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PMS 437

Mapping References

NWCG Committee Realignment Website Updates: Content will continue to be updated over the coming days as we work through final reviews and adjustments, and all publications and products are currently under revision.

  1. Online Data Sources
  2. Desktop Applications
  3. Google Earth Pro
  4. Mobile Applications

Online Data Sources

In addition to the following national sources, inquire about local GIS resource availability.

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Desktop Applications

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Google EarthPro

Settings

Viewing 3D Terrain in Google Earth Pro requires selecting the terrain option from the bottom of the layers portion of the left side menu.

Resources

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Mobile Applications

Collector for ArcGIS

Collector works on iOS, Android, and Windows 10 and allows the user to collect and update information in the field, take maps and data offline, sync changes when connected, attribute data collection with easy-to-use map-driven forms, and capture and share photos and videos.

Avenza Maps and Pro Subscriptions

Avenza Maps is GIS technology available on Apple, Android, and Windows devices for navigation, information collection, and sharing geographic information and knowledge. It displays geospatial PDF, GeoPDF® and GeoTIFF and interacts with the GPS on the device, allowing the user to record GPS tracks, add placemarks, and find places.

Avenza Maps Pro users will be able to import and export shapefiles and current capabilities of the Avenza PDF Maps App in terms of data collection and editing but with Avenza Maps Pro, shapefiles are a supported import/export format. More features will be added, over time. It is a subscription service, requiring registration of individual devices. 

With the release of the Pro version, the current standard Avenza PDF Maps App will be changing, the most significant change will be users may only access five maps at any time on their device, unless the maps have all been obtained from the Avenza Map Store. It is strongly recommended that all users upgrade to the new Avenza Maps Pro version.

Avenza Maps Pro may be available under an enterprise license contract through the U.S. Forest Service.

Other Products

  • Gaia GPS and GaiaPro - Gaia GPS integrates topo maps, offline navigation tools, and planning features, seamlessly across phones, tablets, and gaiagps.com. GaiaPro spans Gaia GPS on iOS, and Android. GaiaPro is an upgrade to the standard application, including custom maps, premium satellite imagery, public land, hunting zones, and tools including layered maps, area measurement, and printing.
  • You Need a Map - A map that works in Apple IOS to provide coverage of the US without a cell phone signal, showing not just roads but also terrain, streams, lakes, and other landmarks.
  • Theodolite 

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NWCG Latest Announcements

LMC Equipment Bulletin 26-001: Aquatic Invasive Species – Seasonal Reminder for Mussels

Date:  July 30, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Equipment and Technology Subcommittee

The Logistics and Equipment Management Committee (LMC) issued Equipment Bulletin 26-001: Aquatic Invasive Species - Seasonal Reminder for Mussels, reminding the wildland fire community that aquatic mussels continue to be a problem. Mussels rapidly colonize hard and soft surfaces, including aquatic plants and fire equipment, clogging pipes, fouling motors, disrupting water systems, and impacting native species.

To help prevent their spread, fire personnel must follow the decontamination procedures outlined in the NWCG Guide to Preventing Aquatic Invasive Species Transport by Wildland Fire Operations, PMS 444. Additionally, report any sightings immediately to your Lead Resource Advisor and include clear, close-up photos (with a pen or your hand for size reference) and location details.”

Read the complete LMC Equipment Bulletin 26-001, to learn more. 

References:

NWCG Alerts

LMC Equipment Bulletin 26-001: Aquatic Invasive Species - Seasonal Reminder for Mussels

NWCG Guide to Preventing Aquatic Invasive Species Transport by Wildland Fire Operations, PMS 444

Intermediate Faller (FAL2) Position Task Book Update

Date:  July 24, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Tree Felling Subcommittee

NWCG Operations Management Committee (OMC) has issued an update to the NWCG Position Task Book for Intermediate Faller (FAL2), PMS 311-91. To ensure clarity for both trainees and evaluators, the updated FAL2 Position Task Book (PTB) explicitly states who is authorized to sign off on your tasks:

“Evaluators must be qualified as a FAL2, or an Advanced Faller (FAL1).”

If you are currently working out of a previously published version of the FAL2 PTB, you do not need to restart. However, OMC highly encourages you to take the following step to prevent any confusion in the field:

  • Print and replace the updated evaluator information page (page 2) in your current physical PTB.

References:

Intermediate Faller (FAL2) Position Page

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

NWCG Position Task Book for Intermediate Faller (FAL2), PMS 311-91

Equipment Advisory 26-001: Potential Front Driveline Joint Failure on 2018 and Earlier Ram Pickups

Date:  July 10, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Equipment and Technology Subcommittee

The Logistics/Equipment Management Committee (LMC) has released Equipment Advisory 26-001: Potential Front Driveline Joint Failure on 2018 and Earlier Ram Pickups. This advisory highlights multiple U.S. Forest Service regions reporting front driveline joint failure incidents.

This advisory recommends firefighters and fire managers to: 

  • Follow all Ram-issued inspection, maintenance, and service guidance for front driveline joints. 
  • Consider installing a driveline loop. 
  • Coordinate with fleet managers and service providers to determine the most appropriate driveline loop kit for each pickup.

For further details, please refer to the complete advisory.

References:

Equipment Advisory 26-001: Potential Front Driveline Joint Failure on 2018 and Earlier Ram Pickups

Technical Service Bulletin: 03-002-21

NEW! NWCG Standard Operating Procedures, PMS 900

Date:  July 9, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: NWCG Staff

NWCG is excited to announce the publication of the NWCG Standard Operating Procedures, PMS 900.

The new publication establishes general, consistent, and uniform standards for conducting business with the National Wildfire Coordinating Group.

References:

NWCG Standard Operating Procedures, PMS 900