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PMS 437

Mapping: GPS Use for GIS Application

Set up before going to the field

  • Make sure fresh batteries are loaded and extra sets available.
  • Transfer background maps for the area using MapSource (if available).
  • Turn unit on to initialize and acquire satellites ahead of time if you are in a new area or haven’t used the unit in at least a week. This may take as long as 20 minutes in the open, away from buildings, canopy, and obstructions.
  • Download and clear old waypoints and tracks from memory.
  • Turn off Active Track log. Set it to the preferred Collection method (Time is best) and an appropriate logging rate for the data collection. Five seconds works for most walking collection. Keep in mind the total storage of the GPS.
  • Ensure Simulator Mode is not ON when collecting data.
  • Set unit time zone and date (Ensure Daylight Savings Time if needed).
  • Check Interface Protocol is set properly.
  • Set the Coordinate System (UTM or LAT/LONG) & Datum to ensure compatibility with written coordinates you may need to navigate to or Map.
  • Set Heading to magnetic or true. If true, ensure same declination is used.

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Field – GPS Data Collection

  • Hold GPS antenna away from body with antenna up. Better yet, hold at, or above the head. Purchase an external antenna to free hands if needed or for better reception in vehicles.
  • Mark the waypoints for point locations at beginning and ending of track log collections. Writing down a position is just backup.
  • Most GPS units will collect data no matter what the GPS quality is. It’s up to you to monitor the GPS Satellite Page for anomalies and accuracy.
  • Collect when 3D GPS is shown. Do not collect data in 2D unless necessary.

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Waypoints

  • Collect all waypoints in Averaged Position mode if you are standing still, when possible, and if your receiver has that capability. Minimum of 10 positions, maximum of 20 minutes. Somewhere in between is enough to generate a quality position in most cases.
  • Collect an instantaneous waypoint only when moving or in a hurry, or if using the eTrex line.
  • Edit default waypoint numbers to letters or words that are more descriptive, or make good field notes to ensure you remember what features are represented by which numbers.

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Track logs

  • Use Stop when Full or Fill Record Mode rather than wrap to prevent overwriting track log points when Active Track log becomes full.
  • Turn on Active Track log at start location and immediately begin moving.
  • Stop Active Track log when movement is stopped or mission is finished.
  • Always Stop Active Track just shy of starting point when collecting an area (polygon). Overlapping makes conversion to GIS more challenging.
  • Use caution when saving an Active Track log. Garmin will generalize active track to save space, thereby degrading data.

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NWCG Latest Announcements

Leadership Committee IAP Flyer Now Available

Date:  May 8, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Leadership Committee

The NWCG Leadership Committee promotes and enables leadership development across the wildland fire service. The committee provides education, training opportunities, and support for leadership innovation and best practices throughout the community.

A new IAP flyer is now available on the committee website, offering an overview of the products, curriculum, and learning opportunities the Leadership Committee develops. This resource is ideal for posting in your office, sharing with new employees, or distributing through your incident management teams to engage new voices in the leadership journey and reinforce a culture of self‑reflection, development, and growth.

References:

Leadership Committee 2026 IAP Flyer

Incident Operations Subcommittee Updates the Next Generation Position Task Book for FFT1

Date:  May 7, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Incident Operations Subcommittee

The NWCG Incident Operations Subcommittee (IOSC) has updated the NWCG Position Task Book for Firefighter Type 1 (Squad Boss) (FFT1), PMS 311‑14. The FFT1 Position Task Book transitioned to the Next Generation (Next Gen PTB) format in June 2025 through the Incident Performance and Training Modernization effort. Since then, IOSC has received feedback from the wildland fire community regarding coding for one of the tasks. Task #13 has been updated to include the option of evaluation in a simulation.

See IOSC Memorandum 26‑01: Transition Plan for Implementation of Updates to the NWCG Position Task Book for Firefighter Type 1 (Squad Boss) (FFT1), PMS 311‑14 for more information.

References:

IOSC Memorandum 26-01: Transition Plan for Implementation of Updates to the NWCG Postion Task Book for Firefighter Type 1

NWCG Firefighter Type 1 Squad Boss Position Page 

NEW! S-212, Intermediate Faller (Online) Course Available Now 

Date:  April 23, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Hazard Tree and Tree Felling Subcommittee

NWCG is pleased to announce that the new S‑212, Intermediate Faller (Online), course is now available on the Wildland Fire Learning Portal (WFLP). This second course in the series provides students with the knowledge and skills required to perform the duties of an Intermediate Faller (FAL2), as described in the FAL2 Incident Position Description. This course is intended for individuals seeking to advance from Basic Faller (FAL3) to FAL2.

S‑212, Intermediate Faller is a fully online, self‑paced training program consisting of 13 units. Learners will engage with interactive, scenario‑based content designed to progressively build foundational skills and knowledge essential for the FAL2 role.

Students must be qualified as a Basic Faller (FAL3) prior to enrolling in S‑212, Intermediate Faller course.

Any changes to qualification pathways will take effect with the next update of the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Position Qualifications, PMS 310-1, scheduled for January 2027.

References:

S-212 Intermediate Faller (Online)

RMC Memo 26-01: Transition Plan for Implementing Updates to Intermediate Faller (FAL2) Position Qualifications

Intermediate Faller (FAL2) Position Page

NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Chainsaw Operations, PMS 212

New Aircraft Flight Schedule Form, PMS 249

Date:  April 17, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: National Coordination System Committee

A new publication from the National Coordination System Committee (NCSC) is now available. The NWCG Aircraft Flight Schedule Form, PMS 249, will be used for aviation crews and dispatch to share flight information that is needed for resource tracking, and if needed, for emergency procedures.

For further details, please contact your NCSC representative. 

References:

NCSC Memo 26-01: Implementation of NWCG Aircraft Flight Schedule Form, PMS 249

NWCG Aircraft Flight Schedule Form, PMS 249