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

* Metric Name: Ember Load Index  

* Tier: 1  

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

* Unit Of Measure: Index, relative number of embers  

* Represent element and pillar: No  

* Type and distribution of data: Right-skewed distribution representing continuous values. Raw data values range from 0 to 3.868.  

* Translation: Where is ember load index 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 ember load index (negative linear slope). More favorable (translated to +1) set at 1.0, less favorable (translated to -1) set at > 2\. 

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Figure . Histogram and scoring criterion of ember load index across the
Central Coast.

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Figure . Histogram of translated ember load index across the Central Coast.

 ****

Figure . Maps displaying raw metric and translated metric ember load index
across the Central Coast.

  

* Metric Definition and Relevance: This ember load dataset represents the ember load index (ELI) per pixel, for a given pixel, based on surface and canopy fuel characteristics, climate, and topography within the pixel. The Ember Load Index (ELI) incorporates burn probability (BP). BP is incorporated into calculations of the ember production before the distribution of embers across the landscape to determine ember load. Given that ELI incorporates burn probability, this index can be used to identify where on the landscape hardening buildings may be needed to resist ignition and the priority for doing so according to the likelihood of the area being visited by fire.  

* Credits: Pyrologix, LLC \--James Newman (California State BLM Office) jnewman@blm.gov