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Create Incident Maps and Digital Products

GISS Workflow Diagram: Create Incident Maps and Digital Products

Create Incident Maps and Digital Products – Repeat as Necessary

  1. Create or Update Incident Map(s).
    1. Use an existing Master Project or open the Pro Project Template and Save As to create a new Master Project per GeoOps.
    2. Repair path of Event layer file(s)  to point to the Master Incident GDB.
    3. Add base maps and ancillary datasets to map.
    4. Create a layout or make a copy of a provided layout template for the desired map product.
    5. Apply definition queries to display only the Event Features appropriate for the intended map audience.
    6. Use dynamic labeling where applicable and create annotation as necessary.
    7. Ensure all essential map elements are present and correct (STANDL SGD).
    8. Export Geospatial PDF map per GeoOps standards.
  2. Create and share public web products.

GIS Workflow, explained below

Figure 1.Create Incident Maps and Digital Products
(click image to open larger)

 

General Map Guidelines

The maps presented in this section are not all-inclusive, only maps that have specific processes or analysis are listed. The most common maps requested of a GISS are listed in the NWCG Standards for Geospatial Operations (GeoOps), PMS 936, Map Product Standards Section. For uncommon products, the desired elements are typically provided by the person requesting the map through the Situation Unit Leader (SITL). If not, the GISS should request additional guidance.

Other Procedural considerations include:

  • The SITL (or equivalent) decides which maps to produce and approves final versions.
  • The SITL directs the use of logos.
  • Placement of fire acreage (and total acreage reported) on maps is at the discretion of the SITL.
  • The GISS should consider the page size and whether color is needed; many maps may need specific formatting and may be reproduced on black and white copy machines.
  • The GISS schedules map production to meet specific deadlines.
  • North arrow may need to be rotated to indicate true north correctly.
  • Drafts: Maps that are for review only may include “DRAFT.”
  • Sensitive information: Maps may need labels defining the sensitivity of the data (e.g., For Official Use Only, Not for Public Distribution or Use).
  • Disclaimers: Maps may include disclaimers if requested or required under delegated authority (e.g., For Reference Only).
  • Proprietary information: Maps should cite the source for any proprietary information.

Responsibilities

Timelines for map production are established with the SITL, Planning Section Chief (PSC), or the assigned supervisor. The GISS generates all products on time for scheduled briefings and other meetings. Map definitions should be used as general guidelines; the SITL or PSC has the authority to deviate from the standards

Communications

All incident map requests are channeled through the SITL or PSC so they are kept informed of the GISS workload and can help prioritize needs. The SITL or PSC may instruct the GISS to work with the end-user of the map to clarify map product requirements. Final map products are approved by the SITL or PSC (or assigned supervisor) before release, unless otherwise arranged.

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NWCG Latest Announcements

2026 Updates to the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Position Qualifications, PMS 310-1

Date: January 23, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Incident and Position Standards Committee

The Incident and Position Standards Committee has updated the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Position Qualifications, PMS 310-1.

These updates address changes to incident position names and requirements for qualification, training, and experience. Updates related to the implementation of Complex Incident Management (CIM) and Incident Performance Training Modernization (IPTM) are also included.

The NWCG Wildland Fire Position Qualification Flowchart, PMS 308 has also been updated to reflect the recent changes.

References:

NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Position Qualifications, PMS 310-1

NWCG Wildland Fire Position Qualification Flowchart, PMS 308

IPSC Memo 26-01: January 2026 Updates to the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Positions Qualifications, PMS 310-1

Incident Business Committee Memo 26-01: Updated Emergency Equipment Shift Ticket, OF 297

Date: January 22, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Incident Business Committee

The Incident Business Committee (IBC) has released Memorandum 26-01: OF 297 and 2026 Fire Use. This memo informs the wildland fire community that the updated Emergency Equipment Shift Ticket, OF 297 is available for download and can be ordered through the Great Basin Cache.

Beginning January 15, 2026 the previous version of the OF 297 form has been discontinued.

For further details, please contact your IBC representative.

References:

Incident Business Committee Memorandum 26-01

Great Basin Cache

NEW! S-390, Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior Calculations (Blended) Available Now

Date: December 22, 2025
Questions about RT-130? 
Please contact: Fire Behavior Subcommittee

NWCG is excited to announce that the new S-390, Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior Calculations (Blended) training is now available on the Wildland Fire Learning Portal.

This third course in the series combines online and instructor-led training components aimed at individuals who are involved in planning, managing, and executing wildland fire and prescribed burn operations; who require a thorough understanding of fire behavior calculations to enhance effectiveness and safety. This includes students who require the knowledge and skill necessary to perform the duties of a Type 3 Incident Commander (ICT3), Division/Group Supervisor (DIVS), or Prescribed Fire Burn Boss Type 2 (RXB2).

Students are required to be qualified as any Single Resource Boss position and complete the prerequisite S-290, Intermediate Wildland Fire behavior (Blended) course, before enrolling in S-390.

References:

S-390, Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior Calculations (Blended)

Wildland Fire Learning Portal

NEW! S-320, Introduction to Incident Management Teams (Blended) Available Now

Date: December 18, 2025
Questions about RT-130? 
Please contact: Incident and Position Standards Committee

NWCG is excited to announce that S-320, Introduction to Incident Management Teams (Blended) is now available on the Wildland Fire Learning Portal!

This blended course combines online learning with instructor-led training, designed for individuals seeking to build leadership skills and gain experience in incident management.

Students are required to complete the prerequisite trainings ICS-100, Introduction to Incident Command System (ICS), ICS-200, Basic ICS for Initial Response, and ICS-700, An Introduction to the National Incident Management System (NIMS) prior to attending S-320.

References:

S-320, Introduction to Incident Management Teams (Blended)

Wildland Fire Learning Portal