Populate Base Data

Quality base data is vital to incident mapping. A GISS should gather and maintain a comprehensive data set for their local area of operation and/or home unit. Base data should be filed in the \base_data subfolders of the GeoOps Incident Directory.

Because GISS can be assigned anywhere in the country they are needed, it is impossible to always have the required base data ahead of time. Be prepared to contact local offices (city, county, state, and federal) to request their most current data. A GISS will also work with other personnel or teams (Infrared Interpreter (IRINs), Fire Behavior Analysts (FBANs), Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) teams, and Area Command teams) to obtain, evaluate, or provide data sets as needed.

National Data Resources

• NIFC ArcGIS Online Data Layers – National Incident Base Data group – vector tile layers available for download as vtpk basemaps for some Geographic Areas
• PanunTools – custom toolbox designed by GISS Matt Panunto
  • Data Download Toolset
    • Base Data Acquisition – Download USGS and USFS topo vector datasets, NAIP, Surface Management Agency, Digital Elevation Models and derivatives.
    • Feature Layer Download – Download a series of layers from the USFS National Basemap—including but not limited to—Administrative Boundaries, Transportation, Hydrography, Recreation Sites, and Topographic Features.
• FAA sectionals – GeoTIFF or PDF download
• FAA Aeronautical Chart User Guide
• Downloadable USFS Tiled Base Maps (TPKs) of FSTopo Maps
• FSTopo Map Service
• FSTopo as Georeferenced TIF or GeoPDF Download Utility
• USDA Forest Service Geodata Clearinghouse
• USDA NRCS Geospatial Data Gateway (GDG)
• Protected Areas Database of the United States (PAD-US)
• National Map (USGS)