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Map Product Standards

Purpose

Standards for typical maps produced by the Situation Unit used during wildland fire incidents are key to readability and uniformity.

GIS is rapidly changing how maps are delivered on incidents. Digital map products–geospatial pdf maps, websites or files–have become a large part of the Geographic Information System Specialist (GISS)​ workload. Requests for digital maps or data for smartphone applications, public information maps created for websites, maps to be projected during briefings, or files containing the underlying spatial data, have changed the way the GISS delivers incident products. There is a slow but continuous move away from hard copy paper products and to a digital product that can be updated rapidly for the field user.

The GISS will need to be flexible in applying these standards, as the Situation Unit Leader (SITL) and other end-users may have specific needs or preferences. The most important criteria in the preparation of map products are the operational business drivers (i.e., primary use) for the products. The primary use should drive the focus of the maps. Whether provided hard copy on paper or digitally via mobile device, the map product standards still apply.

Specifications

  • Maps produced on an incident should communicate the intended message clearly.
  • Use of standardized colors for maps printed in color; e.g., blue for water, green for vegetation.
  • Include S.T.A.N.D.L S.G.D on every map.
  • All incident map requests are channeled through the SITL or Planning Section Chief (PSC) so they are kept informed of the GISS workload and can help prioritize needs.
  • The SITL (or equivalent) decides which maps to produce and approves final versions.
  • The SITL directs the use of logos.
  • Placement of fire acreage (and total acreage reported) on maps is at the discretion of the SITL.
  • North arrow may need to be rotated to indicate true north correctly.
  • Maps may be requested that are not listed in this section. Those map products should adhere to standards detailed in other sections of GeoOpS.
  • Drafts: Maps that are for review only should include “DRAFT.”
  • Sensitive information: Maps should have a label defining the sensitivity of the data (e.g., “For Official Use Only,” “Not for Public Distribution or Use”).
  • Disclaimers: Maps may include disclaimers if requested or required under delegated authority (e.g., “For Reference Only”).
  • Proprietary information: Maps should cite the source for any proprietary information.

Incident Maps

References

Responsibilities

Timelines for map production are established with the SITL, PSC, or the assigned supervisor. The GISS generates all products on time for scheduled briefings and other meetings. Map definitions should be used as general guidelines; the SITL or PSC has the authority to deviate from the standards.

 

Modified / Reviewed:

NWCG Latest Announcements

NWCG Equipment Technology Committee Releases Safety Warning: 24-001 Stihl Chainsaw Toolless Fuel Cap Spill Prevention

Date: November 14, 2024
Contact: Equipment Technology Committee

The Equipment Technology Committee (ETC) has released Safety Warning: 24-001 Stihl Chainsaw Toolless Fuel Cap Spill Prevention. Misaligned toolless fuel caps on Stihl chainsaws have led to recurring fuel spillage, fuel ignition, and burn injuries during wildland fire management operations.

This Safety Warning is intended to highlight the details and recommended procedures for the installation of a Stihl chainsaw toolless fuel cap, as well as how to identify and correct a misaligned, damaged, or broken fuel cap to help prevent fuel spillage.

References:

NWCG Safety Warning: 24-001 Stihl Chainsaw Toolless Fuel Cap Spill Prevention

Advertencia de equipos 24-001: Prevención de derrames de la tapa de combustible sin herramientas de la motosierra Stihl

NWCG Alerts

The Incident Position Standards and Next Generation Position Task Book are now available for Equipment Time Recorder (EQTR)

Date: November 13, 2024
Contact: Incident Business Committee

NWCG is excited to announce that the NWCG Incident Position Standards for Equipment Time Recorder, PMS 350-51 and NWCG Position Task Book for Equipment Time Recorder (EQTR), PMS 311-51 are now available.

The Performance Support Package, which for EQTR, 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 Equipment Time Recorder Position Page

NWCG Incident Position Standards for Equipment Time Recorder, PMS 350-51

NWCG Position Task Book for Equipment Time Recorder (EQTR), PMS 311-51

The Incident Position Standards and Next Generation Position Task Book are now available for Personnel Time Recorder (PTRC)

Date: November 13, 2024
Contact: Incident Business Committee

NWCG is excited to announce that the NWCG Incident Position Standards for Personnel Time Recorder, PMS 350-53 and NWCG Position Task Book for Personnel Time Recorder (PTRC), PMS 311-53 are now available.

The Performance Support Package, which for PTRC, 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 Personnel Time Recorder Position Page

NWCG Incident Position Standards for Personnel Time Recorder, PMS 350-53

NWCG Position Task Book for Personnel Time Recorder (PTRC), PMS 311-53

NWCG Risk Management Committee Releases Safety Bulletin: 24-001 Use of Respirators on Wildland Fires

Date: November 7, 2024
Contact: Risk Management Committee

The Risk Management Committee (RMC) has released Safety Bulletin: 24-001 Use of Respirators on Wildland Fires. As wildland fire respirators are available through several established vendors, wildland fire personnel need to understand regulations and limitations of respirator use in the workplace.

Safety Bulletin 24-001 outlines the following topics regarding respirator use for wildland fires:

  • Requirements for Respirator Use
  • Voluntary Respirator Use
  • Current Respirator Options
  • Unknown Risks of Respirator Use

This bulletin also provides mitigation recommendations to help reduce smoke exposure for wildland firefighting efforts.

References:

NWCG Safety Bulletin: 24-001 Use of Respirators on Wildland Fires

NWCG Smoke Management Guide for Prescribed Fire, PMS 420-3

VIDEO: Protecting Wildfire Personnel from Smoke - How Incident Management Teams Address Smokes Risks

VIDEO: Smoke, Knowing the Risks