NPSG
Predictive ServicesStandard Products & GACC Websites
Report to NMAC/GMAC 2004
November 30, 2004Boise, Idaho
NPSG
National Predictive Services Group (NPSG)
Overview of Program Goals
Boise, Idaho
NPSG
November 2004
NPSG Program Goals
1. Develop and implement a user assessment process so that user needs are understood and defined.
2. Identify and implement standardized products and services that satisfy user needs.
3. Determine organization, resource and programmatic requirements.
4. Develop and implement performance standards for products and services.
Boise, Idaho
NPSG
November 2004
NPSG Program Goals
5. Enhance the interaction between the Predictive Services functions.
6. Establish a method for communicating information between Predictive Services internally and externally.
7. Improve the data infrastructure that supports and facilitates the integration of Predictive Services and the Wildland Fire program
8. Implement methods to assess and improve the products and services provided by Predictive Services.
Boise, Idaho
NPSG
November 2004
Standardization Issues Weekly and daily products differ from
GACC to GACC Product names, terminology, and display
conventions are not consistent
Utilization of outputs Hard to compare outputs from one area to
another (within and between GACCs) Decreases usability for decision support
Redundancy Costs us both time and money to develop and
maintain non-standard products
Boise, Idaho
NPSG
November 2004
Standardization will: Increase efficiency and usability
Provide products that are consistent and familiar for out-of-area personnel and IMTs
Save money and time…work and improvements can be shared at all GACCs
Lead to better products…better decisions…better SAFETY
Boise, Idaho
NPSG
November 2004
Daily Outlook Example
Non-standard, but widely used product issued by some GACCs. Only covers day 1 and sometimes day 2.
Boise, Idaho
NPSG
November 2004
Weekly Outlooks
Weekly outlook issued on Tuesday (updates optional)
Discussion…
Resources…
Currently, one of our standard products
Date Fire Danger Weather
Boise, Idaho
NPSG
November 2004
Weekly Outlook Example
Problems: Not all GACCS follow same format. Issued once a week (often not updated). Weather/fire danger changes and product becomes outdated
Boise, Idaho
NPSG
November 2004
Problems
Products not consistent with NPSG framework and goals for standardized products
Weekly product becomes outdated Daily product good but only covers day
1-2 Currently some GACCs only predict fire
danger, but all need to forecast “Significant” fire potential
Adherence to standards is lacking
Boise, Idaho
NPSG
November 2004
Solutions proposed by NPSG Utilize input from user assessments
to develop and improve standard products
Verify and validate outputs to ensure they are accurate and meaningful
Inform NMAC/GMAC of issues to gain their support
Establish protocols for program direction and accountability
Boise, Idaho
NPSG
November 2004
Standard product proposal Create daily standard product (issued
in AM) that covers days 1-7 Eliminate weekly outlook Utilize tabular and graphical formats Include weather, fire potential and
resources Implement by June 2006
Boise, Idaho
NPSG
November 2004
Large Fire Potential
Currently issued by Northwest and California GACCs
Boise, Idaho
NPSG
November 2004
Monday August 1, 2004 Tueday August 2, 2004
Resources:
Boise, Idaho
NPSG
November 2004
GACC Website Issues
No consistent format, look, or feel Products have different names and
are located in different places Searching for products is confusing
and results in wasted time
Boise, Idaho
NPSG
November 2004
Web Task Group Direction from NPSG & Center
Managers to create a standard GACC template and centralized server
Jay Ellington (SWCC) web team chair Completed GACC surveys in 2004 FAMWEB server (available to all
GACCs but not required to use). Access to all GACCs at: gacc.nifc.gov
Boise, Idaho
NPSG
November 2004
GACC template
www.fs.fed.us/r3/fire/national_web/
2005 TimelineJan Distribute implementation
guidelinesFeb 1 Post national web siteMay 1 Post GACC sites
Boise, Idaho
NPSG
November 2004
Public page: Managed by FIO (Optional)
PS: GACC OPERATIONS – Daily, weekly, etc, operation products and linksMeat of site!
Mgmt: GA F&IM tools, background, links that make programs work… NOT a complete list
Related Links:Area: Websites within GANational: National websites
NPSG
Thank You
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