Forest Carbon Yield Modeling (Cloud Computing / AI)

Description

This project involves using cloud computing services such as virtual machines to conduct data processing, analysis, and visualization of large data sets that are publicly available from the USDA Forest Service, FIA program. Such outputs include the summarization of forest types, figures made on demand from simulation outputs and database queries for communication to better service stakeholders and the public while reaching department strategic goals and prioritizes like the NJ State Forest Action Plan. The project will require the use of cloud services by four NJ Forest Service personnel, including myself. Services to be used include temporary storage to load large data sets into models, elastic computing to provide virtual machines configured to conduct machine learning and simulation modeling, and potentially ready-made interfaces designed specifically for machine learning.

Project Justification

Stakeholders have expressed interests in experimenting with results while discussing of technical material with NJFS staff being able to discuss results while in an active meeting. NJFS is hoping to capture efficiencies by being able to conduct detailed analyses in shorter amounts of time. NJFS currently uses contractors that use this technology for data analysis and simulation work on specific projects, that is similar to how NJFS staff currently conducts these activities for larger planning efforts without the benefits of distributed computing. State Forest Service counterparts like Washington State and the USDA Forest Service currently utilize such services to support data analysis needs.

Attachments

Activity

Knute Jensen 9 January 2025, 15:31

DOIT has secured access to AWS and Azure AI services as of December. Work is needed to learn the platform.