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Map Product Standards

Note: The Situation Map has been deprecated as a map standard. The Operations map should be used as an acceptable substitute for task book purposes.


Purpose

Standards for typical maps produced by the Situation Unit used during wildland fire incidents are key to readability and uniformity.

GIS is rapidly changing how maps are delivered on incidents. Digital map products–geospatial pdf maps, websites, or files–have become a large part of the Geographic Information System Specialist (GISS)​ workload. Requests for digital maps or data for smartphone applications, public information maps created for websites, maps to be projected during briefings, or files containing the underlying spatial data, have changed the way the GISS delivers incident products. There is a slow but continuous move away from hard copy paper products and to a digital product that can be updated rapidly for the field user.

The GISS will need to be flexible in applying these standards, as the Situation Unit Leader (SITL) and other end-users may have specific needs or preferences. The most important criteria in the preparation of map products are the operational business drivers (i.e., primary use) for the products. The primary use should drive the focus of the maps. Whether provided hard copy on paper or digitally via mobile device, the map product standards still apply.

Specifications

  • Maps produced on an incident should communicate the intended message clearly.
  • Use of standardized colors for maps printed in color; e.g., blue for water, green for vegetation.
  • Include S.T.A.N.D.L S.G.D on every map.
  • All incident map requests are channeled through the SITL or Planning Section Chief (PSC) so they are kept informed of the GISS workload and can help prioritize needs.
  • 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.
  • North arrow may need to be rotated to indicate true north correctly.
  • Maps may be requested that are not listed in this section. Those map products should adhere to standards detailed in other sections of GeoOps.
  • Data: “Topographic Base” includes Contours and/or Shaded Relief (Hillshade), Hydrographic features (Lakes, Rivers, Streams), Transportation features (Roads, Trails, Railroads), Place Names (GNIS), Administrative and Jurisdictional Boundaries, Political Boundaries (City, County, State, National), Public Land Survey System Boundaries (Township, Range, Section). The Forest Service Basemap (FSBasemap) may be used as a Topographic Base.
  • Drafts: Maps that are for review only should include “DRAFT.”
  • Sensitive information: Maps should have a label 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.

References

Responsibilities

Timelines for map production are established with the SITL, 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 and produce additional maps not covered by the standards.

 

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NWCG Latest Announcements

NEW! S-290, Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior (Blended) Available Now

Date: Aug 15, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
Fire Behavior Subcommittee

NWCG is excited to announce that the S-290, Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior (Blended) training is now available on the Wildland Fire Learning Portal. S-290 (Blended) training combines online training and instructor-led training components that support individuals working towards any Single Resource Boss or Fire Effects Monitor incident qualifications.

This second course in the series collectively serves to develop fire behavior prediction knowledge and skills, and provides more detailed information on fuels, weather, and topography that affect wildland fire behavior for safety purposes.

Students are required to finish the prerequisite S-190, Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior, before enrolling in S-290, Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior (Blended).

References:

S-290, Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior (Blended)

S-190, Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior

Wildland Fire Learning Portal

NEW! S-271, Helicopter Crewmember (Blended) Now Available

Date: Aug 14, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
Interagency Helicopter Operations Subcommittee

The S-271, Helicopter Crewmember (Blended) is now available. Developed through the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) effort, this training supports individuals working towards Helicopter Crewmember (HECM) incident qualifications. 

S-271, Helicopter Crewmember (Blended) training combines online training and instructor-led training components. This course is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to perform the duties of the HECM position, as described in the NWCG Incident Position Standards for Helicopter Crewmember, PMS 350-22.

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-271, Helicopter Crewmember (Blended)

NWCG Helicopter Crewmember (HECM) Position Page

Wildland Fire Learning Portal

Incident Position Standards and Next Generation Position Task Books Now Available for FBAN and LTAN

Date: Aug 13, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
Fire Behavior Subcommittee

NWCG is excited to announce that Incident Position Standards and Next Generation Position Task Books are now available for Fire Behavior Analyst (FBAN) and Long Term Fire Analyst (LTAN).

The Performance Support Packages for these positions were developed as part of the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) 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 Fire Behavior Analyst Position Page

NWCG Long Term Fire Analyst Page

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