US Air Force Bird Avoidance Model (BAM)
The USBAM application includes separate map displays for Planner/Scheduler and Air
Crew user profiles, which enables users to view predictive risk surfaces, as well as
numerous other geospatial data themes
The United States Bird Avoidance Model (USBAM)
program objective was to develop a predictive bird
avoidance model using Geographic Information System
(GIS) technology as a key tool for analysis and
correlation of bird habitat, migration, and breeding
characteristics, combined with key environmental, and
man-made geospatial data.
BAM Model produced for Annapolis Maryland
The United States Air Force has developed a predictive Bird Avoidance Model (BAM)
using Geographic Information System (GIS) technology as a key tool for analysis and
correlation of bird habitat, migration, and breeding characteristics, combined with key
environmental, and man-made geospatial data.
The model can be run displaying minimal features (for air crews) or with more detail and additional features
for planning purposes. Users are asked to provide a time scenario (Dawn, Day, Dusk, or Night)
and spatial search criterion can be specified using the following options;
City, Military Airfield, Military Heliport, or Military Flight Route.
The model consists of GIS raster grids, which span the conterminous United States.
The value for each cell (or pixel) is equivalent to the sum of the mean bird mass (in
ounces), for all species present during a particular daily time period, for one of 26
two-week periods in a year.
The original BAM application operates on a personal computer and has an intuitive
design that includes separate interfaces for multiple user profiles such as Air Crews,
and Planners/Schedulers. This functionality and interface has been recreated in a
web-based environment. The web application was developed by Geo InSight and
uses technology from ESRI and Allaire.
The intense research effort associated with the development of the Bird Avoidance
Model was recognized by the Air Force with the 1999 US Air Force Research and
Development Award. The BAM research and development is continuing through a
collaborative US Air Force effort, such that models may be developed for commercial
airports through the Federal Aviation Administation, European, and non-conterminous
states such as the Alaskan flying community.
The BAM was developed for the US Air Force by
the Bird/Wildlife Aircraft Strike Hazard (BASH) Team.
Web site developed by
Geo InSight International, Inc.
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