Raster Based GIS Conference

Potential Immediate Fire Hazard Risk – Colorado Rocky Mountain National Park

The purpose of this project was to find the most immediate potential fire hazard areas within the Rocky Mountain National Park of Colorado. Wildfires are complex events that occur because of natural and human factors. It is important to be aware of these vulnerable areas to help mitigate unforeseen fires that may occur. The study area of Rocky Mountain National Park is close to home and gave the project an extent to study. The methods used were based on Fuel vegetation cover (FVC) and Digital Elevation Map (DEM) raster map files. Slope, aspect, and area solar radiance maps were derived from the DEM. A reclassification of the FVC, slope, aspect, DEM, and area solar radiance were normalized into five groups with integer values of 1-5: from very low to very high. Variables were weighted from highest to lowest influence based on vegetation index. Final values were displayed in continuous and integer to allow better visual emphasis on differences. Although inconclusive, the analysis of immediate potential fire hazard areas within the Rocky Mountain National Park of Colorado that is based on the variables provided offer the potential for better results with improved analytical techniques and data.

About this Student
I am a student at Front Range Community College currently in my second semester of GIS. I am working towards the Associates of Applied Science Degree in Geospatial Science. My previous career consists of drilling for oil and gas. I have no prior GIS experience apart from previous semester classes. My goal at the moment is to learn as much as I can about the program and industry itself, while gaining the knowledge and experience to explore more options.