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Apply Definition Queries & Adjust Labeling

Definition Queries

Using definition queries allows GISS to display a subset of incident data on each map product to tailor the product to a specific audience. The queries below are examples; work with your SITL to determine what should be displayed on a given map product. To leverage definition queries, attribute fields in the layers of the Offline Copy must be edited during an edit session.

If employing the SITL Approval Workflow, only display features that have been approved. On the Event Point and Event Line layers at minimum, set the following definition query:

FeatureStatus = 'Approved'

If working in an area with other active incidents, only display features from the incident in which you are assigned. Confirm with the SITL if any data from other incidents should be displayed (i.e. Event Polygon, Perimeter Line), then set a definition query like the following on relevant layers:

IncidentName = 'Bighorn'

If there is data in the Master Incident GDB that should not be displayed on maps due to sensitivity, set the following definition query on relevant layers:

FeatureAccess <> ‘Restricted’

If working on a specific map product that only needs to display certain features relevant to the map audience, set a definition query to only display those features. For example, on an air operations map, a definition query on the Event Point could be:

FeatureCategory IN ('Aerial Hazard', 'Airstrip or Airport', 'Aviation Check Point', 'Branch Break', 'Camp', 'Dip Site', 'Division Break', 'Helibase', 'Helispot', 'Hot Spot - Spot Fire', 'Incident Command Post', 'Landmark', 'Lookout', 'Medical', 'Mobile Retardant Base', 'Repeater', 'Restricted Water Source', 'Sling Site', 'Staging Area', 'Unimproved Landing Area', 'Value at Risk', 'Water Source', 'Zone Break')

Definition queries can be combined based on the need of the map. They can also be saved as Query Expression Files (EXP) to be applied across multiple map products.

Labeling

Dynamic Labels and Annotation Feature Classes are the two means to label features on incident maps. Each has pros and cons that must be weighed when selecting which to use under different circumstances.

Dynamic Labeling requires no setup, little maintenance, and adjusts automatically to scale, but does not allow much control over where the labels are placed. Annotation features are the reverse, they require creation, and maintenance at each scale needed, but allow for complete control of label placement.

Best practices for labeling are included in most product documentation, but generally dynamic labels are used until features become too numerous or crowded, at which point annotation should be created.

For labeling strategies on Multipage Maps, see the Multipage (Tiled) Maps Master Project page (open Multipage (Tiled) Maps accordion).

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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