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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

ETC/RMC Safety Bulletin: 25-001 New Guidance on Laundering Wildland Fire Clothing to Reduce Contamination

Date: Aug 8, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
Equipment Technology Committee
 Risk Management Committee

The Equipment Technology Committee (ETC) and the Risk Management Committee (RMC) have issued Safety Bulletin 25-001: Laundering to Decontaminate Wildland Fire Clothing. Recent research revealed that wildland fire flame-resistant pants and shirts can be contaminated with chemicals from combustion byproducts, including carcinogens, and that common laundering practices can effectively remove these harmful contaminants from wildland firefighter clothing more effectively than previously understood. It is recommended to decontaminate wildland fire clothing as frequently as possible. 

Frequently Asked Questions about this new information and how to implement recommendations can be found on the NWCG Alerts page. Read the complete ETC/RMC Safety Bulletin: 25-001 to learn more. 

References:

NWCG Alerts

ETC Safety Bulletin: 25-001

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) on Laundering to Decontaminate Wildland Fire Clothing

Equipment Technology Committee

Risk Management Committee

FAQ Now Available for Archiving Type 1 and Type 2 Incident Positions

Date: Aug 6, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
Incident and Position Standards Committee

To support the transition to Complex Incident Management (CIM), NWCG will archive all Type 1 and Type 2 Command and General Staff (C&G) position qualifications in January 2026, as outlined in NWCG Executive Board Memo 25-002. To assist with this transition, a new Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document is now available.

This resource answers common questions about the status of Type 1 and Type 2 qualifications, impacts to incident qualification management, training requirements, and resource ordering considerations. Review the full FAQ to learn more.

For additional information on CIM and the transition of C&G positions, see NWCG Executive Board Memos 23-005, 24-005, and 25-002, as well as the Incident Workforce and Development Group webpage.

References:

NWCG Type 1 & Type 2 Position Archiving FAQ

NWCG Executive Board Correspondence

Incident Workforce Development Group

Incident and Position Standards Committee

Incident Position Standards and the Next Generation Position Task Books Now Available for UASD, UASM, UASL and UASP

Date: July 31, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Interagency Fire Unmanned Aircraft Systems Subcommittee
 

NWCG is excited to announce that Incident Position Standards and the Next Generation Position Task Books are now available for all four Unmanned Aircraft Systems positions:

  • Unmanned Aircraft Systems, Data Specialist (UASD)
  • Unmanned Aircraft Systems, Manager (UASM)
  • Unmanned Aircraft Systems, Module Leader (UASL)
  • Unmanned Aircraft Systems Pilot (UASP)

The Performance Support Packages for these positions were developed as part of the Incident Performance and Training Modernization effort. These resources support trainees, qualified personnel, and evaluators in their respective roles.

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 2026.

References:

NWCG Unmanned Aircraft Systems, Data Specialist Position Page

NWCG Unmanned Aircraft Systems, Manager Position Page

NWCG Unmanned Aircraft Systems, Module Leader Position Page

NWCG Unmanned Aircraft Systems Pilot Position Page

Incident Position Standards and the Next Generation Position Task Books Now Available for RADO and INCM

Date: July 30, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Incident Logistics Subcommittee
 

NWCG is excited to announce that Incident Position Standards and the Next Generation Position Task Books are now available for Radio Operator (RADO) and Incident Communications Center Manager (INCM).

The Performance Support Packages for these positions were developed as part of the Incident Performance and Training Modernization effort. These resources support trainees, qualified personnel, and evaluators in their respective roles.

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 2026.

References:

NWCG Radio Operator Position Page

NWCG Incident Communications Center Manager Position Page