Landfire is a comprehensive, geospatial database and mapping tool developed by the United States government that provides detailed information about the characteristics and dynamics of vegetation, fire regime, and ecosystems across the entire nation. It is an acronym for Landscape Fire and Resource Management Planning Tools and is widely used in land management, conservation planning, and fire management activities.
Landfire integrates data from various sources, such as satellite imagery, remote sensing, ground-based field surveys, and modeling techniques, to create a highly detailed and accurate representation of vegetation, fuel conditions, fire history, and ecological processes. This information is organized into datasets known as biophysical settings, which define distinct ecological units based on climate, topography, geology, and biotic factors. These datasets enable land managers and planners to assess the potential risks, impacts, and management needs associated with fire, vegetation, and habitat conditions in a specific area.
Landfire also offers spatially explicit maps that depict vegetation composition, structure, and dynamics, as well as information on fire behavior, severity, and historical fire regimes. These maps help land managers prioritize and implement effective ecological restoration, fire management, wildlife habitat conservation, and land-use planning strategies. Additionally, Landfire provides access to associated tools and models for further analysis, decision-making, and understanding of landscape dynamics.
In summary, Landfire is a valuable resource that offers comprehensive and up-to-date information about vegetation, fire regimes, and ecosystems across the United States. It aids land managers and planners in making informed decisions to promote ecological resilience, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable land management practices.
