection of a fire incident are also under consideration. While the advanced system will be characterized by its mapping capability, it will also be a detection system. Many existing data bases in the

(J3DA-FS as well as other Federal agencies may be considered for incorporation

into the FFAST system. The data bases that are incorporated into FFAST will

have standardized formats and be computer compatible within the final FFAST

system configuration. System flexibility will have to be designed to be able

to integrate future data bases after implementation of FFAST.

The following is a summary of candidate data bases. The associated

Technology Evaluation Matrix is Figure 4.

1.1.1 DSQS Digital Line Graphs (DLG)

Data are collected from 7*5 minute source materials at scales of

1:24,000 or 1:25,000 wherever possible. If 7.5 minute sources are not

available, then 15 minute sources at 1:48,000 or 1:62,500 scales are used.

The digital data are useful for the production of cartographic

products, including base maps, and the data are structured to allow a series

of analytical functions to be performed on them such as in a geographic

information system. With these data entered as base map data, other geographically referenced data can be combined, thereby enabling automated

spatial analyses to be conducted interactively.

Digital Line Graph files derived from 7.5 and 15 minute mapa contain selected base categories of cartographic data in digital form. These

data categories do not necessarily correspond to the traditional feature

separates associated with graphic maps. The current DLG files may include

one or more of the following categories:

(1) Boundaries — Boundary data consist of political

boundaries that identify states, counties, cities,

and other municipal itia and administrative boundaries

that identify areas such as national and state

forests. Political and administrative boundaries are

always collected as a single data set.

A-2
ORIGINAL PAGE IS

OF POOR QUALITY

§

8

g

•

s

5

1

e@

|

3

I/

B /

i

I a

/ \

33

•* ^ S-

".2

t **

J

*J

tff

*» ?

83*

•

*4 P M«

1*1

*• 0*

£s•oaln.lt 81

M

accaaaib

U

—

a

I

O•^ 1

£12

2-H

S-g O

5 §*-5

b *^ a •«•

O w i» M

n

 • *+ e

«• e«» a

**»

s*•

a

i!

1

*

s

m

3

$

mi-Pi*

Xq »>tJ»*o9

'8'n »J»loiK»3 ;

44

—4

^«

• u

'

§1

-

A,

J.

w

1

3.

j

•«

3 «•«

hi

S

^

2

I

I

^

^

4

K

W

o

I:

£ Si

S2

2

8?"

*****

is~

ji|4< 5

ilJl i 5 • *. — Sa o

g

M

h*

** • j!

u

J

u

r

•

Cb

44

n••

rF«p«r; tnphlc*

eapabllUr

fa

a

a.

fa

•

i!

12

.

*

<w

u

r

9

1

•

|

11

J

S

•

V

siCloud -Co-Rraund l<«btni

m d«- tictio

o and

location

i>

4J

•

51 •

:^

sj

*B

"* •• £» M

|:i2g »•«* «•!••«•

« i* b a M

JS^S|2

^3^2 ?

4£ 4, »

fa

3!

II

-S

• £«i

5 ||

J u S

a

44

_

• • •

******

§i

i

a

3

8

o

<M ^|

t^

« •-

11

I

S

?•

8u

-

= 1i9 J •>PM}l|fl

p *

q

01 p«»a pfnon I

IK

M

*•«

I

*o 5 «•s£

-Isisi

3 « fa *<• • u a A -a

0 0

i

si ES

Hfili

0 00

s L

*" 2

" • • 8 -5

Ifl-f

4r><54 5

•• — «

o

2

s

•/M% 3

to

V

VI

ea

<a

o

3

>

o

C

u

.0)

*dui

A-3
(2) Hydrography — Hydrographic data now being collected

consist of all flowing water, standing water and

wetlands. Prior to 1983, hydrograpblc data were

differentiated.into two separate components: streams

and water bodies. Streams represent flowing water

and were digitized as a network intended for

hydrologlo flow modeling. Streams Included the banks

of double-line rivers and oenterllne connectors

placed through double-line rivers and lakes. Water

bodies include standing water such as lakes and

ponds. Wetlands and coastal hydrographlo data were

not collected.

(3) Public Land Survey System (PLSS) — The PLSS data

describe the rectangular system of land surveys which

la administered by the U.S. Bureau of Land

Management. PLSS data are only collected for areas

falling within the states formed from the public

domain. The PLSS subdivides the public domain and

represented property boundaries or references to

property boundaries. Those DLG data are not intended

to be official or authoritative. They are. presented

as cartographic reference information. The only

legal basis for determining boundaries remains the

original survey.

(4) Transportation — Transportation data include the

major transportation systems differentiated into

roads and trails, railroads, and pipeline and

transmission lines. Data for all three are combined

into a single data file, labeled transportation, for

areas with sparse features. In areas with a dense

transportation infrastructure, the data are collected

In three separate sub-categories labeled: roads and

trails, railroads, and pipelines and transmission

lines.

The term digital line graph is employed by the USGS to describe a

digital map data set In vector format in which the data are structured to one

of the following levels.

(1) Level 1 — This is the simplest structure which

maintains the original (raw) data in a standardized

format, coded to prescribed standards, and edited for

normal Input errors. The main purpose of this level

is to meet three needs: (1) to provide a source of

digital data quickly; (2) to provide data to users

who can complete the structuring process; and (3) to

provide data for plotting or display systems of low

or moderate cartographic quality.

A-4
(2) Level 2 — This structure is designed to support

graphic display or plotting equipment of high cartographic quality. Level 2 DLQ files contain extensive

attribute codes that describe the graphic elements.

(3) Level 3 — The third structure is used for fully

topologioally structured data files designed to be

integrated into geographic Information systems. All

topologioal relationships have been defined for Level

3 DLQ data.

These levels do not easily aggregate in an upward direction.

Cost for 7.5 minute boundary and land - net DLQs are $20 per layer;

for hydrography and transportation, $50 per layer.

Ho DLQ data set covers more than one-third of the U.S.; hydrography

and transportation coverage are especially limited. DLQ production currently

ia not a higher O.S.G.S. priority.

1.1.2 Rational High-Altitude Photography Program

The National High-Altitude Photography Program (NHAP) is a multifederal agency activity (including the Forest Service) coordinated by the

DSGS to acquire uniform imagery to establish a nationwide high-altitude

photographic data base.

Aerial survey contractors use aircraft modified to house dual 9 - x

9-inch format precision aerial mapping cameras. One camera has a 6-inch

(153mm) focal length lens, uses panchromatic black-and-white Kodak 2404 film,

and produces a photograph at a scale of 1:80,000 (1 inch to about 1.25

miles). The second camera has an 8-1/4-inoh (210mm) focal length lens, uses

Kodak 2443 color infrared film (CIR), and produces a photograph at scale of

1:58,000 (1 inch to about 0.9 miles). Each black-and-white photograph covers

an area of about 130 square miles; each CIR photograph covers an area of

about 68-square miles.

The aircraft fly In a north-south direction over predetermined

flight lines crossing the centers of Geological Survey 7.5-mlnute quadrangles

and operate at a constant altitude of approximately 40,000 feet above the

mean terrain. Film is exposed to provide stereoscopic coverage. There are

an average of three black-and-white exposures and four CIR exposures for each

7.5-mlnute quadrangle. Approximately 120,000 black-and-white and 175,000

color Infrared photographs are required for the complete coverage of the

coterminous United States.

The primary products available are 9- by 9- inch and 21, 3X, and 41

enlargements for black-and-white and CIR photographs in film or paper print

format. A film negative la available only for black-and-white photograhy In

the 9- by 9- inch size. However, products can be prepared in custom formats.

A-5
Coats are separated by list or contributor. Contributor's prices

are as follows:

- 9 x 9* color paper $ 7.00

-9x9 " film positive 12.00

- 9 x 9" black-and-white negative 3.00

-9x9 * black-and-white paper 4.00

First-time coverage of the coterminous United States is expected to

be complete by mid-1985. The need for second-time coverage has been

expressed by the participating agencies; Implementation is as of yet

unscheduled. A separate Alaska High-Altitude Program (AHAP) provides

1:65,000-aoale black-and-white and color infrared photographs, and was completed in fiscal year 1983'

1.1.3 Topographic Maps

Topographic Haps are comprehensive paper quadrangles produced by

the USGS in scales of 1 to 24,000; 25,000; 48,000; 62,500; 63,360; 100,000;

and 250,000.

Besides topography, data includes political boundaries, cultural

locations such as cities, metropolitan areas and towns, transportation networks, hydrography, and vegetation types.

Maps in scales of 1:24,000 to 1:63»360 are currently $2.25 per

quad. Haps in scales of 1:100,000 and 1:250,000 are $3.60 per quad.

There is total U.S. coverage in 1:250,000-soale quadrangles, and

considerable coverage in scales of 1:24,000; 50,000; and 100,000 scale are

for selected areas. Map production in 1:24,000-scale is continuing; complete

U.S. coverage is expected by 1990. Production on a programmatic basis in

other map scales has been discontinued.

1.1.4 Administrative and Forest Fire Information Retrieval and Management

System

The Administrative and Forest Fire Information Retrieval and

Management System (AFFIRMS), developed by the Forest Service in 1968, updated

in 1978, is an interactive computer program which interfaces meteorological

data collected dally within a 50 mile radius of Forest Service weather

stations with selected data bases located at BIFC to rate the next day's fire

danger for that station area. Fire danger ratings are distributed to the

respective Forest Service station and periodically archived on magnetic disks

at the Rational Fire Weather Data Library, Ft. Collins, Colorado. Fire

weather data goes back 10-15 years, depending on the area, and serves to

continually improve the fire danger rating models. (Furman, 1975)

A-6
PAGE IS

OF POOR QUALITY

Raw weather data (rain, wind speed, wind direction, air temerature,

relative humidity, barometric pressure, fuel moisture, fuel temperature, soil

temperature, and solar radiation) is collected and transmitted to BIFC by one

of two means: manually operated weather stations and by Remote Automatic

Weather System (RAWS) stations. Data is collected at 1:00 PN. Manually

collected data is typed to BIFC; RAWS data is transmitted automatically via

satellite link. (There is a stated but slow objective to implement RAWS

aystemwide.) (Moomey, 1964)

Weather data is then interfaced with latitude/longitude, fuel type,

elevation, slope, climate class, and land ownership data bases to forecast

the following next-day fire danger components: air temperature, relative

humidity and fuel moisture, and energy release, lightning risk, man-cost

risk, ignition, burning, rates-of-spread, and fire load indices.

(The Automatic Lightning Detection System is not a part of AFFIRMS,

but data can be accessed from BLM for selected areas.)

AFFIRMS operates on a Honeywell L-66, located at BIFC.

Output is tabular; no graphics capability.

1.1.5 Automatic Lightning Detection System

The Automatic Lightning Detection System (ALDS) is the lightning

detection subsystem of the USDI-BLM's Initial Attack Management System. It

was designated in 1976 by the University of Arizona for use by the BLM in

Alaska. The capability is now manufactured as the Lightning Location System

by Lightning Location and Protection, Inc., Tucson, Arizona. Users other

than the BLM with their own system include several Canadian forest fire

protection agencies, various international electric power and telecommunication agencies, defense facilities, weather services, and research organizations. Lightning locations systems are used to determine the location,

movement, and intensity of thunderstorms; to facilitate early detection of

lightning caused fires; and to warn of impending lightning hazards.

The system components are lightning direction-finding stations, a

position analyzer, and a synchronous communications link (currently via

telephone networks) between the two.

Direction Pindara. A direction-finder station (OF) operates as

either a stand-alone system, often in conjunction with weather radar, or as

part of a larger network that contains a position analyzer. A microcomputer

built into the DF digitizes and stores lightning-electromagnetic signals for

up to 14 return strokes in each flash to the ground, computes the angles to

each stroke, and stores the results in buffer memory for subsequent output.

The total number of flashes that are detected each hour, or for an operatordetermined time interval, are available for display or for typing on command.

The DF microcomputer can also transmit the angle and signal strength data for

each discharge to a position analyzer where individual lightning locations

are computed.

A-7
Position Analvzerg. A position Analyzer (PA) is a preprogramed

mioroooaputer syateo which automatically computes, maps and records lightning

locations in real-time using as Inputs the data generated by two or more OF

stations. Lightning location is computed from the intersections of simultaneous direction vectors and/or from the ratio of the signal strengths

measured at two or more direction finding sites. The PA receives data from

the remote DFs, calculates lightning position, and outputs the results in

real time to a digital x-y plotter, a magnetic tape recorder, and/or a local

data terminal. The system provides the time and location of each discharge,

the number of return strokes in each flash, and the peak amplitude of the

return stroke magnetic field. Remote display processors are available for

plotting color TV and/or hard-copy maps of lightning locations at any number

of remote sites.

the nominal range of each OF station is a circle with a radius of

about 400 km. Based on vendor studies, each OF station detects at least 80-

90? of all cloud-to-ground flashes that occur within the nominal angle.

Lightning location accuracy is 1-2 km near the OF station, and 6-8 km at the

perimeter of the OF range. The average meantime between failures of these

systems is 8,000 hours per OF; 18,000 hours per PA. (Maler, 1984)

ALDS currently operates from 33 OF stations in 11 western states

and eight stations in Alaska, each connected to a PA at BLM centers in Boise

and Fairbanks, respectively. ALOS coverage comprises all BLM centers in

Boise and Fairbanks, respectively. ALDS coverage comprises all BLM land, 95t

of the western United States, and a substantial portion of Alaska. The

Forest Service could access ALDS data from either facility. A primary

question would be the cost-effectiveness of expanding existing ALDS coverage,

or perhaps contracting with other users, to include more or all Forest

Service land.

ALDS operates on Data General 20 (desktop) minicomputers. The

vendor also manufactures a dedicated processor, model ROP 80-02.

The format of the typed locations can be (1) Angle-Range with

respect to any origin with the distance units in kllofeet, kilometers,

statute miles, or nautical miles; (2) North-South and Bast-West coordinates;

and (3) a latitude/longitude format.

1.1.6 Digital Terrain Models

Digital terrain data currently exist in two forms: Digital Terrain

Tapes and Digital Elevation Models. Both forms are computer compatible, have

been easily integrated with other geograhioal data bases, and are available

only on 9-traot tape. Capacity per tape is computer-dependent.

Digital Terrain Tapes (DTT) are produced by the Defense mapping

Agency. Each tape is a 1:250,000-scale, raster formatted, binary quadrangle;

resolution is 208 ft. Coverage comprises the coterminous U.S. and Hawaii*

Cost per tape is $100.

DTT has the singular disadvantage of being produced from

haphazardly acquired, 30-year old data. Horizontal and vertical accuracy is

A-8
considered to be poor and inconsistent, with no correction factor for error

adjustment. (Brovntrorth, 1984)

Vector formatted Digital Elevation Models (DEM) are in scales of

1:250,000 and 1:24,000.

OEMs at 1:250,000-soale are available in planar and arc-second

reference grids. Planar grids are in binary mode; resolution is 208 ft.

Arc-second is both binary and ASCII (which is wider compatibility);

resolution is 225 ft. Coverage is the entire U.S. and a "large portion,"

respectively. Elevation accuracy is contour-dependent in both grid forma.

Cost per tape is $100.

1:24,000 tapes are planar grids in both binary and aro-seeond

modes; resolution is 30 meters. Elevation accuracy is seven meters; cost per

tape is. $125.

The primary limitation of 1:24,00 OEMs is its spotty coverage and

slow rate of production. Current area coverage is estimated to be 10-15* of

the U.S., with complete coverage not expected until at least 1995.

1.1.7 Geographical Location System

The Geographical Location System (OEOLOC) evolved from the

FIRESCOPE project as an effort to develop a common referencing system for

tactical operations. GEOLOC uses a seven character designation to identify

land parcels down to 10 acres. The smallest scale retrievable is 1:100,000.

As the character designation, or cells, are assigned, it is possible to

aggregate to the large scale 1:6,000. Cross indices exist for

latitude/longitude, as well as Township and Range. The gridded structure of

GEOLOC makes data base integration easy to implement.

Output is paper-copy topography and fuel-type text; data base

exists for all of Southern California. A graphics capability is being

developed. Currently, 7-5 and 15 minute Digital Elevation Models of the

FIRESCOPE area have been assigned GEOLOC reference cells. Additionally, a

U.S. firm, Aerial Information Systems (AIS), has been contracted to begin

assessing the data needs of the participating FIRESCOPE agencies to

eventually digitize and interface such data Into the GEOLOC-DEM data base.

Actual AIS production of a digital data base using GEOLOC reference

designations is to date unknown. Area covered in this project will be

limited to the FIRESCOPE (Southern California) area. (Harnden, 1984)

The principal responsibility for GEOLOC development has transferred

from the Forest Service to the California Office of Emergency Services and

the participating counties. There exists a GEOLOC-equivalent reference grid

for each Forest Service region. There is no indication that the Forest

Service at present plans to expand the GEOLOC coverage area in either Its

narrative or digital form.

The primary cost of Implementing GEOLOC beyond the FIRESCOPE area

in a format applicable to FFAST would be the hardware cost of data display

and processing, and the software cost of digitizing the selected data bases.

A-9
The OSGS has produced DEMs of Southern California on a cost-share basis with

FIRESCOPE for $1,000 total cost per quad. Production cost has recently

increased to $600 per share. There is no available information of AIS

contractual cost for producing the digital data base. GEOLOC data is

currently accessed from a PRIME 550; there is no graphics capability.

1.2 Data Base Management System

A data base aanagement system serves as a centralized manager of

data bases, controlling access to and integration of selected data. The

following is a summary of DBMSa, the associated Technology Evaluation Matrix

is Figure 5.

1.2.1 Forest Level Information Processing System

The Forest Level Information Processing System (FLIPS) is the

agency-wide information management system implemented by the Forest Service.

Currently, approximately one-third of the 920 FLIPS workstations are

operational; full implementation is expected late 1987* Some $2 billion has

been budgeted for this project. (Gale, 1984)

There are two components of FLIPS. The primary design function is

as an electronic office management system (e.g., word processing, archiving),

while linking each Forest Service station via electronic mail. The second

function is the capability for data processing.

Each FLIPS workstation is an integratable, user friendly Data

General MV 4000 or M7 8000 minicomputer. Designed system lifetime is eight

years, thus, FLIPS will remain the Forest Service's information management

system.

1.2.2 Map Overlay and Statistical System

The Map Overlay and Statistical System (MOSS), developd by the Fish

and Wildlife Service at Ft. Collins, Colorado, is a digitized geographic

information, map overlay system. Once selected map bases have been entered

onto the MOSS tape, data manipulation can range- from simple map display to

advanced cartographic modeling.

There are three subsystems contained in MOSS: data entry

(Analytical Mapping System), or (AMS); data analysis and display (also called

MOSS); and the Cartographic Output System (COS) to produce high-quality map

products.

MOSS can analyze both vector - and grid cell (raster) - formatted

data. The cellular processing capability expands the range of data

availability to include Landsat imagery and elevation and terrain models.

Although actual data storage is a function of hardware capacity, tape

density, and data bits used, it has been stated that a MOSS tape could store

some 32,000 7.5 minute quads. (Lee, 1984)

A-10
ORIGINA

L PAGE IS

OQO<U

4-»

I/I 0»«oOl ut 1019•MIOXT-o•Miaa10o"o

i

••• ij1sssaa*•§2 I///

/ 8

OF

44

•si

"S 8 S e <• i i•u^e u bi!,0 23

!«»••* IL«

•Sioi

I

fro

1

J3

b M

*"•»

• e44 <M «

Is» 0S^ g•X • X ^) O 4*

••» • 3

POOR QUA! —£0 — 0

J?"S 2**

^ V ^

6*^ "I 8"! > e 2 u • j1£•jS£•o£ IX 4J • IS

£.53

^21

.III

2 -o

IJl

44 * O X T3g 1w B e^O a u • u u x <

3141

§» i!si!bO• •a 0 •) u *l *> o

l-^^B•s §ig »i8 -o

3-3^. 05 Sf l

 -0a >

^b41

Sxf

9Xnb0iJ

•0

• u9 0

0*g

U

4

§

0^4

< *1& : ^4 U ^ S

>«IT. M S3B1b «! ££ M

1•at MI1

M

~t n 1^^ 8 • • a >• ^ u 3•iS^ 01 S .2a •• b : s £ —•£j—^14Ikb

0U •

_ •B • — 0 *0 "o I • 3 6 C • •« ••• — ^j ei a 0 * 0 0 • O X b b b b "32s * "*

 a

o" .

1 - b*

-• bO 1 •• • O

• a • 0 — ^ B «*

o • b j3— e a. o B

X

M S^**

* ."•*">

e 0*0

«• 1 b

«i) ** 8 * B -

• K • • O • ^ U b 0 _0 •- • e o o *s• -i 8• • . • & *• •** • i • • « u -3 «• x w 6 a • 0 b <M & K b O. O •< •• S. «

|S21I£

0«Z o a

*8

B.2 «•:;

1*u 4

*1 2 '^ l i

i «

a e o B b M ^* *•* «B 3 IM • 0 02 |2 . ., Is-* 41 I O «*-»

^

** 8 «M 0 •

3

0 *• U b

b b C •>> •

-« 0 0 -« ^ x

S i 0 • s • S •* 99J • b • o u a • u M4< o o b <o 0 • • • tl 4J b 9 U • O O* 0 1 ^ *• > b am

eO •

• u 0 e r.

0 • 4* 5

5 0 4. u e

** ** 3 §

j 0<M ^ S

0 0 • ' B >. C j> • --— i B 4

<

0 x~4 " J» •

~« -^ b 0 1 u

4 .O «| O 6 —

it • 1 — MX

• e.-^ "M • o>

b • b IM BO.

«j wo. o 5 •

0 0 b10

A-ll
The P&WS is currently implementing a fire management program in

Alaska using MOSS (called Lightning Strike) which will integrate fuel type,

land ownership, fire danger status, hydrography, and political boundaries

data bases with the Automatic Lightning Detection System.

Coat per MOSS tape is $150 (or $120, without user manual). The

primary cost of implementing MOSS, as with most OISs, is data entry, e.g.,

digitizing the selected data basis. The Forest Service, Forest Pest

Management, in a 1981 test project using F&VS hardware, software and computer

personnel, was able to construct and analyze a nine theme multi-resource data

base* from 18 USQS 7*5 topography maps which comprise a selected county for

$15,000 or $0.067 per acre. (Pence, 1983) Initial cost of creating a data

base of this type would increase considerably if hardware had to be purchased

or the MOSS software was converted to another computer system.

MOSS has been designed to operate on Data General C-350, MY series,

and DG-20 (desktop) minicomputers. MOSS has also been Integrated Into a TAXVMS computer at the EROS Data Center, Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Data can be

accessed in batch or demand mode via a graphics terminal.

1.2.3 Image Based Information System

The Image Based Information System (IBIS) is a raster-based

information system developed by JPL as a subset of is overall Video Image

Communications and Retrieval (VICAR) image processing techniques to be

applied to interface existing geo-coded data sets and information management

systems with thematic maps and remotely sensed imagery.

The image formatted Data Plane is the primary data type utilized in

IBIS processing. IBIS data planes may be obtained directly in image form, as

in satellite imagery, or they may be derived from data compiled from

statistical and cartographic sources. Regardless of data type and origin,

all data planes are incorporated into a data set which is referred to as the

IBIS Data Base. In order to maintain geometric consistency between all data

planes included in the data base, an image plane with good radiometrio or

planimetrio qualities is designated to be the Planimetrlo Base. All other

data Planes are geometrically corrected to allow registration to the

planimetrio base.

The user of IBIS can integrate various data types to form an IBIS

data base. Since the primary data structure is a raster format, image data

planes are directly entered into the system. Graphical forms of data,

usually obtained in cartesian reference form, must be transformed into image

apace prior to inclusion as a data plane. Tabular data are not transformed

into image space, but are linked to the image data base through a logical

interface.' Logical and mathematical interfaces have been provided to link

all data files in an IBIS data base superstructure. By utilizing these

interfaces, information may be derived from simple associations, or from

•County boundary, forested areas, landownership, roads, major streams, towns,

and three factors specific to pest management.

A-12
comparisons between two or more data files stored io an IBIS data base.

(Honing, 1982) An average run coats $1,200 per procedure. IBIS operates on

VAX and PDF minicomputers. IBIS is considered difficult and cumberson to

use.

1.2.4 Intel Database Information System

The Intel Database Information System (1DIS) is a multi-user,

multi-tasking microcomputer system developed by Intel Corporation which

controls the bidirectional flow of information between mainframe computers

and a network of terminals and personal computers. The configuration enables

end users to access the central mainframe data base and download a subset of

that data base to the 1DIS system; it also allows 1DIS users to create,

populate, and share a local relationship data base for specific information

processing needs.

The 1DIS system can be configured as either a gateway In the

mainframe to micro flow of data or as a stand-along processor with shared

data base capabilities. The system can serve as a host controller, data base

manager, a terminal/PC concentrator, and a vehicle for communication

networking.

The standard 1DIS 735 hardware components include the Intel 8086

16-bit microprocessor with a workspace of 768 Kbyte RAM memory; a Winchester

hard disk with 35 Mbyte capacity (expandable to 105 Mbyte in 35 Mbyte

increments); and an 8-inch floppy-disk drive with 2 Mbyte memory* Optional

components include communications boards for remote mainframe access, user

terminals, and printer.

The 1DIS system supports up to nine ergonomioally-advanced

terminals. Each has a multi-position display screen, detachable keyboard,

and two RS232C serial interfaces; it is user friendly.

Data transfer between the 1DIS processor and the PC occurs at an

effective transfer rate of 9600 baud if the computers are directly connected,

or at 1200 baud If they are connected by dial-up links.

The 1DIS system features the 1DB subsystem, a full-function,

mainframe DBMS implemented In the microcomputer environment. The IDE local

relational DBMS supports an interactive query/update interface compatible

with IBM's SQL language.

The 1DB user can specify and implement a comprehensive relational

data base that can be used for selecting and sorting specific data sets.

Multiple users can concurrently access 1DB data bases with update lookout at

the relation level, while all users can simultaneously read the same

relation.

The 1DB manager can function as a local stand-alone DBMS, serving a

network of 1DIS workstations and PCs; it can also be used in conjunction with

the 1DIS data base extract faolllties to manipulate data that has been downloaded from a mainframe host computer or uploaded from a PC.

A-13
Data can be loaded into 1DB relational data bases from:

(1) Mainframe data bases.

(2) PC files.

(3) Manual (keyboard) entry.

The 1DB DBMS features:

(1) Dynamic allocation off storage (up to the ID IS

storage limit) with no restrictions on data sizes,

table sizes, and lumbers of attributes.

(2) Extensive on-line "help" facilities.

(3) Interactive data base definition and update

facilities.

(4) Simultaneous multi-user access to the same data base

under system integrity control.

(5) Indexing on any attribute for rapid data access.

(6) Report generation capabilities.

(7) Bulk loading and unloading utilities for rapid transfer of data among files and data bases.

(8) Integrated line editor for command modification and

for correction of syntax and input conversion errors.

(9) Table and attribute names of up to 31 characters,

including spaces.

(10) Renaming of a table and its attributes without

dropping and recreating that table.

1.2.5 Interactive Digital Image Manipulation System

The Interactive Digital Image Manipulation System (IDIMS) developed

by ESL Incorporated is a system designed for manipulation, analysis,

Interpretation and processing of a wide variety of image data.

The core of IDIMS is currently a VAX-11/780 or a HP3000 multiprogramming minicomputer; the distinction is primarily one of computer

capacity. The VAX can be configured with up to 4 Mbytes of main memory and

over 6 billion bytes of disk storage. The HP3000 is supported by up to 2

Mbytes of main memory and more than 1 billion bytes of disk storage. Data

are input into either system by means of a magnetic tape, film scanner,

microdenaitometer or digitizing tablet. Results of processing may be viewed

and photographed from a high resolution color display, or may be printed on a

A-14
line printer or plotter. Final results may be recorded on film by a film

recorder, printed on a plotter, or transferred back to magnetic tape. To

significantly increase processing throughput, an array processor may be

added.

SSL has been under contract with NASA since 1978 to develop in

support of the Bureau of Land Management quantitative inventory techniques

which integrate remote sensing data with existing geographic data bases to

enable vegetation type mapping and productivity estimates.

Currently, geographic information operations are implemented within

IOIMS using the following software packages in conjunction with IDIMS

software.

geographic Entry Syatam. The Geographic Entry System (GES) is

designed as a management information system specifically for geographic data.

It supports long-term management of resources including providing information

necessary to determine the effect of alternative decisions on specific

issues.

Computerized GES data consists of land area boundaries, features,

and descriptors in a location-oriented structure. Map-type data depicting

land use, zoning information, transportation networks, school districts or

locations, soil types, rainfall, and similar data are interactively entered

Into the GES data bank and structured as a set of map overlay files. Each

data structure is designed to store six types of items: geo-bloeks,

overlays, areas, Junction points, line segments, and control points. The

structure permits computer analysis of combinations of overlays to produce

computer-generated map overlay plots of specified scales and tabulated

statistical data.

The GES data base is maintained in vector format which consumes

less storage space than equivalent matrix or raster schemes. Conversion to

image form and geometric registration are accomplished in a separate step,

making the creation of the GES data base essentially independent of the

imagery to be overlaid.

Earth Reaouroaa Inventory Syatam. The Earth Resources Inventory

System (ERIS) is a software package for the Integration and analysis of earth

resource data. The data may come from a variety of sources including the

IDIMS images, aerial photolnterpretation and ground-collection. It is a

collection of 11 programs that use a common data file structure allowing easy

access to the data files stored on the system dlsk(s). ERIS manipulates

files and performs calculations, creates new files, and provides descriptive

statistics of the contents of these files. It is primarily intended for

interactive operation using a data terminal, although it can also be operated

in batch mode.

The ERIS file is best understood as a table with a certain number

of rows (or oases) and a certain number of columns (or variables). The cases

represent some physical entitles of the same type about which data has been

collected, e.g., a set of trees, a set of circular one-acre plots or a set of

resource strata. Each variable represents an attribute of the group of

physical entitles that may be either an identifier or a measure variable.

A-15
ERIS files may have a maximum of 32,767 oases and 35 variables. Up to eightoharaoter alphanumeric names are supplied by the user for the file and for

each variable In the file.

1.2.6 Forest Land Management Plan

As mandated by the 1976 National Forest Management Act, and In

aooordanoe with the National Environmental Protection Aot, each national

forest must have a Forest Land Management Plan (FLMP) by 1985* Additionally!

each FLMP .must be reviewed at least every five years, and revised every 10-15

years.

FLMPs are intended to be a comprehensive land use plan. Inventory

data on timber, range, wildlife, landownershlp and recreational use, and

value added data on soil type and hydrography, are entered into computer

simulation models to assess various long-term environmental and economic

impacts of different land-use scenarios. For example, given an existing

inventory of timber, and soil type and hydrography, what would be the

environmental and/or economic impact of increasing timber yields or

recreational use over time.

FLMPs are essentially a continuing environmental impact study of

each national forest, and are conducted in much the same manner. Each

devised plan is open to public input and challenge.

The simulation model used, developed by the Forest Service is

called FORPLAN. FOHPLAN is integrated into the Unlvax at Ft. Collins,

Colorado. FLMPs themselves are available as published documents.

Within the regulations and guidelines providedby Congress, FLMP

procedures are given considerable leeway per forest. This is due largely

because of the varying ecological and economic variables between forests.

Consequently, there is limited consistency among Forest Service FLMPs.

FLMP applicability to FFAST appears to be limited to various fire

danger projections derived from knowing land-use patterns.

1.2.7 National Fire Management Analysis System

The National Fire Management Analysis System (NFMAS) is a budgetary

tool which applies traditional concepts of economic efficiency to evaluate

existing fire management programs against a set of alternatives to determine

the optimal program at the lowest program cost for wildfire management in a

forest section, a forest, a region, and at the national level.

A-16
The general approach used in this analysis systematically evaluates

a range of budget levels and fire management programs to Identify an

alternative which will, over time, minimize cost* plus net value change••

while meeting protection and management objectives.

The specific process used to analyze the costs and effectiveness of

candidate program alternatives is based on the concept that an evaluation of

performance must be conducted against the range of fire related activities

that are reasonably expected over time in a respective land area.

Accordingly, the process was developed based on ezpeotad values (weighted

averages). This is accomplished by integrating the effects of individual

fire management functions (fuel treatment, prevention, detection, initial

action) for an alternative program and systematically testing (in computer

simulation) each alternative against a set of hypothetical fires. This set

of fires is a statistical sample both of the locations at which fires would

occur on that land-unit over time, and the range of intensities and rates of

spread at which they could burn. For each fire event, a final fire size,

natural-resource effects, value change and suppression costs are predicted.

These predicted values for each event are then weighted by the probability of

that event occurring (i.e., a fire at that location, rate-of-spread, and

intensity). The expected average annual acres burned (by fire, size and

intensity) and cost plus net value change are then calculated based on he

annual fire frequency. Finally, these expected annual averages for eaoh

representative fire are summed for each proposed budget level or program to

provide a representation of the area total.

In identifying the minimum cost plus net value change, the process

uses a current of level and mix (i.e., the budget and distribution of the

dollars to fuels, prevention, detection, and Initial action) as a baseline.

The cost plus net value change is then determined for that program mix at

different budget levels and the budget associated with the minimum cost plus

net value change criteria. Economic efficiency is obtained at the lowest

point on a requirements/cost curve. (Forest Service, 1980)

NFMAS analysis are intended to be conducted on a per need or

program-change basis. The only national analysis was conducted in 1980, and

the data base is still in place. A second generation analysis is currently

being taken; there is no Indication when this will be completed.

To date, approximately three-fourths of the national forests are

using NFMAS to identify forest fire management programs and budgets. (Chase,

1984)

• Cost* The SUB of prevention, detection, initial action, and suppression

expenditures; also, the sum of the Forest Fire Protection (FFP) and

Fighting Forest Fire (FFP) and Fighting Forest Fire (FFF)

appropriations.

•• Net Resource Talue Change: The sum of the changes resulting from

increases and decreases in the value of outputs from a land area as a

consequence of fire. Variables considered include commercial timber,

commercial forage, water uses, water storage, wildlife and fish habitat,

recreational effects, and capital improvements.

A-17
Conversations with Forest Service personnel indicate the following:

1. Coat is minimal; a few dollars per run.

2. The simulation is run on a OHIVAC at Ft. Collins,

Colorado. The oomputer model has an operational

limit of 300-aore fires; beyond that an interdisciplinary team is detailed. The UN I VAC is FLIPS

accessible.

3. Ortput is tabular only; there is no graphics

capability.

4. On average, it takes three-to-seven days to learn to

execute the oomputer program.

1.2.8 Initial Attack Management System

The Initial Attack Management System (IAMS) is the integration of

the Automatic Lightning Detection System (ALDS) and Remote Automatic Weather

Station (RAWS) System with several extremely large computer data bases, fire

and resource management software packages, and a Bureau wide-satellite baaed

fire-fuels mapping project. The goal of the IAMS system is to provide the

local district and state fire managers all the fire related management

information they need, in real time, on which to base their fire suppression

decisions. In addition, this system will provide a means for short and long

range fire and resource management planning and research. All of this data

will be available through a network of Remote Interactive Graphics Systems

(RIGS) located in each of the Bureau's district and state fire management

offices. Each RIGS will be permanently connected to the central oomputer

system located at BIFC.» (German, 1984)

The ALDS system is a very large and teohnicaly advanced remote

sensing system that detects and plots any oloud-to-ground lightning strike

occurring within the contiguous 11 western states. Each of the 32 remotely

placed sensors is tied to the Boise Interagenoy Fire Center (BIFC) through a

very complex system of telephone data equipment and telephone networks. It

is here at BIFC that the raw lightning data is processed and then supplied in

its final form to IAMS system. All of the ALDS data la provided to the IAMS

central oomputer system in "real time* (leas than 0.5 seconds). This "real

time" data requirement increases the system complexity many fold. The IAMS

system then processes, archives and distributes the lightning data to the

individual fire management offices where it is displayed on maps produced by

the RIGS. (See ALDS, Sec. 4.1.1.5, for additional systems information.)

The RAWS system consists of self-contained meteorological

collection platforms placed throughout the 11 western states and mini

oomputer based satellite direct readout ground station (DRGS) located at

BIFC. The RAWS stations collect weather data each hour and then provide that

data to BIFC through the GOBS satellite system once every three hours. The

• There la also a separate IAMS system for Alaska, centered in Fairbanks.

A-18
data la then interfaced into the IAMS system from the satellite ground

station. When the full complement of weather stations is in place, the RAWS

system will be providing near real-time weather data to the IAMS program from

close to 650 stations. The IAMS central computer system will provide the

weather data to the looal fire manager, in real time, through the RIGS

network.

The data bases being developed for, and Implemented into the IAMS

system, include fire fuels, terrain (including elevation, slope and aspect)

and preplanned dispatch. The fire and resource management software packages

include fire occurrence predictive packages and fire spread models. A

Landsat and HOAA satellite baaed fuels mapping project is being performed for

the IAMS system. An up-to-date electronic mail and status reporting system

will be available to every other BLM fire management office on the IAMS

computer system.

The system, now under a five-year procurement and implementation

schedule, consists of, but is not limited to, the central computer system,

individual field located desktop graphics computer systems (RIGS), data

communications equipment and a complete computer facility. The central

computer system, twenty three (23) of the RIGS, and the central computer

facility at BIFC were procurred during FT 1983. The IAMS system, as an

integrated unit, will become operational during the FT 1984 fire season.

System expansion (functions, software packages and equipment) will be a

continuous process, lasting for at least the five-year procurement cycle now

in place.

The Forest Service can already access ALDS and RAWS data. The

primary cost would be expanding the hard/software system to include all

necessary Forest Service land.

BIGS operates on Data General MV4000, MV10000, and Data General 20

minicomputers.

2 DATA DISPLAY DEVICES

Data display is a rapidly evolving technology area. Driven by NASA

remote sensing developments and expanding computer graphics applications,

both display and storage capacity can be expected to increase, while physical

dimension and produotlon cost (at least with existing capabilities) is

expected to decrease.

The following is an overview of available display processors and

hardcopy devices by selected vendor and model. The information is summarized

in the Technology Evaluation Matrix Figure 6. Vendor literature is available

for full systems descriptions.

2.1 Display Processors

The display processor is used to temporarily store images, create

the video signals which drive the display monitor, digitize video signals

from video input devices, and perform intensity transformations on the image

A-19
<

e

"io.

Oai o

!si1£

i—e5|f8yB|i

ff

i // -

/ 5

§§R§e»Min>e1e«1j

••4„j

18•MO§g"§s2§em§-§34*

501 reduction Viu3

•O1 Reduced

M 0 s i

Coat

Curr

Projected. 1

>*3S3fSi i

Availability

Curr

Projected. 1

1

«D

r«MeiiM2sD1is>> i"i&f«M<S>. bie«2jCOb

aV4 2SCXKolora

CnM?M*jj«MfMs^M?2M«O> sMmH-"au8Phyalcal Diawnai

MIs<M« »Sg•9TS

.5*•A

* 7^ f^ <M r» O0115Ma" 5 O <n m —.Bj1b

anS3i•

••4aIEEE/R8232 ub8

mu

Ht

II

en

2liter Friendly

S.^O5o

r>« 585i.0oo

J1i1,Lllabllity

gTM£u1ucuoooua>• a.

Hc~bk.ks

'

te•°uiainvlromwntal UquireMntt

(•eopalBnJ

i~c « • ellJ ••o ^ 4 «• o. a—~2

"Z,

aeaaSaa

_

« »sC

a CriM bu!

capabilitdevelopve

? p

A-20
ORIGINAL PAGE IS

OF POOR QUALITY

5

a

t

I

C

. c

u

H

<

£

H

8

U

1

*

e

i

B /

9 /

B /

/ 2

/ 3

i

b8cea-«r(l

u

a

•4

f*

•1

M

<o .

u

i

i

s.

•a*

§

8

-

1

1

J

j

M

i

94

•

•educed

i i

S 1 o *

M

U

A

£

"

S

o>

3

—

*

J

•

- t

i i

»< • i .:•

M **

— U i

•» 2

b

•5>>"

* <t

•-s

-sH •

v:

**. w

b

«"s

oil

-is

o

5t

• .

"S

*.£

1

** i

M

t

-l

a •

i

M

8

1

2•

m

2

•

•

-

w

o

'u '

0 •

"3

C

••

H

5

•

c

H

?

m

o> •'

•

£,

*•

H

2

• J

SS

M .

fi ,

H' "

••«• m

j

|

..

y 2

ss

6 o

M M

22

'

3

s

ii

>o

2

8•M

i"

8

e

sT

e

•*

a

M«

3-

U

i

3

8

09

JL

a.

a

5

RS -

•" jj

ss

3

S

S

.t"

o

•*

fat*

tito*l/RU

c

lot«r(ac«

J

.

.

•*

0

IA

j:

I

I

J

'

I

a

*

M

JJ

•0

o

e>-

V

u

g

t

S u •5:

!•» •

• • o.

, ,

3

i

-

-

ltrlt

F

y of

Product

m

f

»

a. m if

f>

•w

Is

• • • •

r

^s.

•

1

<

•

o

8

o

7

n>

o

*o

A-21
data at various atagea. It can ba used to perform complex arithmetic

operations on images in real or near-real time. The display processor

provides the essential user interface in a pictorial interactive information

processing environment.

International Imaging Systems: Model 75. the Model 75 Image

Processor la a general purpose image array processor. In addition, the Model

75 provides the architecture to implement a vide variety of image processing

algorithms. Traditional point processing operations are accomplished in

real-time (30 frames per second). Iterative or recursive spatial operations

such as convolution, filtering and classification are accomplished in nearreal time (a fev frame times). Complex geometric operations such as

rotation, rubber-sheet warping and map projections are accomplished in

seconds.

Model Vision One/20. The Vision One/20 is a stand-alone,

digital image processing system. It has multi-purpose programmable

processors and state-of-the-art refresh memory. As a coupled processor, the

system is compatible with the numerous host computers. The Vision One/20 can

be upgraded to accommodate requirements for expanded data bases, increased

arithmetic capability, enhanced processing functions, and additional user

stations.

Banteolei Modal RM-QH65. The Ramtelc Deskside 9465 is an off-theshelf, commercial-grade raster scan display generator that drives industry

compatible monochrome and color CRT monitors and large screen projectors.

The system employs state-of-the-art microprocessor technology to provide

solutions for a diverse range of graphics and image processing applications.

The RM-9465 may be configured as an output peripheral or as an on-line

interactive display system.

Gould- Da Anza* Model IP 8500. The system combines the features of

four different architectures into a modular design that performs at maximum

temperature and minimum related specifications. It offers additional options

for extended memory, ultra-high resolution, feedback pipe-line proceasing,

fast histogram facility, distributed processing or stand-along operation,

accommodation for four users per single system, and a variety of interactive

devices. Other C.P.0. interfaces can be added as required.

Avdin; Modal AT520QO. The AT52000 combines advanced hardware and

mature software in an ergonomio workstation for use in multiple image

processing applications. The complete package includes a disk, command

console, and color display. The AI52000 can operate as a stand-alone computer or as a peripheral to a host computer. Host support is provided as

standard. Aydin can customize display capability (more display memory,

program, memory, video outputs, processors, or software) and can supply

peripherals, including disk and tape drives, raokballs, Joysticks, graph

tablets, cameras, and hardcopy recorders.

2.2 Hardoopy Devices

Hardoopy devices create graphic output on a relatively permanent

medium. The most popular media are paper, mylar-type films, and photographic

A-22
films. Another class of hard-copy devices, display-screen copiers, are

designed to read the analogue video signals driving a display and duplicate

the image, on a film or paper medium.

Dunn; Model 635. The microprocessor control of the 635 provides

the user vlth a prompting menu system for set-up of cameras and films, as

well as continuous operator feedback of camera status and conditions. The

on-line diagnostic features alert the operator of fault conditions without

film waste. A diversity of output is provided by the standard 8 x 10 inch

film format and wide range of auxiliary format cameras.

Polaroid; Modal 8. The model 8 produces Polaroid Polaoolor ER

Type 809 Instant 8x1 0 prints or Colorgraph Type 891 Instant 8 x 10 overhead

transparencies from the output of raster scan terminals using "digital

photography." Employing a proprietary digital image processor, digital

photography neutralizes the inherent mismatch between CRT and film color

response curves by digitizing the CRT video signal into 256 gray scale

levels. An Internal microprocessor then calculates a specific exposure time

for each gray scale level. These calculations are made for each exposure

cycle. The film is then exposed by a series of constant intensity, timemodulated light packets. Other capabilities include image reversal; negative

imaging; color prints from black and white signals; black and white prints

from color signals.

Modal; Soap— Writer. The Scan— Writer is an optical scanner

and pen plotter. Drawings up to E size can be scanned in less than 10

minutes; it can output as an eight-color pen plotter.

The Scan-Writer operates in the white light spectrum. A 256-step

gray scale and optical filters are used for color transcription. Light

.intensity is determined by a preliminary document scan.

The Scan-Writer is not currently available. Production of the

optical scanner is to begin mid-1985; the plotter capability will follow.

3 DATA STORAGE DEVICES

Data storage is another rapidly evolving area. Technological

developments in all areas of data storage could make hardware volume as much

a user criterion as data volume. Projections of capacity and format are

particularly tentative at this time. Figure 7 shows the data storage devices

Technology Evaluation Matrix. The following is an overview of magnetic and

optical storage devices, trends in solid state memory, and an example of the

range of commercial products available or being developed.

3.1 Magnetic Storage

Magnetic systems span a wide price range, with more money generally

buying larger storage capacity and faster access to the data. Flexible,

rigid and Winchester disks, and magnetic tape, are discussed.

A-23
a

>o£O+Jiaa>ox:uO)

3gu8xi/

eT

g

es

58

o1- Sei!IiI!M9oeISoSojiQ9/a

a -

§

8 «;

{8~S

*

m

r

s

s X | *

lj O

 n

3

 T I *

-Is

ljv«A 2

 Jf

» « %

5"s

2i* •

 2

«g 5o

M • f^ • o •• •

A"**

§

 a • s • = I:

*t"l

ij 2 5 * rrwO*

*Ss*

ffK

*••

••«

•s*«

32•£312;.»8i•8a81eJf ^waioj.i••

i

t-jba

"»_ rt »,C

|

A^

VO to* M • A5 .^e h -3Jl|fhytical 01

j

j3JI

J

||

J

gi**5a5tii• ai!2. 51w • fiH

.

S£«•*

us

: i £ t *" "3

j

• :»^S. Si** 21} M fc 5s. 2J

*rt to

2£S

j

*• • a? O

•rf 2'

••*Ua

~£ .«

,i -«* ?5

§3

=

~ E^t -^

§

**•* C

- S^ic^SS^

« «**** «****

•a•8oo1e5|aa • S Sr

•at a

£3;

* -i

•a^ S

o18: .

*

M*i «5 J5 k> "S 'I «

r-8 C— Si 2 -a o a1

A-24
ORIGINAL PAG

E fS

OF POOR QUALITY

M U

-*'

2E.22

•ii*i

B

e >•"

q « o *-» • • e o

S

gM

§

°=1

J 52

e

<o

i

i

M

8

w

f- J Z-o w ss

 *

o -o •

w • • ~ • TJ b-i O • «

JS5I <a VH«MC 83

15*

•»••

 w

«<• 2 &

u

MfftMMf

a

1

S2 !l

<9 ~4 m

** i

i §II

M> 3

I

a

8

I

JL.

U

i

A-25
3.1.1 Disks

Flexible, or Floppy Diatca are the least expensive storage medium.

They are removable, either 3-1/2", 5-1/4* or 8" in diameter, and can store

from lO^to 10° bytes per disk. Their low storage capacity and slow access

time make them Just barely suitable for small-scale image processing; their

susceptibility to disk surface contamination renders them virtually

inapplicable for airborne or fire camp use. Cost of drives range from $650

to $3,500; disk cost is negligible.

Hard disks are either fixed into a system or removable. Removable

disks offer a degree of portability between similar disk subsystems and are

sometimes used as a means of backing up important data sets; these advantages

can be mitigated by the relatively high cost of disk-packets and the danger

of contamination when packs are interchanged.

Control Data makes a removable, 14"-diameter disk drive with a 12.6

GByte capacity compatible with IBM Series/1 hardware; access time averages

30 msec. Price runs $22,000-27,000 with controller; there is one drive per

controller. Telefile Computer manufactures an eight 5-1/4* disk, 300 KByte

per drive system for $22,000 that is compatible with Xerox Sigma and Telefile

T-80 hardware. Access time averages 30 mseo. 3-1/2" disk drives are available. Cost per disk ranges from $700 to $1,500.

Winchester disks are sealed, nonremovable disk packs which

drastically reduce the possibility of contamination. Because of this

contamination-free environment, it has become possible to construct smaller

and lighter disk heads; more data can be compressed onto a surface.

Delta systems makes a 2.5 Gbyte drive compatible with CDC hardware

for $50,000-74,000, with controller. There can be a maximum four drives per

controller; average access time is 5 mseo. Towards the other end of the

capacity/price spectrum, Priam Corp. markets an 8*, 188 Mbyte drive for

$3,700, with controller. This Priam interfaces with SMD and Priam hardware;

up to four drives can be accommodated per controller; average access time is

20 msec. Cost per disk ranges from $700 to $1,500.

3.1.2 Magnetic Tape

Disk Storage permits random access to data. Magnetic tape, by

contrast, can only be accessed sequentially; access speed typically is

slower. Tape is most appropriate when the data are to be stored or

transported. Cartridge, cassette and reel-to-reel tapes are discussed;

examples given are by tape speed.

Magatape sells a 24 track, 330 Mbyte cartridge for $3,200. Tape

speed is 200 ips; density is 9,600 bpl; medium width is 0.5 inches. Under

50 ipa, Kennedy makes a 38 ips, 6,400 bpi, 10 track cartridge for $1,900.

These interface with DEC, Intel and IBM systems; medium width is 0.25 inches.

Coat per cartridge ranes from $19 to $33.

Raymond Electronics manufactures a 20 Mbyte, 4 track cassette for

$1,300. Tape speed is 30 Ips; density is 10,000 bpi; medium width is 0.15

A-26
inches. Under 25 ips, for example, Teobtrao makes a 20 ips, 2 track, 410

Kbyte cassette for $1,300. Density is 800 bpl; medium width Is 0.15 inches.

Cost per cassette ranges from $20 to $80.

Cipher Data sells a 9 track, 92 Mbyte reel for $2,800. Tape speed

is 240 ips; density is 1,600 bpi, 3*200 bpi; media width is 0.5 inches.

Below 100 Ips, Data General markets a 75 ips, 40 Mbyte, 9-track reel for

$16,000. Density is 800 bpl, 1600 bpi, medium width is 0.5 inches. Cost per

2,400 ft. reel ranges from $2,100 to 3,300.

3.1.3 Solid State Memory

Development in solid-state memory progressing at an especially

rapid rate. Conversations with vendors and JPL personnel indicate a 1 Mbit

dynamic RAM chip may be available within the next three to five years; a 4

Mbit dynamic chip is anticipated by 1990. A 256 Kbit static RAM chip is also

expected within the next three to five years. From an end-user aspect, the

32-bit microprocessor currently available in state-of-the-art minicomputers

is expected to double within the next two years. (MaoClean, 1984; Conway,

1984)

3.2 Optical Mass Storage

Optical storage holds the promise of being able to store the likely

amount of data for FFAST implemenation in an area small enough for airborne

or fire camp use. For example, the estimates for storing digital data from

the approximately 54,000 1:24,000-scale topographic quads which make up the

U.S. range from 10' 3 to 101* bits. Currently, one optically-coded binary

digital disk holds 1010 to 10'

 1

 bits. Random access memory is possible.

The following is a summary of the various types of optical storage

devices.

1. Analog Read Only f Laser Diaka). Each disk can hold

up to 54,000 NTSC color or black-and-white images.

Each image occupies a randomly accessible track on

the disk, and Is resistant to surface damage. Sony

markets a commercial disk player, Model LDP 1000 A,

for $3,000 which features onboard microprocessors for

player control, a port for external computer control

and inputs for external synch generators. Access

time is a maximum 5 seconds.

Wrtta Onca/Read Only. Panasonic is selling a

write once system, Model TQ-2023, which can record

still frames in color or blaok-and white. Each disk

coats $750 and has a storage oapaoity of 24,000

images with worst case aooeaa of 0.5 seconds.

record/playback units costs $35,000.

A-27
3» Digital Encoded Analog Read Only. The information

content of a standard laser disk can be computed at

roughly 4 Gbytea per side. Several companies are

implementing systems to encode digital data into an

analog signal for storage on standard laser discs.

Reference Teohnolooy, Inc. is developing a player,

the Series 2000, to read these disks offering user

storage of 4 Obytea per disk; access time is 0.075

seconds, and a maximum data transfer rate of 300

Kbytes per second. Player cost will be $10,000 to

$20,000, with availability in late 1984. Disks can

atore both digital encoded data and standard laser

disk video sequences.

4. Digital Write Qnoa/Read Only. RCA and Xerox have

both developed working systems. However, they are

essentially very expensive prototypes designed for

specific users and storage applications. A promising

supplier of mass produced units is Storage Technology

Corp., which is BETA testing player/recorders. The

unit features a storage capacity of 4 Gbytea per

disk, with a transfer rate of 5 Mbytes per second.

Recorder/controller units will cost around $100,000

and disk cartridges $150 each. Read only units may

be available for $5,000 to $10,000.

5« Multiple Writ a/Read. Erasible disks are at present

developmental* Conversations with vendors and JPL

personnel indicate commercial availability to be

within the next two to four years. Continuing

development and utilization of this capability may be

impacted by developments in solid-state memory.

4 COMMUNICATIONS

Communications technologies for temporary remote fixed service,

remote portable and mobile service, and aeronautical mobile communications

are progressing rapidly. Advanced modulation techniques are using less

spectrum per channel, thereby increasing the number of channels available.

Specialized satellite services are being developed allowing ubiquitous mobile

and portable communications for land vehicles and aircraft. Very Large Scale

Integration (VLSI) chip technology is reducing the size of communications

equipment while making It more reliable with greater capability. There is a

multitude of potential applications of communications technologies to the

forest fire mapping and detection system. Technologies are commercially

available which can improve the overall communications system. The question

is one of design and fiscal resources.

Technologies currently exist for transportable earth stations

providing interconnect with the public switched telephone network via

satellite. Land and aeronautical mobile radio communications capability is

well developed, but only for relatively short-range (line-of-sight with

repeater) applications. Ubiquitous coverage for airborne and terrestrial

A-28
aobilea will require satellite service, which currently exist only for

United experimental applications. The Communications Technology Evaluation

Matrix is presented in Figure 8.

4.1 Remote Site Fixed Communications

Telephone and data circuits can be made available to any remote

location in the United States using current fixed communication satellite

technology. The relatively heavy and bulky earth station antennas required

for use with current communications satellites can be hauled via

truck/trailer to the remote site. The earth stations can be installed and

operating at a site a fev hours after arrival of the equipment. Several

, companies provide complete* end-to-end .service.

Transportable earth stations for fixed service will continue to be

available in the 1990s. Technology advancements in earth station antenna

design will result in much more lightweight and durable equipment in this

time frame.

Commercially porided fixed remote service is generally backed by

technical crews and 24-hour service centers, although these resources may not

be located close enough to the fire camp to be useful in coping with an

emergency breakdown. Many companies market a variety of earth station

antennas designed to withstand environmental extremes (such as extreme cold).

Timeliness of transmission will probably indicate very few delays

to be encountered. This will depend on grade or quality of service selected

and number of channels used (all are dependent on cost).

The physical dimensions, weight and power requirements are yet to

be determined, however, the equipment at present is relatively bulky.

Remote fixed service has low priority for FFAST. This technology

is widely available today, and quality of service is good, but these systems

are not very useful for remote emergency operations, where the Incident

Command Post may remain in place for only a few days and equipment needs to

be moved quickly. The equipment must be hauled via truck/trailer to the

remote site from the companies/service center over roads that may be in poor

condition, and set-up requires several hours. The cost is also high.

4.2 Aeronautical and Land Mobile Communications

Radio communications technology exists today and is well

established for air-to-ground and ground-to-air applications for localized

areas. However, ubiquitous, long-range coverage (such as for airoraft-toBIFC) currently does not exist. This capability is feasible using mobile

satellie communications teonology, and frequency allocations exists in L-band

for aeronautical mobile Satellie service. This service does not currently

exist. . . • . . .,.,. -

Land mobile radio communications are well developed today.

Applications are mainly for line-of-slght with repeaters (generally urban

A-29
FIGURE 8. Technology Evaluation Matrix: Communications

TECHNOLOGY

CRITERIA

REMOTE FIXED SERVICE

REMOTE LAND AND

AERONAUTICAL MOBILE

COMMUNICATIONS*

Cost o Set-up charge: $1,400

plua mileage

o weekly race for terminal : $1000

o Satellite transponder:

$0.70/minute

o Telephone interconnect:

as billed by Telco.

o Power conditioner: $70

installation charge,

$66/month

o Data link: separate

charge TBD

o Terminals: approximately

$3000

o Per minute: $0.15 to

$0.80

o Other charges TBD

Availability o Currently available o Currently not available

o Will be available by

1990's

Time linesss of transmission

o Similar to current

phone and data satellite links (little

delay). Depends on

grade of service

o Little or no delay in

transmission

Physical Dimensions and

Power Requirements

o Large, heavy antennas o Mobile radios: comparable to current cellulars

systems (small)

o Small, lightweight

vehicle rooftop antennas

Reliability, maintainability, and durability

o Similar to current mobile

radio equipment

Other o Depends on frequency

allocation and licensing

in 800 MHz or L-band

*Ubiqu items coverage

A-30
areas with large numbers of users, and localized rural areas). Costeffective, ubiquitous coverage for land and air mobiles in remote areas will

require communications via satellite. This capability exists for limited

experimental applications only.

The technology is feasible today. Several companies have filed to

provide mobile satellite service by the 1990s; Ceostar Corp.* Mobile

Satellite Corp. (MQBILSAT), and Sky link Corp. The Canadian government also

plans to provide mobile satellite service by 1988. Other U.S. companies also

appear to be interested. There is no current domestic allocation for land

mobile satellite service; however, due to heavy pressure from Canada,

industry and government, the FCC will probably move on a rulemaking procedure

in the near future. It is reasonable to assume that mobile satellite service

will be available in OHF or L-band, or both, by the mid-1990s.

The costs of mobile terminals for satellite communications is

anticipated to be aproxlmately the same as cellular radio terminals (about

$2000 - $3000) by 1990. Service charge estimates vary widely (from 15 to 80

cents per minute). Satellite access and PSTN interconnect charges are

difficult to pin down at this point. Mobilsat estimates that a gateway base

station (which could be located at BIFC) could cost $50,000.

The mobile communications will be similar to those available today.

The reliability, maintainability and durability should be the same as for

cellular radio. There should be litle or no delay in voice communications or

data transmisson as it should be comparable to telephone service. The mobile

radios should be comparable to current units that are passenger-compartment

or trunk-mounted. The antennas will be small and light enough to be carried

on the rooftop of a oar.

Likely frequencies for mobile satellite communications will cone

from the currently designated land mobile reserve. The reserve comprises a

pair of 4-MHz bands (821-825 MHz and 866:870 MHz) and a pair of 6-MHz bands

(845-851 MHz and 890-896 MHz). It is unlikely, however, that the entire 20-

MHz reserve will be allocated to mobile satellite service, at least by the

1990s. Satellite-to-flxed stations and fixed statlons-to-satelllte links can

be proyided in another frequency band (possibly SHP), or an all-DBF system

can be employed.- It is a possibility that a portion of mobile satellite

service for L-band may be considered. As a baseline, the focus will be on

transmission of 2400 bps in a 5 KHz channel.

Land and aeronautical mobile communications capability with

ubiquitous coverage will most likely be available by the 1990s. This

technology has a very high priority.

5 GLOBAL POSITIONING TECHNOLOGIES

Position accuracy, fix time and system reliability were the

principal criteria by which eight position location systems were assessed and

weighted. The question specifically was which systems met or approached the

project requirements of better the 10 meter accuracy, in near-real time, with

the greatest reliability. Of the systems considered, (GPS, Loran-C, XHS,

TRANSIT, VOR, TACAN, and Geostar), only GPS, TRANSIT, and Geoatar have the

A-31
capability (actual or potential) to warrant evaluation. The other systems

had variable reliability and fix times between real-time and ten minutes;

none had an absolute accuracy better than 20 meters reported, with

Differential Loran in coastal conditions inapplicable to continental

characteristics. Loran-C has attractive qualities: high systems reliability

and real-time fixes. However, besides the inability to meet FPAST accuracy

requirements, Loran-C coverage does not include all Forest Service land.

Additionally, the ubiquitous oapabiliy of GPS-continuous, global all-weather,

3-D position location to a potential sub-meter accuracy, and perhaps Geostar

and other next-generation navigation systems, loom ao advantageous as to

question the commercial long-term viability of existing systems as a primary

navigation device.

Figure 9 gives the associated Technology Evaluation Matrix for

global postioning. Unless otherwise stated, data given are of representative

models.

The following is a comparison of the candidate systems. The

systems are satellite-based with near real time fix.

5.1 Transit

TRANSIT has been in operation by the DOD since 1964, and available

for civilian use since 1967. The Navy is scheduled to cease TRANSIT

sponsorship in 1994, but user volume is such that private or other government

agency sponsorship is being discussed. TRANSIT, however, is nearing its

system life expectancy; it is not a long-term alternative. The system has

one constellation that is out of service and another that is faltering. At

present, discrete satellite fixes are available on average only every 90

minutes. TRANSIT receivers are currently below $2000. The accuracy of

TRANSIT is between 10-40 meters, depending on ionospheric variables.

5.2 Geostar

Geostar is a private-venture communications/navigation system

designed to intlally involve three satellites in geosynchronous orbit* one

ground control station, and user transceivers. Coverage with three satellites will be limited to the continental United States.

Geostar is slated for operation sometime in 1987; capital

investment, hardware development, and FCC approval of communications

bandwidth (Geostar'a initial product) make that date optimistic. A recent

press release (MSN; June, 1984) stated Geostar had contracted with Comsat

General Corp. to assist in developing detailed hardware specifications.

Whether this association will accelerate Geostar's operations schedule is

unknown.

Although Geostar, Inc., has yet to contract for user equipment, its

literature consistently lists transceivers, including airborne versions, at

around $450. (There will also be a service charge which Geostar anticipates

will be comparable to current long-distance telephone rates.) Geostar with

three active satellies, deduced from land-based triangulatlon tests, projects

A-32
ORIGINAL PAGE 15

OF POOR QUALITY

9C

i

ft*

M

"

C

I

S

B

*»

M

3k.

•a)

B

**

i

••

/

/

!\

§e>

n

*

—

e

-

«

g

o"i

If

5 "S

«* *M

S

 e

Ss

i

•

"i

M

t>

1*

I

|

««

b 8

II

a

8

§

at

*

§

•"

Cel

•9

b

&

§

•n „

-5M *•«

1"

Is

eM

2

b

1

a>

1

|

M

W

7

1:. •^ w •

111Hardware «i vendor aati head-hti

d i

t

e*

*

S

H

f

H

**

I

||

i

2

M

?

**

W

a>

r*

cM

2

5

I

a

1

!

•M•

Rerdvara

undeveloped

•

M

e

1

••

5

•0

S

m

1

2

•*•

M

**

§

eM

2

|

i

4

Hardwareundeveloped

5

1

"

C

«

•f

i

w

.0

3

e

o

b

I

i

3

|

7

4

2

•Coetpattbl

j»

1

u

f

3

1

•

A

u

•

!

j»

aw

u

3

II

5j

a

(heartatn

o

^

|

51

»

•««

•

b

Jr

I

3

e>4

at

•^

fcx«J

SJ

*•> U

«

H

K

K

2

•

«

ll

^

1

^

1 •

«• X Fro jec tin

g

•atar

a t

p

dtfferentli

•

b O EO

• •"• • M *• b •

181*

Til o^f *t

o • o • -•S-^

b

w

•*•

A

o

4 b

|2

8M4

e o

* ' • « •b

b •

« M 3*1

e

B

2

1

u

b

U

<o

0

s 9

-=e f

-°5

25* .

— « e •

^— ^ • e« M •

• -• b 9

«s:£ •.j^ «_•

•

w

-

•

II

IT

n

•• • ig

!!

«

a

—M f e

••* eW

I!

i

s

JS

u

8 J -

Ijl.

2

»>. b

i.!i

X f ••

si

o w

^e

|^r

Iss

i

I g .

!•;

ii

1

1

ff

•^

I

5

1

K

.b«^ -

§ 5 *-* i

|| Sj { «

»

^.. * •^ a !£ -S c ST

• • A tf * a

> M •

i 5s 11 1

o

e

b -2

" O

1 "

• * i - s j

l!ll=i::

o e> o

e•9

3

1

• "O

• a V a

• •• ••«•

• t *7 •

& 0 0 •

1 tt

2

K

O * •

HiS

0

X

60

•rt

g

(0

o

<0

^5

O

.—I

(9

K

t-l

o

<d

r-l

a

w

60

O

!-(

O

I

cr>

A-33
ORIGINA

L PAGE IS

OF POOR QUALITY

s9Hs8MJ§

3 / 1 / 1 /// M / *

/ s

i*eA« 8«§22iMaoB

"5-5

ft

11

a.

3*Om 8•§8iT. **I

1o " = 5

1**£5u1

.1

cH?H•3Jco•EC |Mm**aJSaS1

os*1M*MW

.

r»•<oa"I*

•|*"3iiss a

.

•533•£mk*41

f«

'? 2

•|-|

8 " .

^1*-

Jl *^ 1 w •* W | 8»•j"J121• • •2 2

*lj

• i e » -* • ^ M •* •M 4W B «M * °£^ : S *^ • E --"5 J inr: i 0.24 rait Uc* reported ff*r*ntUl. ^

°'S<

S

uau

fa5

 •-

• * •

Js-

£«.a

•j*s*•oi1eewm1•jSjJ

0<9iIiiJ: 5

to

"1

* S

to18

^

«

:

«

=

|-:

• _C 0 •

S

M •

_e jo^ e

| . |« !-o -

—• c • a •— •

J

u •«»-- s

^•5SE2?

eI

s15• *• * * 4rf

-3||

e! . *8 °^^* • C V V M ^| J|J

jijsr

o •« o • •

o12 S e •• • o -^ ** "C ** S 2*3 o 2 i 5 • * ti 9 O M S 4J ^M J S 00 0 iX

•oVcooM

l

il§0O

.oooa60OIO

ffoMOh

A-34
an accuracy between 1-7 meters. The Initial Geostar configuration calls for

three geosynchronous saellites and an on-orbit spare; the ground control

station is to.have three-computer redundancy.

5.3 Global Positioning System

The Global Positioning System (GPS) is- to be an 18-satellite, three

spare, continuous, global positioning location system operating in six

orbital planes. GPS was developed by the DOD. The full satellite

constellation is expected to be operational late 1988.

The navigation.signal broadcast by a GPS satellite consists in

principle of an L-band carrier modulated by a unique pseudo-random binary

code. The code allows a receiver to acquire the signal from one particular

satellite and measure its pseudo-range (distance plus .error due to receiver

clock bias) from the user. The code Itself is modulated at 50 bits/s by the

satellite's navigation data stream. This navigation message includes

ephemeris parameters from which the user can compute the postion of the

satellite. Based on the positions and pseudo-ranges of four satellites, the

GPS receiver removes its own clock bias and determines the users position in

3-D. Varibus levels of position accuracy may be attained, since the <SPS

navigation signal is actually modulated by two different codes in phase

quadrature. The long-period Precision Position Service (PPS) provides more

precise measurement of time, hence position, due to its higher block rate

(10.23 MHz). This precision is so far to be restricted to U.S. and allied

military users. The shorter Standard Position Service (SPS) with a lower

clock rate (1.023 MHz) facilities acquisition of satellite signals and

transfer or receiver tracking to the more precise PPS. SPS will be civilian

accessible.

The primary difference between PPS and SPS user hardware is the

additional cost, physical dimension and power requirements of PPS receivers

to inlude military non-jamming devices. Additionally, PPS hardware

information is either proprietary or classified. If PPS is eventually to be

available for commercial use, it will be without these military-grade

devices. Consequently, PPS and SPS hardware will be considered essentially

the same.

5.3*1 Precision Positioning Service

Attainable. PPS accuracy is 15 meters, real time.

The principle argument for prohibiting civilian access to PPS is

the rationale to deny its accuracy to a potential enemy, there is some

debate that PPS accuracy figures are already available internationally. If

this is so, or becomes so, the security concern is removed. The issue may be

driven by considerable industry pressure to access PPS. Best SPS accuracy la

less than what is now achievable with TRANSIT, which is generally considered

the minimum position accuracy for off-shore navigation.

A-35
5.3.2 Standard Position Service

Available GPS receivers are quite expensive and not representative

of their projected costs when GPS becomes fully operational; the reduction

rate is expected to follow TRANSIT and Loran-C curves. (Stansell, 1983) For

example, Texas Instruments has been marketing a HAVSTAR system which includes

an omnl directional antenna and a control/display unit for |t $0,000. Allen

Osborne Association will soon introduce a similar system for $25,000.

Consensus estimates of receiver cost alone by 1990 is oonistently around

$5,000 with some estmates as low as $1,500. Attainable SPS accuracy will be

about 50 meters, which the DOD intends to degrade to 100 meters.

GPS systems reliability can be considered the percent time a

satellite redundant to the minimum four satellites needed for optimum 3-D

navigation Is visible over the O.S. Given the orbital planes and an 18-

satellite redundant satellie will e visible some 82? of the time. If the DOD

activates the three on-orbit spares, redundancy increases to 98?. (Braff,

1983)

The navigation capability of GPS has generated tremendous market

Interest in utilizing its accuracy potential Independent of DOD restrictions.

Attention has centered on using GPS in a differential mode. Additionally,

ISTAC, Inc., Pasadena, California, will soon be marketing a OPS receiver

configuation (SERIES) independent of DOD phase codes altogether.

The focal point of a differential capability is a GPS receiver

(differential sensor) that operates from a surveyed antenna. The true value

of this receiver's navigation fix is compared against the measured value and

the differences become the differential corrections.

The Department of Transportation, the Coast Guard and the Institute

of Navigation have for the past year been sponsoring user-vendor workshops to

establish a schedule for implementing a differential capability. Discussions

with persons in each organization indicate little doubt that a Differential

GPS capability (inoludng presumably central processing units) will be operational by 1990).

Differential GPS will use standard SPS hardware; only the accuracy

capability will be expanded. Accuracy between 3-5 meters, with 5 to 15

minute update requirements, is expected.

5.3.3 SERIES

SERIES (Satellite Emission Range Inferred Earth Surveying) Is a

technique by which it is possible to perform simultaneous pseudo ranging to

multiple GPS satellites without knowledge of the GPS phase codes, or the

requirement to know the receiver position and velocity and the satellite

positions to begin data acquisition.

The SERIES receivers are fundamentally oodeless spectral

compressors where the spread spectra modulations of several GPS satellites

can be simultaneously received at L-band and compressed by seven orders of

magnitude into audio or sub-audio band passes. A computer extracts the

A-36
frequency and pbaae of each satellite view. The data processing proceeds by

a combination of Doppler positioning and phase ranging to levels of precision

as may be required even to the millimeter level by using the L-band carriers.

The compressed spectral data can be processed into positional data in the

receiver or the compressed data can be buffered and transferred over a telephone-type channel.

Although the SERIES-GPS techniques is fundamentally a methodology

for oodeless pseudo ranging, the highest accuracy la achieved by operating

airs of receivers In a differential mode so as to cancel or attenuate certain

error sources. For example, the reference station In differential observations can be exploited as a satellite orbit monitoring station. Because of

the nature of the non-gravitational disturbing forces on the satellites, the

orbital element most affected is along the track position. By observing the

closest approach event from a single station, it is possible to estimate the

range to the satellites with an accuracy of approximately 50 meters. With

Inclusion of additional ephermeris monitoring stations, it is possible to

develop the other orbital elements and finally with four regioqal sites a

completely geometric approach to deriving the satellite positions can be

obtained which avoids orbital kinematics.

The complete SERIES configuration is still developmental.

Conversations with Peter MaoDoran, ISTAC president, indicate the following.

(Mao Doran, 1984)

1. ISTAC will be manufacturing its own hardware.

MaoDoran estimates receivers to cost around $5,000.

The central processing unit to compute time

differentials is anticipated to cost around $150,000.

2. The hardware is expected to be commercially available

by 1987.

3* With a 2,000 km baseline, real-time accuracy of 5

meters is anticipated; 1-2 meter accuracy could be

achievable with 1-minute post-processing.

4. Receiver: 2:H x 22»W x 11"L; Anenna: 11fWx11"L;

flat, placed on wing.

5. Average weight will be around 3 Ibs.

6. Power requirements of 6 watts; 12 volts; less than

0.5 amps.

7* Receivers inerfaoe with RS 232/488.

5.3.4 Prioritization

TRANSIT ban be ruled out for consideration due to its infrequent

satellite-fix capability and remaining short-term lifetime. Qeostar makes

some promising claims, but to date they are no more than best-case projecA-37
tions. Technical evaluations of the Geostar system generally conclude .with

serious doubts about system feasibility. In addition, the investment capital

to launch the three satellites necessary for 3-D position location apears

uncertain. Both concerns render their actual operations start date

uncertain. As well, Geostar coverage will be limited to the continental U.S.

GPS is so far the system of choice. Its hardware and system

capabilities have been tested; its operation start date is on schedule. It

seems likely that some version of GPS will meet the project's requirements by

1990. GPS access can be obtained either via Differential receiver mode or

the SERIES technique.

6 SENSOR SYSTEMS

6.1 Thermal Infrared Sensors

The thermal infrared bands commonly used in all thermal IR systems

are approximately 3-5 micrometers and 8 to 14 micrometers. These two bands

are desired because the 8-14 energy level peaks at ambient earth temperatures

and the 3-5 peaks at temperatures related to fires.

Infrared systems can be classified in various ways, e.g., passive

or active, imaging or non-imaging. Passive IR sensors rely upon the natural

emission of radiant energy which occurs in all objects and is directly

related to the temperature of the object. (Warren, 1984) Active sensors

carry their own radiation source along with their receiver. A common active

sensor is the millimeter-wave sensor (to be discussed) which transmits energy

out and detects the energy reflected back to its receiver.

Non-imaging systems provide an indication of the temperature of an

object or area in either a qualitative (light, horn, etc.), quantitative

(calibrated temperature reading), or relative (deflection of meter from an

unoallbrated reference) manner. Imaging systems provide an image of the

scene in the field of view and the temperature of objects or areas within the

scene is deduced, usually in a relative manner, by the •brightness* of those

objects or areas compared to the background. An imaging system thus displays

the total scene and hot objects can be located based on their relationship to

the total scene. (Warren, 1984) Imaging IR systems provide an image of the

covered area which is viewed at the sensor's display, on an accompanying

video monitor, or on a hardoopy printout, or some combination of the above.

Video compatible systems can also record the IR images for subsequent playback and may include audio annotation.

A number of sensor systems exist or are under development which may

be applicable to the forest fire dapping and detection system, some of these

are discussed here. It should be pointed out that the key technology

elements for future systems, that is, those available in the 1990s, will be

expanded capabilities at similar or reduced prices.

The following are passive, imaging, thermal IR sensors. All

require a trained operator to use. The associated Technology Evaluation

Matrix is shown in Figure 10.

A-38
ORIGINA

L PAGE IS

OF POOR QUALITY

I aMILLDIBTU WAVE 8EMSOI

1s

Bt. a< • IHI- gfgJa1i

B / / * / 5

.$i§2

s's"

A* 3

i•jPrototype av

•ld-198).

8

8§5

>-*uZ

« ii • 1

 "

8W

 Ka>

M ••« •*

8

««4 efi

••4 • fl•

J ss

aj i0*40.5*J•r

l

31

!:.

5^5

lability •^

bActive aenao •^3SHq/Cd/Te „^^3S3J£31bIe(i25

ow

-

J

&

•1 M

;..

Sistt

•

£ £ u e U O b • • • W 5 - —V

j££ S 3

Sa

l3 elg

?|.

«•< .8 **

§.28

B! «g

3T»

•

••4•aa

••4£

.

PS

x e •"•

i -•!

Irli

m

m "*

»> S"

PM

^ • - • i * ** * C u2 «a ° '* ' |a•*O

J•«J9|2|i•!

i«i!b1H2

imeeSuitcaa* portable

••*. ^ooos

?

of

<< w A«aJ|^i

zoeHandheld jou

|

is•^aA*

••43

U 1 «W b

its

is i e. s-a

"

•• «* M '

• ••« |s ss

•—Jo"

40 *« A M

0 0 O • frt • •••

*••»•* <o

5121

e o i8 P

>

5 «o

7-S .£*

0 0 .5 i ^ *< • 3t ^^ ^ ^

teen —

e— » V J J

5 S.

*<^ • K

»-• e « •

m i n B k e ei

ii~js

e 7 "M« o

- if o •• •

o o o |«1

O0001 co•ov4Ju0)

flVcoO9a60O

t~i Ouo

A-39
6.1.1 Line Scanner

Line scanners employ a reciprocating mirror to sweep the field of

view of a detector perpendicular to the aircraft motion, while utilizing this

motion to displace the scan lines and so produce a two-dimensional image.

The Forest Service currently uses a thermal IR line scanner (called

FLAME, developed by JPL) for its large scale (more than a few hundred acres)

fire detection and mapping operations. Military and commercial line scanners

are available but do not contain the dual band detectors working into target

detection circuitry as required for small hot spot detection and false alarm

rejection. Military systems use usually AC coupled which does not permit

mapping terrain features adjacent to large hot areas and do not include rapid

processing of images on board toe aircraft. Commercial systems dp not have

the wide total field of view (TFOV) coverage.

Features of the Forest Service line soaners include a 1 milllrad

instantaneous field of view (IFOV); 120 degrees TFOV, ±10 degrees for

aircraft roll correction; DC or AC coupling; reotilinearization of displayed

images; hardoopy on dry silver film; video display in real time; digital

Image frame storage; and edge and video event (hot spot) markers in hardoopy

with aural-visual alarms on aircraft.

6.1.2 Multispectral Arrays

It is apparent that the commercial technology of solid-state

imaging sensors frequently referred to as multispeotral arrays (MSA), offer

performance advantages over scanning systems. Each picture element in a MSA

imager may integrate for up to one line time, whereas scanning heretofore

must be sampled at each pixel time. Thus, the MSA sensor has an enormous

sensitivity advantage because of its longer integration time per sample.

It does not require moving scan mirror in order to acquire an

Image. Consquently, MLA can have longer operating life than a scanner.

Additionally, the fixed geometry from the detector arrays results in high

geometric accuracies in the line direction which will simplify the image

reconstruction and processing tasks.

Linear Array. The •simplest* of the multispeotral arrays is the

linear array. In the linear array system a line of sensors per spectral band

is aligned perpendicular to the line of the spacecraft's motion. The laage

of this array is "pushed" along the ground in much the same manner as the

head of a pushbroom; benoe the nickname "pusbbroom sensors.* The important

characteristics are: fixed and equal deteotor-to-detector spacing; a long

detector-integration time, allowing very high signal/noise and imaging in

very narrow spectral bands; light weight and small size compared to a

scanner, allowing a pointable instrument. Production image processing will

differ from that for soannera in that the R detectors per scan line per

spectral band will require radiometric calibration. Geometric processing

will be essentially the same as is required for a mechanical scanner because

earth rotation, s/o wobble and panoramic projection effects will still occur.

However, there will not be as much along-line detector geometric

rectification required.

A-40
Several vendors currently can manufacture linear array detectors on

a custom-design basis. Obtainable mercury-cadmium-telleride (HgCdTe) array

spectral response range from these detectors is 3-5 •» 8-12 m, and 12-17 m;

elements per array, and element dimensions vary. The availability of such

arrays on an off-the-shelf basis is unknown.

Area Array. An area array is a next generation "pushbroom" imager.

The long dimension of the array is oriented orosstrack as in the pushbroom

discussed above. The spectrum of each pixel is spread by a dispersing

element and imaged across the short dimension. Thus, a large number of

narrow (typically 0.01 to 0.02 m) spectral bands are potentially available.

Commercial area array detectors are a developmental item. Array sizes of 64

x 64 elements have been demonstrated; 128 x 128 is feasible.

6.1.3 Airborne Imaging Spectrometer

The Airborne Imaging Spectrometer (AIS) is a multispectral infrared

imaging instrument utilizing a 32- x 32-element HgCdTe detector array to

achieve high spatial resolution. A novel optical design provides high

spectral resolution, and, in conjunction with the 32-element spatial

resolution, makes optimal use of the capabilities of the area array. (Laser

FoouaEleotro-Optios, 1983)

The confluence of the requirement for high-resolution multispectral

Infrared imagery and the development of IR-sensitive CCD (charge-coupled

device) imaging arrays combines the technologies of TV imaging and speotrosoopy to resolve capability conflicts that have resulted in implementation

compromises and insufficient spatial and spectral resolutions in earlier

instruments. The solid-state CCD imager has the advantages over competing

sensors of wide spectral range, high geometric stability, low noise, wide

dynamic range, low power and compactness, and high read-out rate. These

characteristics, when coupled with high sensitivity in the spectral region of

Interest, result in an extremely useful tool. The AIS design was originally

to incorporate one of the bands of interest here, 2.4 to 4.8 pm. However,

design considerations resulted in eliminating this band, including only the

1.2 to 2.4 m band in the instrument.

With a field of view of 2 mrad/element and a spectral discrimination of 10 nm/element, the HgCdTe detector array la designed to point vertically downward from an aircraft flown at a speed of 200 kt at 3000 •

altitude. The pixel pitch la 68 m square (with 77? fill factor), giving a

spatial (cross-track) coverage 183 fim wide. The spectral width is 305

nm/gratlng position (providing a 5-na overlap). With a CCD integration time

of about 8 ma and a readout time of about 13 ma, the forward motion of the

aircraft causes a displacement of the image less than one pixel, which ia

within the resolution of the instrument.

A magnetic tape recorder stores data acquired during a flight, and

all functions of instrument and tape recorder are computer controlled. Optical alignment of the AIS ia achieved with a He-He laaer and is facilitated by

the all-reflecting design. Spectral calibration is accomplished by using the

IR mono-ohromator swept manually through the 1.2-2.4- /IB waveband. A further

A-41
developed version of AIS may be suitable for forest fire mapping and

detection.

6.1.4 Airborne Visible/Infrared Imaging Spectrometer

The Airborne Visible/Infrared Imaging Spectrometer (AVIRIS) is a

second-generation remote sensing instrument under development at the Jet

Propulsion Laboratory as part of the Imaging Spectrometer Program sponsored

by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. AVIRIS is an optomechanical scanner that uses line arrays of detectors to image 550-pixel

swath in 224 contiguous spectral bands from 0.4 to 2.4 fxm. The instrument

will be flovn as a NASA facility sensor aboard a U-2 aircraft, starting la

1986. A data-prooessng system based on a VAX 11-780 minicomputer is under

development at JPL which will provide rapid access to flight data.

Three fundamental requirements have been placed on the AVIRIS

instrument that have had a major impact on its design. First, coverage is

required of the entire solar-reflected portion of the spectrum transmitted by

the atmosphere. This is essentially the 0.4- pm to 2.4 pm region. Second, a

significant Improvement in spatial coverage over AIS is required to provide

broad-swath images several hundred pixels wide. Third, since the prime goal

of the AVIRIS program is to provide the research community with high-quality

data, it is essential that AVIRIS has been designed as an opto-mechanloal

scanner using line arrays of detectors of silicon (Si) for the visible portion of the spectrum and indium antimonlde (InSb) for the near-IR and abort

wavelength infrared (SWIR). The primary drivers in this decision were the

availability of very high-quality InSb line arrays, discussed in the next

section, and a mature scanner technology well-suited to wide field-of-view

imaging from aircraft.

6.1.5 Thermal Infrared Multispeotral Scanner

The Thermal Infrared Multispeotral Scanner (TIMS) was built for

NASA by Daedalus. Scanner design and spectrometer/scanner fabrication was

contracted for $761,000. This instrument, completed In the spring of 1982,

includes six bands between 8 and 12pm: 8.2-8.6, 8.6-9.0, 9.0-9.4, 9.4-10.2,

10.2-11.2, and 11.1-12.2 fim. It has a 2.5-mrad IPOV, and 80 degrees aoan

angle, selectable scan rates and V/B, and Internal blaokbody reference

sources. Ground resolution is 5-33 meters. Swath width is 1.3-8.3 meters.

Scan speeds are 7.3, 8.7, 12.0, and 25.0 scans per second. It is not known

at this time the commercial likelihood of TIMS.

6.1.6 Forward Looking Infrared

Forward Looking Infrared devices (FLIR) are characterized as being

operable either handheld or mounted, require cryogenic cooling usually with

liquid nitrogen, and operate in the 3-5 or 8-14nm bands, or a combination of

the two. Several models are commercially available, and are standard (1TSC)

video compatible.

A-42
FLIRS used by the Forest Service are handheld, and nay be deployed

in a fixed-wing aircraft, a helicopter, or on ground vehicles or back-packs.

Normal use is from a helicopter.

There are many fire-related applications where FLIR use is superior

to other IR methods. For prescribed burns up to a few hundred acres, under

established conditions, the FLIRS are ideal for surveillance and monitoring.

They can show fire progress and status as tiae proceeds and can be quickly

over the site of any suspected or actual unusual actions. FLIRS can view the

area after the burn is completed to assure that all hot spots are known and

adequately treated prior to crew release.

FLIRa used in conjunction with line scanners on active large fires

can give a close-up IR "look* at crucial portions of the line. They can

resolve whether the fire is contained within a firebreak or has crossed over

when that may not be resolvable from line scanner imagery. They can be used

to pinpoint spotting ahead of the fire perimeter and identify access conditions and routes to get to such spots. Line scanner flights may not be

available (because of the limited number of aircraft and crews) more than

once or sometimes twice per day on a fire. FLIR units oan be used to update

the last line scanner images along selected portions of the first perimeter

periodically or as needed.

FLIRs are moderately expensive, from $30,000 to $50,000. Warren

lists models with TFOVs ranging from 7 degrees to 30 degrees x 30 degrees,

and states that FLIR field reliability so far has been excellent. (Warren,

19810

6.2 Hillmeter-Wave Imaging Sensor

JPL has been directing development of a milimeter-wave sensor

capable of detecting objects the size of a military tank up to ranges of 1.5

km under conditions of light fog and smoke. Under conditions of cloud banks

some 2 km thick, such objects oan be detected up to a range of 1 km.

Minimum detectable temperature has been tested to be some 1K.

Angular resolution (HPBW) is 0.2-0.3 degrees; surface pixel size ia around 5

meters. The system has a 50 cm scanning antenna. Total system size is 0.02

M^, weighs 10-15 kg., and operates at 10-20 watts. Processing is in real

time, and reqlres a mini-oomputer and TV display.

A prototype will be available in mid-1985; the sensor ia expected

to be well developed by the 1990'a. Coat by 1989 is anticipated to be around

$200,000 for limited production models.

7 GEO-REFERENCINQ TECHNIQUES

Geo-referenolng la the interface of the FPAST subsystem to create

the appropriate image for display and hardcopy. Although techniques are

currently being developed in this area, there is no existing system which

geo-rererenoes in a timely manner. It is the area which may require the most

A-43
continuing attention. The geo-referencing Technology Evaluation Matix la

shown in Figure 11.

7.1 Manual Interpretation

Manual data transfer and interpretation is the current georeferencing method. It la a time consuming process, often taking several

hours; recognizable control points in the fire area must be manually correlated to surveyed points on a cartographic base. Improvements on this

existing method will have significant benefit to fire management*

7.2 Computer-Aided Interpretation

Concurrent with manual data transfer, several computer-aided

techniques are employed to enhance the accuracy and interpretability of

geographic referencing. Principal among these is the correlation of Loran-C

or VOR position location and digital terrain data to the image being georeferenoed, thereby, increasing correlation accuracy while decreasing slope

error.

7*3 Automatic Registration

Several technologies are being developed or will soon be available

which, in various combinations, may enable suitable accurate, automatic georeferenoing (e.g., correlating linear array imagery and GPS location to

DLGS). Technology advancements in selected other areas will offer additional

automatic referencing capability.

7.3.1 Very Large Scale Integration (VLSI)

VLSI chips are being developed which can process in near real time

data sufficiently vast enough for conceivably any FFAST requirement. VLSI

algorithms for correlating image control points to maps are not yet

available, but are being developed for some of the referencing techniques

which ought to eventually prove useful; they will provide displacement from

an image of a known ground control point area to the image area being

searched. (Nathan, 1984) Such chips could be operational for ground use in

two to three years.

7.3*2 Terrain Profilers

It may be possible to enhance terrain data accuracy using real-time

terrain profilers. The OSGS has been testing this ability using a laser

profiler with some success. The laser profiler being tested has range

resolution of a few centimeters, and has adaptable data storage capabilities.

Its current limitations are operating altitude (3,000 ft.) and moisture

attenuation. It is considered a fair weather apparatus; the manufacturer,

ACCI Inc., Salem, MA, is uncertain of its ability to penetrate smoke. Cost

A-44
o-Referencing o•MidO3«8 u60OOcuH

iH

il iMIk

t

8lTM5ijX11«.]h

•J

 4

•5

 u

•C •• 2]//'

s5sV93

KMI

f

3

riI35••1/3a5

18|si1§9i§MM8*|

«a>

u •

• ~" l

BL • I C • 0 !!:

•H .. S « -o • u 3 i" 1-£ • J

IA13i82gsi• J 2 §

•->1•*E

J

j>pHT optrational,

18

£2

E ^

rza

liJ

III

w[s

 8

•> • •8•

 — *

f

»5 -2 §

!•

a

 8

•- 42J * 1

«fl

*-4•1

|

ojM|

I

Ii

i

z •unction o roai VDI a Ik *. L"1A 1 £e • •• •• 83M • s

'""0 S11-

..•s • • •J • * 5o•u•au

„eI15 e 32iiM(1•Tva iL•D -. T3 • — — m

JSJ^

Ji2I|5 2a a 5i i|

HJs

HF^2^MhHMg•h

fitMJ| p«M

|

MMIMX* Mj1[

J1,9oIjt-«i

pal •1 J

•n « ^ a.

• >s *•* U

« C U > si ^., o •• u •

S722

i Si £

c n * 2W -* Mb O

r -s

•si-

u c • • 9 M • *) * Oaa — e — •** • > IL'f 0- • — • « * 2 £ "

53J?

*,J

• e -<

c • —•sM IIW

l|l

e a LMalr**ob

A-45 ORIGINA

L PAGE IS

OF POOR QUALrTY
0) 360 •HUc?oK

il

li oMO

§aS4VMisI§IS /

*E

2

BBe8;iSIa3/ /// J CtlTEIU

§m<ew1ib

• S B ^9 !

5isI

••

*i+*2££•5KwMM

182Accuracy

1^*

'

iiiij

fii

i2£

a

JS"**

£ u

n-taa11

1

f

u5s

s

a

!S1

klUbility

•s 5 ,

•§58

IfJj

i •

• «• b •

~^:i ~ fo •i* 9 tt •» b • S -« O O b, « »te <S « o

•:!

ee Uitd in conjunction with INS or CM

o Operating r«n(* 3000 ft.

• fair MJtbar

•ppantuii

bi

A-46
per unit is $65,000. Radar altlmetry and Interferometry are also being

assessed as to its applicability to real-tine terrain data correction.

A-47