A Constraint-Based Geospatial Data Integration System for Wildfire Management, Phase I

We propose to develop a constraint-based system for automatically integrating online, heterogeneous data sources with geospatial data produced by NASA in order to allow users to easily analyze terrestrial phenomena, such as wildfires. Current commercial technology permits only limited types of integration - usually between structured databases - in this regard. However, particularly with the emergence of the Internet, there now exist an enormous number of other online information sources that can be combined with maps, MODIS products, and other geospatial products in order to better assist human analysis. In this project we will extend an existing constraint-based data integration system that we previously developed to allow users to easily integrate online data, annotate and extend that data (to add a layer of "knowledge" on top of the raw data), and rapidly identify updates to data. This will result in a concise, rich, integrated interface that allows one to more easily and quickly analyze complicated phenomena. We intend to demonstrate the feasability of this approach in the context of a real application, wildfire management and pre-season planning.

The technology described will allow online, heterogeneous data sources to be integrated with geospatial data in a customized fashion, an important capability for our existing military and government customers. In addition, this technology is critical for a new market we are exploring - situation monitoring for emergency planning and response. The project will directly explore a specific application area, wildfire management and pre-season planning, where NASA products are of critical importance. The project team will collaborate with end users at the Okanogan-Winatchee National Forest, as well as with members of the Ecological Forecasting group at NASA Ames who are developing new data products relevant to wildfire prevention.

This is a mature technology (TRL 7+) — the realistic path in is usually NASA's Technology Transfer Program: licensing an existing NASA patent, or a Space Act Agreement to use NASA facilities/expertise directly. NASA also runs a startup licensing program with no upfront fee for companies formed to commercialize a specific NASA technology.

None of these are guaranteed paths for this specific project — TechPort itself doesn't have an "apply" button. Reaching out to the contact(s) above with a specific question is usually the fastest way to find out what's actually open.