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Apply Definition Queries & Adjust Labeling


Definition Queries

Using definition queries allows GISS to display a subset of incident data on each map product to tailor the product to a specific audience. The queries below are examples; work with your SITL to determine what should be displayed on a given map product. To leverage definition queries, attribute fields in the layers of the Offline Copy must be edited during an edit session.

If employing the SITL Approval Workflow, only display features that have been approved. On the Event Point and Event Line layers at minimum, set the following definition query:

FeatureStatus = 'Approved'

If working in an area with other active incidents, only display features from the incident in which you are assigned. Confirm with the SITL if any data from other incidents should be displayed (i.e. Event Polygon, Perimeter Line), then set a definition query like the following on relevant layers:

IncidentName = 'Bighorn'

If there is data in the Master Incident GDB that should not be displayed on maps due to sensitivity, set the following definition query on relevant layers:

FeatureAccess <> ‘Restricted’

If working on a specific map product that only needs to display certain features relevant to the map audience, set a definition query to only display those features. For example, on an air operations map, a definition query on the Event Point could be:

FeatureCategory IN ('Aerial Hazard', 'Airstrip or Airport', 'Aviation Check Point', 'Branch Break', 'Camp', 'Dip Site', 'Division Break', 'Helibase', 'Helispot', 'Hot Spot - Spot Fire', 'Incident Command Post', 'Landmark', 'Lookout', 'Medical', 'Mobile Retardant Base', 'Repeater', 'Restricted Water Source', 'Sling Site', 'Staging Area', 'Unimproved Landing Area', 'Value at Risk', 'Water Source', 'Zone Break')

Definition queries can be combined based on the need of the map. They can also be saved as Query Expression Files (EXP) to be applied across multiple map products.

Labeling

Dynamic Labels and Annotation Feature Classes are the two means to label features on incident maps. Each has pros and cons that must be weighed when selecting which to use under different circumstances.

Dynamic Labeling requires no setup, little maintenance, and adjusts automatically to scale, but does not allow much control over where the labels are placed. Annotation features are the reverse, they require creation, and maintenance at each scale needed, but allow for complete control of label placement.

Best practices for labeling are included in most product documentation, but generally dynamic labels are used until features become too numerous or crowded, at which point annotation should be created.

For labeling strategies on Multipage Maps, see the Multipage (Tiled) Maps Master Project page (open Multipage (Tiled) Maps accordion).

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