However, for fire personnel on the ground who have limited knowledge in this area or don't have a lot of time to set up a simulation, Wagenbrenner says that the simplified interface works "because we make a lot of choices for the user ahead of time."
"On WindNinja desktop, it's a lot more complex and there are a lot more fields. So one of the tasks was to streamline the process," says Buckley. "Especially out in the field, a firefighter doesn't have a lot of time. So in just a few very quick short clicks or taps on the screen, you can have a simulation run."
WindNinja Mobile allows users to share their completed simulations by sending just a link. The recipient can download it to WindNinja Mobile and access it even when disconnected. The ability to run and view simulations with limited or no cell coverage is one of the most significant benefits of the mobile app.
For example, Wagenbrenner says a firefighter can run a simulation in the morning at fire camp when they do have coverage, download the simulations to their device, and have them available when they're ready to go out for the day. "It's a really good setup to be able to have that offline capability for viewing those outputs," she says.