CARDIN: a computer system for the simulation of wildland fire spread

Abstract

CARDIN is a computer user-driven forest fire behavior simulation system based on digital geographic data, namely fuel distribution and topographical coverages, working on a PC computer. Other inputs belongs to general wind properties (intensity and direction), and fuel status (moisture and wind protection degree). It is allored to modify the parameters at any time user requests as the simulation progress. There is no limit about the number, size and shape of the initial focus points, and new ones can be added at any time within the simulation. CARDIN digital coverages are provided by its own digitizing system, DIGICAR. The calculus and fire spread fundamentals are much the same as used in BEHAVE system. Periodic reports about the perimeters, areas and shapes of burned surfaces, are provided automatically at user pre-set intervals of time. Graphics repreentations are fiven to evaluate the geographic situation and fire shape over 2D coverages, and visual impact of burned areas on a more realistic 3D images. Nowadays a simulation system for forest fire fighting is being developed, which includes a database with background fixed data points and the mobile fighting elements implied in the fire management. Future improvements of the system will include local wind areas and creek effect. This project is been supported by the "Area de Defensa contra Incendios Forestales", Instituto Nacional para la Conservación de la Naturaleza, Madrid, España.