Skip to main content

Map Elements

Purpose

Maps are the primary tools by which spatial relationships and geographic data are visualized. The use of standard map elements provides critical information to facilitate the fast and consistent interpretation of map products and ensures that the most appropriate and current map is used. In the interest of encouraging safety, consistency, and accuracy, PMS-936 describes the map elements that everyone should use when creating maps.

Specifications

All map products should include:

Map Elements Specifications Screenshot

STANDL (Scale, Title, Author, North arrow, Date and time of preparation, Legend) cartographic elements:

  • Scale (1): A graphical expression of a fixed distance, such as 1,000 feet or 1 mile. A textual description, such as 1:24,000 or 1” = 1 mile is useful if the map is printed at the desired output size; however, because digital maps (such as PDFs) can be printed at various sizes, it is preferable to use a graphical scale bar.
  • Title (2): The basic description of the map, including items such as incident name and map type. The Unit Identifier and the Local Incident Identifier are included (e.g., ID-BOF-0095). For certain maps, the title must also include the operation date and/or period for which the map was produced.
  • Author (3): The person or group that prepared the map.
  • North arrow (4): The graphical display used to orient the map correctly. This element could also include additional direction indicators for magnetic declination or grid angle.
  • Date of preparation (5): Including the date and time the map was produced informs the map user of the currency of the information displayed on the map.
  • Legend (6): The key that describes the meaning of the symbols found on the map.

SGD (Source statement, Graticule/grid, Datum) map elements should be on the Incident Action Plan (IAP) map, and are recommended for use on other maps, as appropriate.

  • Source statement (7): Date and time that key map elements (e.g., fire perimeter) were collected. Other citations for data and/or features on a map may be included, such as source, collection method, accuracy, and coordinate system/projection.
  • Graticule/grid (8): This element is typically a graticule of latitude and longitude marks and numbers that allows referencing of the mapped area to the specific area on the Earth.
  • Datum (9): The datum must be noted on the map when a graticule/grid is used or if coordinates are displayed. The correct datum is critical for GPS use.

References

Responsibilities

The Geospatial Information System Specialist (GISS) creates map products that include legible STANDL-SGD map elements to ensure maps are accurate and readable for the end user. The Situation Unit Leader (SITL) ensures that each individual map product includes the required STANDL-SGD map elements.

 

Share on Social Media

Last Modified / Reviewed:

Print PDF

NWCG Latest Announcements

NEW! S-231, Engine Boss Course Available Now

Date:  March 6, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Incident Operations Subcommittee

NWCG is pleased to announce the new S-231, Engine Boss (Single Resource) course is now available on the Wildland Fire Learning Portal (WFLP). Developed through the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) effort, this training supports individuals working towards Engine Boss, Single Resource (ENGB) incident qualifications. 

This is a performance-based instructor-led training (ILT) that focuses on the application of ENGB responsibilities during wildland fire operations, emphasizing readiness, information gathering, risk management, engine tactics, and Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) operations. Trainees apply these skills through scenario-based group work and an optional field day that reinforces hands-on engine operation tasks. 

References:

S-231, Engine Boss (Single Resource) (Instructor-led)

NWCG Engine Boss, Single Resource (ENGB) Position Page

Wildland Fire Learning Portal

NWCG Celebrates 50 Years!

Date:  March 6, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: NWCG Executive Secretary

NWCG is proud to celebrate 50 years of service to the wildland fire community. Beginning in 1976 with an interagency agreement between the Department of Interior and Department of Agriculture, NWCG has grown to include additional member agencies and is recognized as the standard-setting leader in wildland fire operations.

To honor where we’ve been and highlight where we are going, the NWCG team has created a video showcasing our history and accomplishments. The video is now available on the NWCG website.

References:

NWCG 50 Year Anniversary Video

NEW! S-131, Firefighter Type 1 Course Available Now

Date:  March 6, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Incident Operations Subcommittee

NWCG is pleased to announce the new S-131, Firefighter Type 1 course is now available on the Wildland Fire Learning Portal (WFLP). Developed through the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) effort, this course is a performance-based instructor-led training (ILT) that focuses on the application of situational awareness and decision making, building on the knowledge and concepts introduced in previous required courses. Using a threaded fictitious fire, each unit focuses on a performance-based activity in which students practice applying their decision-making and problem-solving skills.

The S-131, Firefighter Type 1 course is required for individuals seeking qualifications to be a Firefighter Type 1 (Squad Boss) (FFT1) or an Incident Commander Type 5 (ICT5).

References:

S-131, Firefighter Type 1 (Instructor-led)

NWCG Firefighter Type 1 (Squad Boss) Position Page

NWCG Incident Commander Type 5 Position Page

Wildland Fire Learning Portal

2026 Professional Reading List

Date: March 4, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: WFLDP Curriculum Management

The Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program (WFLDP) is announcing the 2026 Professional Reading List.  The goal of the annual reading list is to promote the reading and discussion of the selected books throughout the year. 

The six books chosen for this year are: How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie; Leadership Strategy and Tactics by Jocko Willink; Meditations by Marcus Aurelious; Quiet by Susan Cain; The Little Book of Stoic Quotes by Phil Van Treuren; and The Confident Mind by Nate Zinsser.

References:

Professional Reading Program

Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program