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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.

 

 
 
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NWCG Latest Announcements

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

ETC Equipment Bulletin: 25-004 NEW Aquatic Invasive Species – Golden Mussels

Date: July 29, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Equipment Technology Committee
 

The Equipment Technology Committee (ETC) issued Equipment Bulletin: 25-004, notifying the wildland fire community about a newly discovered invasive species and actions to take if found. Golden mussels, a highly invasive species recently identified in California, pose a significant risk to native ecosystems, infrastructure, and fire equipment. These mussels rapidly colonize hard and soft surfaces, including aquatic plants and fire equipment, clogging pipes, fouling motors, disrupting water systems, and impacting native species.

To help prevent their spread, fire personnel must follow the decontamination procedures outlined in the NWCG Guide to Preventing Aquatic Invasive Species Transport by Wildland Fire Operations, PMS 444. Additionally, report any sightings immediately to your Lead Resource Advisor and include clear, close-up photos and location details.

Read the complete ETC Equipment Bulletin: 25-004 to learn more. 

References:

NWCG Alerts

ETC Equipment Bulletin: 25-004

NWCG Guide to Preventing Aquatic Invasive Species Transport by Wildland Fire Operations, PMS 444

Incident Position Standards and the Next Generation Position Task Books Now Available for ICT5 and FFT1

Date: July 29, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Incident Command Subcommittee
Incident Operations Subcommittee

NWCG is excited to announce that Incident Position Standards and the Next Generation Position Task Books are now available for Incident Commander Type 5 (ICT5) and Firefighter Type 1 Squad Boss (FFT1).

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 Incident Commander Type 5 Position Page

NWCG Firefighter Type 1 Squad Boss Position Page