Optimization of fire propagation model inputs: A grand challenge application on metacomputers

Abstract

Forest fire propagation modeling has typically been included within the category of grand challenging problems due to its complexity and to the range of disciplines that it involves. The high degree of uncertainty in the input parameters required by the fire models/simulators can be approached by applying optimization techniques, which, typically involve a large number of simulation executions, all of which usually require considerable time. Distributed computing systems (or metacomputers) suggest themselves as a perfect platform to addressing this problem. We focus on the tuning process for the ISStest fire simulator input parameters on a distributed computer environment managed by Condor.