Work with Incident Data

A GISS can receive and be required to work with all manner of geospatial data on an incident. They should be prepared to access, convert, and often 'clean-up' any format from GPX to XLS.

A GISS must also be prepared to instruct personnel on the use of the many data collection apps.

ArcGIS Mobile Apps (Field Maps & Survey123)

Field Maps is the recommended mobile app for use with official Incident Web Map Templates. Collector is no longer supported by Esri or the Wildfire Response Support Team. Please encourage all field editors to download Field Maps.

ArcGIS mobile apps use REST services to store data. For wildfire incidents, these services are most often the National Incident Feature Service (NIFS). This makes the ArcGIS apps the most efficient means to collect data as it must only be reviewed, not exported, processed or converted, and imported as well.

• Web Map and Survey Templates are available in the Incident Resources Group.
• ArcGIS Field Maps Reference Documentation.
• ArcGIS Survey123 Reference Documentation.

On incidents, the offline functionality is often used with these apps due to slow or intermittent internet or cellular connectivity. This means a copy of the data is made on the device and then edited, with the changes being synced back to the service when the user is able.

Occasionally, an app will be unable to sync back to the service. When this occurs, the data stored on the device can be manually retrieved by a GISS.

• How To: Access offline edits from ArcGIS Field Maps directly from a mobile device.

KML/KMZ Files

KML can be added directly to ArcGIS Pro but capabilities are limited. For any operation other than quick visualization, it is still best to convert the KML to a file geodatabase using KML to Layer.

Avenza Data Collection

If possible, ensure users have an Avenza Pro license. This allows them to export any data as a Shapefile, skipping the need to convert from another format.

Please use the following links or contacts for obtaining Avenza licensing information:

• BIA - Contact Branch of Geospatial Support at geospatial@bia.gov or call Geospatial Support Help Desk 877-293-9494 - https://www.bia.gov/gis.
• BLM - Contact John Reitsma at jreitsma@blm.gov, or Julie Osterkamp at josterkamp@blm.gov.
• NPS - Contact your regional GIS or Fire GIS staff for license information.
• USFS - Contact Alex Gonzalez at alexander.gonzales@usda.gov
• USFWS - Information Link Click on the "Request GIS Software" button and pick the Avenza option. Or contact fwsgis@fws.gov.
• Avenza Maps Pro users can use the updated 2021 Incident Symbols.

GPS Data

Job Aids

• DNR Garmin Instructions
• GPS Metadata Form (docx)
• Incident GPS Codes (docx)
• DNRGPS download