Skip to main content

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

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