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Review and Export Layout


Refer to the Map Elements page of GeoOps and review your layout to ensure that all required elements (STANDL SGD) are present and correct.

Export the layout from the Share tab on the ribbon > Export Layout button. Export settings may vary depending on the plotter and driver used. Ensure export of georeference information and font embedding are good practice.

Review the exported layout to ensure it appears as intended, i.e., all fonts display correctly, assignment breaks and labels appear, labels do not overlap, there are no data selections in the map, etc.

If needed, reduce or optimize the size of the exported PDF. This can be done in Adobe Acrobat Pro, Foxit PDF, or with several free online tools. The smaller the file size of the PDF, the faster uploads to and downloads from FTP and/or SharePoint will be for both GISS and firefighters using the products in the Avenza Maps application.

Additional Considerations for Digital-Only Geospatial PDFs

All PDFs exported from ArcGIS are geo-enabled (unless default settings have been modified) and can be used in any software that works with 'GeoPDFs.'

However, creating a Geospatial PDF designed specifically for digital use in an application like Avenza Maps follows a different workflow than creating a traditional paper map since it is not constrained by paper sizes. The Geospatial PDF should be designed with the user's area of interest and map scale in mind first with the "page" size determined second.

Operational needs will dictate the type of Geospatial PDF to be created. Once that determination is made, decide on the base map that best suits that type of map. For example, an IAP map will require topography, while transportation will need a roads layer. Aerial imagery can also be very beneficial for some maps. In some cases, the background on the topographic map can be made transparent and the topo can be displayed on top of aerial imagery.

The appropriate map scale for use on a mobile device also needs to be determined. Typical topo maps should be at 1:24k; aerial imagery may be 1:8k-12k; and a travel map may be 1:50k-100k.

Focus on the map scale the end-user needs to do their job. Since a PDF is a single static image, not a tile cache like a web map, there will be no additional information when a user "zooms in," only what's already there but bigger. This is why the scale is important, if the features, and labels are all sized for 8k, but the map needs to be used at 24k, everything will be far too small.

The last consideration is the “page size.” Since the map is designed for digital use only and not being printed, it does not need to adhere to a standard size. Rather than the paper size, the “page size” is determined by the area of interest and ArcMap/Pro allows you to set a custom page size to cover the area that you need. There is a trade-off between page size, scale, and output file size, so be sure to keep that in mind during this process. The PDF file should be compressed/optimized for easier distribution before being loaded onto devices for use on the fireline.

The map must still have all the standard map elements (STANDL SGD), however, a few modifications are useful. The title, legend, etc. need to be legible, but they don’t have to be large enough to read at a 1:1 scale. Additionally, the amount of white space around the borders can be minimized since there is no risk of a printer cutting it off.

After exporting a map designed primarily for digital consumption, it’s best practice to test the map in the application in which it will be used.

Job Aids

 

Modified / Reviewed:

NWCG Latest Announcements

The Incident Position Standards and Next Generation Position Task Book are now available for Medical Unit Leader (MEDL)

Date: October 16, 2024
Contact: Incident Medical Subcommittee

NWCG is excited to announce that the NWCG Incident Position Standards for Medical Unit Leader, PMS 350-39 and NWCG Position Task Book for Medical Unit Leader (MEDL), PMS 311-39 are now available.

The Performance Support Package, which for MEDL includes the Incident Position Standards and Next Generation Position Task Book, were developed through the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) effort. The Performance Support Package will support trainees, those qualified in the position, and evaluators.

References:

NWCG Medical Unit Leader Position Page

NWCG Incident Position Standards for Medical Unit Leader, PMS 350-39

NWCG Position Task Book for Medical Unit Leader (MEDL), PMS 311-39

The Wildland Fire Learning Portal is Now Available

Date: October 9, 2024
Contact: Wildland Fire Learning Portal

The Wildland Fire Learning Portal (WFLP) is back online following a migration to a new learning management system (LMS) application. The WFLP team is actively addressing any issues that may arise as a result of the update, and appreciates your patience as the team works to enhance your experience. NWCG will share information from the WFLP as it is available.

Should you have any issues with accessing or using the WFLP, please use the link below to submit a ticket through the Help Center.

References:

Wildland Fire Learning Portal

Wildland Fire Learning Portal Help Center

NWCG Equipment Technology Committee Releases New Equipment Bulletins

Date: September 27, 2024
Contact: Equipment Technology Committee

The Equipment Technology Committee (ETC) has released three new Equipment Bulletins:

  • ETC-EB-24-003 Diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) in fuel containers.
  • ETC-EB-24-004 Two-compartment fuel and oil container (Dolmar) unavailable in the United States (US) and reminders for upkeeping current inventories.
  • ETC-EB-24-005 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Inspection, Care, and Maintenance.

These bulletins remind field going personnel of important issues related to equipment for wildland firefighting efforts.

References:

NWCG Alerts

ETC-EB-24-003 Diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) in fuel containers

ETC-EB-24-004 Two-compartment fuel and oil container (Dolmar) unavailable in the United States (US) and reminders for upkeeping current inventories

ETC-EB-24-005 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Inspection, Care, and Maintenance

The Experiential Learning Subcommittee is looking for your feedback on Staff Rides

Date: September 20, 2024
Contact: Ashleigh D'Antonio and George Risko, Leadership Committee

The Experiential Learning Subcommittee needs to hear from the field about where the greatest need lies regarding staff rides and their accessibility.

  • Do you have an event you would like to turn into a learning experience?
  • Do you have a staff ride built, but are struggling to implement the delivery?
  • Do you need help building capacity?
  • What other ideas do you have to support experiential leadership training?

Fill out this short survey below to help us help you.

References:

Staff Rides: Feedback

Staff Rides