A project file contains most of the inputs and customizations that you've made for a simulation. A project file is used to speed up the process of loading files and setting the customizations for subsequent simulations. You are encouraged to make a project file after you are satisfied with the look and customized appearance for a particular simulation.
The "FARSITE Project" dialog box displays and accesses all of the required and optional inputs for FARSITE. You can open the "FARSITE Project" dialog box at any time during the simulation with the Inputs > Project Inputs command to see what files are used in your simulation.
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The Load Project button will load a existing FARSITE Project File (.FPJ) for modifying. The checkboxes to the left of each file type description are used to load individual files. If the checkbox is unchecked, clicking it will bring up a "Select File" dialog box. Unchecking a checked box will unload the file. Note: You can only load or edit a Burn Period file (.BPD) when a Weather File (.WTR) is currently loaded. |
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In the "Select File" dialog box the Files of type filter will display only the FARSITE file type you are loading. |
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The button to the right of each file type brings up the corresponding custom editor for generating or editing a file of that type. If you currently have a file of that type loaded, this dialog box will allow you to edit the contents of that file. To generate a new file of that type click Before clicking , make sure the modified file has been saved with . If you don't save the changes, they will still be in effect for the current simulation, but they will be lost when the simulation is terminated. |
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The Attached Vector Files button brings up a unique dialog box that shows all vector files that are automatically redrawn on the 2D landscape window and are attached to the project file. Clicking the Add File(+) button brings up the "Select Vector File" dialog box and allow you to select a vector file of certain formats for attaching to the .LCP file. Clicking the Remove File(-) button deletes the vector file from the landscape. Changing colors of vector files is done in the "FARSITE Simulation Legend". |
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The Canopy Characteristics button brings up the "Canopy Characteristics" dialog box. This dialog box allows you to select uniform, landscape wide canopy characteristics for crown fire calculations (tree height, height to live crown base, crown bulk density, and foliar moisture content). This dialog box is also accessed and further explained with the Input > Canopy Characteristics command. |
Once all the input files are identified in the "FARSITE Projects" dialog box, make sure to save the project in a Project (.FPJ) File. Clicking the Save Project button brings up a "Save Project File" dialog box. If you are modifying an existing Project (.FPJ) File, simply select the existing Project (.FPJ) File to overwrite it's current contents. To save a new Project (.FPJ) File, type a new name in the File name: text box, the .FPJ extension will automatically added.
Closing the "FARSITE Projects" dialog box will not display the current landscape. To view the landscape from the currently loaded Project (.FPJ) File, select the Simulate > Initiate/Terminate command or by click the toolbar button.
When a new landscape is first displayed it is important to "check it out" so that it's validity in assured. Collecting and assembling the data for FARSITE simulations can be a convoluted and complex job. To validate your data, simply query the landscape, or left click anywhere on the landscape and the following dialog box appears;
Carefully look at the data at several points;
Are the units shown for each of themes correct? If not check the settings in the "Landscape (.LCP) File Generation" dialog box.
You should be familiar enough with the landscape to know if elevations at the high and low points are in the ball park,
Is there a fuel model you don't expect?
Are all the themes you entered present?
Does one of the themes remain constant across the landscape, and you didn't specify a constant !
Continue to query around the "LANDSCAPE" window. Most problems you may find will be the result of assigning the wrong units to a theme, either because you didn't understand the units your themes were built in or you forgot to change the defaults in the "Landscape (.LCP) File Generation" dialog box.