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Implement the Incident Directory Structure

GeoOps Incident Directory Structure

At the heart of all Geographic Information System Specialist (GISS) work is the NWCG Standards for Geospatial Operations (GeoOps), PMS 936, Incident Directory Structure.

The Current Incident Directory Structure downloaded zip file contains all the essential folders, templates, and tools. It should be the default starting point for every incident.

The Incident Directory Structure should be placed at or as close to the root of the working drive as possible. This reduces clicks necessary to access items within, as well as keeps the file path as short as possible.

E.g., C:\2025_Incidents\2025_ExampleFire\

Current Incident Directory Structure (zip file)

Implementing the Incident Directory Structure can be as simple as extracting and saving the YYYY_Template folder to your computer and rename it for the incident. A GISS can extract and begin populating the directory structure even before arriving at the incident.

Implement the Incident Directory Structure

A GISS can extract and begin populating the incident directory structure even before arriving at the incident.

  1. Download the Current GeoOps Folder Structure.
  2. Extract the zipped folder as close to the root of your working drive as possible.

  3. Rename the 2025_Template folder to the incident name. If the incident name contains more than one word, use CamelCase (i.e., 2025_CedarCreek). 

    Rename the template folder to the incident name.

  4. Enter Incident Information in the GeoOps File Namer excel spreadsheet in the \tools folder. 

    Data Preparation spreadsheet.

File Naming

The GeoOps file naming and directory structure are designed to serve as metadata. The file and folder names include incident-specific identification information which facilitates archival and use by the hosting agency, Geographic Area Coordination Centers (GACCs), etc.

File names must be complete and stand on their own outside of the file structure. File names must be concise, use clear text, and avoid ambiguous terms.

The general format for file naming is: {date and time}_{incident information}_{other information}; however, this will vary depending on the file in question. It is strongly recommended all GISS use the GeoOps File Namer for consistency and accuracy on all file names.

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