Fire management in Pilanesberg National Park, Bophuthatswana, using expert systems as aids to decision making

Abstract

Three expert systems (Wildfire, Standard Prescribed Burning, and Security Burning) were developed for a qualitative expert system shell to assist in the fire management of Pilanesberg National Park. A qualitative expert system is useful where knowledge can be categorized into a few classes, the data are either difficult to quantify, or do not yet exist. These expert systems are of value to the practising fire manager to ensure consistency in the implementation of fire policy, and to facilitate adaptive management. In other words, the management and the expert systems should be refined in the light of experience. The expert systems are valuable teaching and training aids.