Societal Benefits of Space Based Earth Observations for U.S. Wildfire Management: The LANDFIRE Case Study

This case study examines the societal benefits of space-based Earth observations for U.S. wildfire management through the example of Landscape Fire and Resource Management Planning Tools (LANDFIRE), a widely used satellite-derived product that supports wildfire planning, response, and recovery. Satellite data have become an integral part of wildfire management operations, from tactical response to evacuation planning, yet assessing their benefits remains complex. Drawing on stakeholder interviews with representatives from the federal government, nongovernmental organizations, and the private sector, this study applies two complementary frameworks to highlight the societal benefits of space-based Earth observations (EOs) used in wildfire management: the VALUABLES Impact Assessment Framework and the U.S. Group on Earth Observations (USGEO) Earth Observations Assessment (EOA). We use the VALUABLES framework to understand how improved information from space-based EOs influences wildfire-related decisions and outcomes, and the EOA to outline how a key wildfire management product, LANDFIRE, is interconnected with other Earth observations, products, and tools. We focus on LANDFIRE because it is a foundation to other EO products used in wildfire management. Our analysis highlights that inadequate user information impedes accurate assessment of the societal benefits of these observations and their effectiveness in addressing stakeholder needs, particularly in the context of wildfire management. The study concludes with findings intended to inform future assessments of EO value, particularly by clarifying how satellite-derived products support wildfire management decisions, what user information is needed, and how those decisions contribute to broader societal outcomes.