Nova Scotia Father-Son Team Unveils 3D Wildfire Mapping Software

Barry Stevens and Noah Stevens, members of Wasoqopa'q First Nation in Nova Scotia, created FireGuardian, a 3D wildfire mapping program, Cbc reported. The software lets users simulate how fires spread under varying weather conditions and test measures such as fire breaks or tree removal.

The father and son will present FireGuardian to the Emergency Management committee at the Assembly of First Nations annual general assembly in Ottawa next week.

They developed the tool over seven years by combining topographic data, weather conditions and forest inventory. Barry Stevens, an engineer who grew up hunting, fishing and trapping in rural Nova Scotia, previously worked with his son on 3D flood mapping software after Hurricane Juan. Their company, 3D Wave Design, has produced flood visualizations for municipalities across the province.

Noah Stevens, whose background is in filmmaking and coding, said the goal was to make complex climate data accessible. The software underwent third-party testing through the Applied Geomatics Research Group at Nova Scotia Community College and trials through Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada that included the Department of National Defence at CFB Gagetown, N.B. AGRG scientist Tim Webster said he is impressed with how the program can bridge technical data and local decision making.

Barry Stevens said he wants FireGuardian to remain Indigenous-led as the team seeks broader use by municipalities and Indigenous communities.