Extreme event real-time modeling, data fusion and actionable information dissemination to decision makers and the general public

Extreme and cascading events are increasing in frequency and severity due to a warming and changing planet. The hazards are widespread, complex, and disproportionately affect underserved and disadvantaged communities. Innovative strategies and improved tools are needed to mitigate the growing impact of these extreme events, including improved modeling, forecasting, data fusion, and information distribution. Multiple federal agencies collect data, model, and forecast extreme events. But the data are spread across many systems and difficult for the public to assimilate. The goal of this SBIR is to perform data fusion and dissemination research that cuts across federal agencies. This research will develop an open architecture system that emphasizes data fusion and actionable information dissemination as the core capability. The Phase I feasibility demonstration will incorporate a wildfire module. Additional extreme event modules will be added in Phase II. Wildfire is an extreme event that poses significant cascading hazards to humans. At close range, wildfires are a threat to life, property, and infrastructure. But, the health impacts of smoke travel far and wide. Research will culminate with a feasibility demonstration of integrating real-time fire mapping with fire and smoke modeling, and actionable information distribution in real-time.