Skip to main content

PMS 936-1

NWCG Geographic Information System Specialist (GISS) Workflow, PMS 936-1

The NWCG Geographic Information System Specialist (GISS) Workflow, PMS 936-1, is supplemental to the NWCG Standards for Geospatial Operations (GeoOps), PMS 936.

The NWCG GISS Workflow, PMS 936-1, is developed and maintained by the NWCG Geospatial Subcommittee (GSC) under the direction of the Data Management Committee (DMC), an entity of NWCG. While previous versions may contain current or useful information, they are obsolete. The user of this information is responsible for confirming they have the most up-to-date version. NWCG is the sole source for the publication.

Comments, questions, and recommendations shall be submitted to the appropriate agency member assigned to the GSC. View the complete roster.

NWCG GISS Workflow Diagram

Image
GIS Workflow, explained below

Figure 1. GIS Workflow
(click image to open larger)

The NWCG GISS Workflow provides three levels of detail, which are scalable to the user. The graphic shows the basic order of operations, followed by an outline of the major steps and essential process details, and finally, the links in the outline and the navigation pane lead the user to detailed process instructions and documentation (see Figure 1).

Definitions:

Offline Copy

The Mobile Geodatabase (GDB) is created when the user runs the Download Map function. This is a copy of the National Incident Feature Services (NIFS) data that can be edited and synchronized. Sync works both ways and an Offline Copy can be synced multiple times; the Offline Copy should always be synchronized before an edit session (to pull down new data) and after an edit session (to push up new edits).

Note that this is not the same GDB used for map creation.

Master Incident GDB

The most current GDB named per GeoOps standards ({year}_{incident name}_{unit ID + local incident ID}) and placed in the incident_data folder to be used as the source for all incident maps. This GDB should not be edited.

Pro Project Template

The ArcGIS Pro project (.aprx) file included in the GeoOps Folder structure under projects. ‘Save As’ should be used on this template to create the Edit Project and all Master Projects. Implementation instructions can be found in the tools folder in the Prepare and Configure the Event GDB document.

Edit Project

The ArcGIS Pro project (.aprx) used for creating and editing the Offline Copy. Editing should not be done in any project used for map creation. This project stores the configured Feature Templates.

Master Project

The current ArcGIS Pro project (.aprx) for each map project. Master Projects can contain multiple layouts for the same map view, but each should be for only a single project type (e.g., All division maps in one project or multiple sizes of the PIO map in one project). Daily backups should be made of each Master Project.

Data Preparation – Do Once

  1. Gather incident information – Name, Unique Fire ID (Unit ID + Local Incident Number), IRWINID, etc.
  2. Implement the GeoOps Incident Directory Structure. Download the zip folder, extract the YYYY_Template folder, and rename for incident.
  3. Populate the base_data folder with data relevant to the fire area.
  4. Configure the Pro Project Template.
    1. Rename project databases.
    2. Rename map view with incident name and set local projected coordinate system.
    3. Repair path of Dynamic Text Update table to other_incident_gdb.
  5. Save as on the Pro Project Template to create the Edit Project. Name per GeoOps standards {map type} = “edit”.
    1. Ensure you are signed into the NIFC AGOL as your active portal.
    2. Optionally, add a vector tile layer basemap to map.
    3. Create an Offline Copy.
      1. Add the National Incident Feature Service (NIFS).
      2. Zoom to incident area of interest (AOI).
      3. Select Download Map to create an Offline Copy. Optionally, download a vtpk of the vector tile layer simultaneously.
    4. Repair path of Event Layers to Offline Copy and remove duplicate service from map.
    5. Configure Feature Templates.
    6. Save a group layer file for Event Features in the incident_data/edit folder and include your name.
  6. Create and Share Web Maps for mobile data collection and information sharing.

Edit Incident Data – Repeat as Necessary

  1. Edit the NIFS (Offline Copy).
    1. Secure information through the Situation Unit Leader (SITL) to create/edit incident data.
    2. Process/Convert/Import incoming data and store per GeoOps file structure.
    3. Open the Edit Project and sync Offline Copy. Edit incident data (only edit your incident).
      1. Edit the EventPolygon first. Calculate Geometries and populate attributes.
      2. Edit the PerimeterLine features to match the Wildfire Daily Fire Perimeter. Calculate Geometries and populate attributes.
      3. Edit the EventLine, EventPoint, and Accountable Property features in a logical order. Calculate Geometries and populate attributes.
      4. Edit the LabelPoint features to create assignment labels, if needed.
    4. Manage suppression repair data.
    5. Update Metadata in the DynamicTextUpdate table.
    6. Save data edits, sync Offline Copy, and save Edit Project.
    7. Export the latest fire perimeter to a progression GDB for use in progression maps.
    8. Calculate containment, ownership acres, etc.

Update the Master Incident GDB – Done After Every Edit Cycle

  1. Back up Offline Copy.
    1. Determine the path and name of the Offline Copy.
    2. Convert the Offline Copy (mobile GDB) to a backup GDB (file GDB).  Save into the daily backup folder under incident_data\backups and name following GeoOps.
  2. Create or Replace Master Incident GDB.
    1. If Master Incident GDB already exists, delete from \incident_data.
    2. Copy the backup GDB to the \incident data folder and rename it following GeoOps to become the new Master Incident GDB.

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 the 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.

Back Up and Sharing – Repeat as Necessary

  1. Back up incident data.
  2. Share digital map products by posting to the NIFC FTP site or designated SharePoint folder nightly. Use QR codes if desired.

**** If additional NIFS edits are needed the Master Incident GDB should not be edited. Only the Offline Copy should be edited.****

The National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) provides national leadership to enable interoperable wildland fire operations among federal, state, Tribal, territorial, and local partners. NWCG operations standards are interagency by design; they are developed with the intent of universal adoption by the member agencies. However, the decision to adopt and utilize them is made independently by the individual member agencies and communicated through their respective directives systems.

 

 
 
Next Step ˃˃
 

Last Modified / Reviewed:

Print PDF

NWCG Latest Announcements

2025-2026 Wildland Fire Leadership Campaign: "Leadership Levels" Now Available

Date: October 15, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
Leadership Committee

NWCG is excited to announce the release of the Leadership Committee’s 2025–2026 Leadership Campaign, themed “Leadership Levels.” This annual initiative offers all students of leadership and wildland fire management an opportunity to engage with essential leadership skills and knowledge needed to lead effectively in dynamic environments.

The campaign is structured into four quarters and may be completed at any time between October 1, 2025 -December 31, 2026. Leadership levels will be released quarterly.

Quarter One materials are now available on the Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program website and focus on Leadership Level 1, Follower (Self-Leadership).

References:

2025/2026 NWCG Leadership Campaign - Leadership Levels

Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program

Leadership Committee

Updated! L-280, Followership to Leadership (Instructor-led) Course

Date: October 3, 2024
Questions? Please contact:
Leadership Committee

NWCG is pleased to announce the updated L-280, Followership to Leadership (Instructor-led) course is now available. L-280 is intended for operational personnel at the Firefighter Type 1 level, and for individuals pursuing Leadership Level 2, New Leader. 

This instructor-led course is a primer on leadership and the second formal course in the Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program. It helps emerging leaders build the confidence, skills, and mindset needed to lead effectively in high-risk environments. 

For more information about leadership development and available courses, visit the Leadership Committee Web Portal.

References:

L-280, Followership to Leadership (Instructor-led)

Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program

Wildland Fire Learning Portal

Equipment Advisory 25-01: Pre-2006 Fire Shelter Degradation and Discontinuation of Use

Date: Sept 26, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
Equipment Technology Committee 

The Equipment Technology Committee (ETC) has released Equipment Advisory 25-01: Pre-2006 Fire Shelter Degradation and Discontinuation of Use. This advisory recommends all pre-2006 fire shelters should be removed from service by January 1, 2026.

This advisory recommends firefighters and fire managers to:

  • Inspect fire shelters immediately
  • Replace and destroy any pre-2006 shelters (identified by white or pink insert label)
  • Order replacements as needed

For further details, please refer to the complete advisory. 

References:

Equipment Advisory 25-01: Pre-2006 Fire Shelter Degradation and Discontinuation of Use

NWCG Fire Inspection Flowchart, PMS 411-1

NWCG Alerts

NEW! S-219, Firing Operations (Blended) Now Available

Date: Sept 11, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
Fuels Management Committee 

The S-219, Firing Operations (Blended) course is now available on the Wildland Fire Learning Portal. Developed through the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) effort, this training supports individuals working towards Firing Boss, Single Resource (FIRB) incident qualifications.

This blended course combines online and instructor-led training to provide students with the knowledge and skills required to perform the duties of the FIRB, as described in the NWCG Incident Position Standards for Firing Boss, Single Resource, PMS 350-105.

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-219, Firing Operations (Blended)

NWCG Firing Boss, Single Resource Position Page

Wildland Fire Learning Portal