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Mapping: Using Geographic Information Systems GIS

  1. Map Datum
  2. Map Projections & Coordinate Systems
  3. Re-projecting Shapefile or arcgrid in ArcGIS
  4. ArcGIS Web Services

Map Datum

Some common datum, or Global Coordinate Systems (GCS), used in North America include:

  • North American Datum of 1927 (NAD27): Local datum well suited to the United States, Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean. Uses the Clarke 1866 spheroid.
  • North American Datum of 1983 (NAD83): An earth-centered datum that corrects NAD27 coordinates based on both earth and satellite measurements. Uses the GRS 1980 spheroid. Coordinates are very like WGS84 coordinates and can be used interchangeably with them.
  • World Geodetic System of 1984 (WGS84): Earth-centered datum common for datasets with a global extent. Uses the WGS84 spheroid. This is the datum that GPS coordinates are based on.

Geographic Transformations Between Different Datum

ArcGIS gives us a warning if we attempt to add data to our map that have a different GCS, or datum. For example, if we have one layer depicting the 40 fire behavior fuel models. As with projection on-the-fly, the data frame’s GCS defaults to that of the first layer added to the map, which is NAD83. If we then try to add a fire perimeter shapefile with the WGS84 geographic coordinate system, we get a warning that a geographic transformation may be necessary.

A geographic transformation, sometimes referred to as a datum transformation, is a set of mathematical formulas for converting coordinates from one datum to another. At this point, you may specify the transformation by clicking the transformations box in the warning dialog box. In most cases, the transformation at the top of the list will be the best choice.

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Map Projections and Coordinate Systems

A projected coordinate system (PCS) can reference the same geographic locations using a Cartesian system, which includes a uniform, linear unit of measure.

  • Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) divides the earth into 60 zones, each six degrees of latitude wide. The figure below depicts a simplified view of UTM zones covering the continental United States.
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Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) projection zones for the Continental United States.
  • State Plane Coordinate Systems are a good example of a PCS being independent of its map projection. Lambert Conformal Conic projections are used for domains with greater east-west extent, Transverse Mercator projections are used for domains with greater north-south extent. Some use an oblique Mercator projection.
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Projected Coordinate Systems.  This graphic demonstrates how different projections project portions of a round globe onto a flat map surface.
  • LANDFIRE uses the Albers Equal Area Conic projection for national level data products because it is well suited for data with an east-west orientation at middle latitudes, such as the continental United States. Furthermore, because this is an equal area projection, all areas on the map are proportional to the same areas on the earth.
  • WFDSS (Wildland Fire Decision Support System) Custom Albers Projection is an Albers Equal Area Conic projection that is defined based upon the WFDSS incident spatial domain. In that sense, each incident and its associated fire behavior analyses will have a unique WFDSS Custom Albers projection, By using a custom projection for each incident, centered on that incident, reduces the distortion inherent in all projections in the area around the fire. Among other factors, the custom projection reduces the potential for errors in direction (wind direction, aspect, etc.) that could otherwise be introduced if a non-custom projection were used.

Within the WFDSS incident, landscape (lcp) files created for fire behavior analyses are stored in its Custom Albers projection and can only be downloaded in that projection. Other fire behavior outputs can be downloaded in either the WFDSS Custom Albers projection or in a geographic coordinate system.

The WFDSS Custom Albers projection is recognized by ArcGIS, and datasets stored in a WFDSS Custom Albers projection can be used in ArcMap like any other dataset.

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Re-projecting Shapefile or Arcgrid in ArcGIS

If a shapefile or ascii grid will not display as an overlay on a landscape (lcp) in FARSITE or FLAMMAP, it cannot be used by those systems. It is most likely using a different coordinate system than the lcp does.

In this case, the file (feature/shapefile or raster/ascii grid) can be re-projected to the same coordinate system so it can be displayed onscreen and used in reference by the landscape editor in FARSITE.

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ArcToolbox Menu - Data Management
  1. Open a new ArcMap window and add the shapefile or raster file that is stored in the desired projection. By adding the shapefile (or grid) with the desired projection first, the coordinate system of the Data Frame will default to the desired projection.
  2. Next, add the shapefile that is stored in the other projection.
  3. If the ArcToolbox window is not already displayed, click on the ArcToolbox icon to show the ArcToolbox window.
  4. In the ArcToolbox window, click on the plus sign next to Data Management Tools to expand the selection. Next, click on the plus sign next to Projections and Transformations to expand the selection. Next, click on the plus sign next to Feature (for shapefiles or Raster (for grids) to expand the selection. Double-click on Project to open the tool.
  5. In the Project window, under Input Dataset or Feature Class, select the shapefile/raster grid that is currently stored with the wrong projection. The Input Coordinate System should automatically default to its projection. If none is displayed, that means that there is no prj file accompanying it. If the projection is known, it can be specified here.
  6. Specify an output shapefile or raster grid under Output Dataset or Feature Class. Click on the button next to Output Coordinate System. In the Spatial Reference Properties window that pops up, click on the Import button. Navigate to and select the shapefile that is stored in the desired coordinate system. The new projection properties will load into the Spatial Reference Properties window. Click OK on the Spatial Reference Properties window.
  7. Click OK in the Project window to create a new shapefile that is stored in the chosen UTM projection.

If the user discovers the feature or raster does not have a defined projection; one can be added by selecting Define Projection, found under Projections and Transformations.

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ArcGIS Web Services

While traditional use of GIS software has depended on stand-alone datasets, increasingly, much of end-user application is moving rapidly to online resources.  

  • ESRI ArcGIS Online (AGOL) provides password protected access to agency, interagency, and public content.  There is a NIFC online site that provides a home for many fire management applications.  Request access here.
  • ESRI Collector is the companion application that  extends visualization and data collection to the field on mobile devices. The ability to take maps in the field on mobile devices, with and without cell service, makes this technology very useful for many different incident response positions.  Same login used for AGOL applies here.
  • There is a growing number of web mapping services that can be accessed from their published server over the internet.  Look for protocols like Web Mapping Service (WMS) and REST Service to access data without having to download and store it.

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NWCG Latest Announcements

NEW! Incident Performance and Training Modernization Story Map Now Available

Date: Aug 26, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
National Wildfire Coordinating Group

NWCG is excited to announce the launch of the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) Story Map, a new interactive resource that showcases how NWCG is transforming wildland fire training and qualifications through a performance-based system.

Since its launch in 2023, IPTM has made major strides in updating how we manage incident positions:

  • 36 incident positions now have new Incident Position Standards and Next Generation Position Task Books available for field use
  • 6 more incident positions are nearing completion
  • 111 total incident positions are being analyzed through the IPTM initiative

The Story Map guides you through the IPTM process, highlights key accomplishments, and outlines what’s ahead. Whether you are a trainer or a trainee, this tool offers valuable insight into the modernization effort shaping the future of wildland fire training and qualifications.

This effort would not be possible without the contributions of NWCG staff, NWCG committees, and hundreds of subject matter experts across the wildland fire community.

References:

IPTM Story Map

Incident Performance and Training Modernization Webpage

NEW! S-290, Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior (Blended) Available Now

Date: Aug 15, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
Fire Behavior Subcommittee

NWCG is excited to announce that the S-290, Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior (Blended) training is now available on the Wildland Fire Learning Portal. S-290 (Blended) training combines online training and instructor-led training components that support individuals working towards any Single Resource Boss or Fire Effects Monitor incident qualifications.

This second course in the series collectively serves to develop fire behavior prediction knowledge and skills, and provides more detailed information on fuels, weather, and topography that affect wildland fire behavior for safety purposes.

Students are required to finish the prerequisite S-190, Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior, before enrolling in S-290, Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior (Blended).

References:

S-290, Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior (Blended)

S-190, Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior

Wildland Fire Learning Portal

NEW! S-271, Helicopter Crewmember (Blended) Now Available

Date: Aug 14, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
Interagency Helicopter Operations Subcommittee

The S-271, Helicopter Crewmember (Blended) is now available. Developed through the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) effort, this training supports individuals working towards Helicopter Crewmember (HECM) incident qualifications. 

S-271, Helicopter Crewmember (Blended) training combines online training and instructor-led training components. This course is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to perform the duties of the HECM position, as described in the NWCG Incident Position Standards for Helicopter Crewmember, PMS 350-22.

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:

S-271, Helicopter Crewmember (Blended)

NWCG Helicopter Crewmember (HECM) Position Page

Wildland Fire Learning Portal

Incident Position Standards and Next Generation Position Task Books Now Available for FBAN and LTAN

Date: Aug 13, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
Fire Behavior Subcommittee

NWCG is excited to announce that Incident Position Standards and Next Generation Position Task Books are now available for Fire Behavior Analyst (FBAN) and Long Term Fire Analyst (LTAN).

The Performance Support Packages for these positions were developed as part of the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) 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 Fire Behavior Analyst Position Page

NWCG Long Term Fire Analyst Page