Look for complete geospatial metadata in this layer's associated xml document available from the download link

* Metric Name: Damage Potential *  

* Tier: 1  

* Data Vintage: 08/2023. Includes disturbance through the end of 2022  

* Unit Of Measure: Relative index ranging from 0 to 12, low to high  

* Represent element and pillar: Yes  

* Type and distribution of data: Right-skewed distribution representing continuous values. Raw data values range from 3 to 18.  

* Translation: Where is fire damage potential low?  

* Translation method and outcome: Raw data values translated to range from +1 to -1 representing more favorable to less favorable conditions, respectively. **** The proposition of more favorable is based on the objective of lower damage potential (negative linear slope). More favorable (translated to +1) set at 3, less favorable (translated to -1) set at > 12\. Alternative approaches could be to set -1 at the top value, but that would result in a more favorable interpretation of damage potential. 

Figure 81. Histogram and scoring criterion of current damage potential from
fire across the Central Coast.

Figure 82. Histogram of translated current damage potential from fire across
the Central Coast.

Figure 83. Maps displaying raw metric and translated metric current damage
potential from fire across the Central Coast.

  

* Metric Definition and Relevance: This metric combines two data layers; one is the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) as defined by Carlson et al. 2022, and a second data layer, Damage Potential (DP), developed by Pyrologix LLC. The WUI includes the intermix and interface zones which collectively identify areas where structures occur. The distance selected for the interface definition is based on research from the California Fire Alliance suggesting that this is the average distance firebrands can travel from an active wildfire front. The composite Damage Potential (DP) dataset represents a relative measure of wildfire’s potential to damage a home or other structure if one were present at a given pixel, and if a wildfire were to occur (conditional exposure). It is a function of ember load to a given pixel, and fire intensity at that pixel, and considers the generalized consequences to a home from fires of a given intensity (flame length). This index does not incorporate a measure of annual wildfire likelihood. The data are current through 2021.  

* Credits: Pyrologix, LLC; WUI (USGS)