Skip to main content

PMS 936

Situation Unit Map

Product Description

The Situation Unit Map is a large-format map with an accurate, current, and detailed record of the incident information, displayed in or near the Situation Unit area. The Situation Unit Map should be limited to the extent of the incident rather than showing all the surrounding area. Its purpose is to show the current incident information and provide a place for marking map edits.

Target Audience

Incident Commander, Command and General Staff, agency representatives, Situation Unit Leader (SITL), Fire Behavior Analyst (FBAN), Strategic Operational Planner.

Guidelines

  • Standard Incident Command System (ICS) symbology.
  • Feature symbology discernible from the back of the meeting area.
  • Usually “D” (22” x 34”) size or larger.
  • Usually 1:24,000 scale; 1:63,360 scale in Alaska.

Standard Elements

All map products produced should include the STANDL-SGD cartographic elements.

Data

  • Incident perimeter, ICS line and point features (e.g., Dozer Line, Incident Command Post, Helispots).
  • Division and Branch breaks and labels.
  • Transportation routes.
  • Safety hazards, if available.
  • Administrative boundaries (e.g., jurisdiction), political boundaries (city-county-state-national).
  • Ownership–land status.
  • Appropriate base background, such as topographic (with or without shaded relief) or orthoimagery.
  • Other SITL-requested data.

Examples

These are examples from actual incidents and may include non-standard elements.

Also note that examples use the standard symbols at the time of their creation and may not reflect the current GeoOps symbology. Map elements, incident features, and composition remain consistent across these visual changes.

  1. 2010 Wrangler Fire
  2. 2017 Falcon Complex
  3. 2013 West Fork Complex

 

Page Last Modified / Reviewed:

Print PDF

NWCG Latest Announcements

NWCG Website Migration

Date: April 01, 2024
Contact: NWCG Webmaster

The National Wildfire Coordinating Group is thrilled to announce a significant upgrade to https://www.nwcg.gov, involving a comprehensive redesign of over 7,000 web pages. This enhancement is focused on improving user experience. The migration to the new NWCG website will commence on April 2, 2024, starting at noon EST and is expected to take a few hours. 

During the migration period, as the www.nwcg.gov domain-name-location updates across the Internet, you might encounter either the current or the new site depending on your location. We request your patience during this transition. If you are not redirected to the new site by April 3, 2024, we recommend clearing your browser’s cache and refreshing the page.

Please note that while navigating the revamped website, there may be instances of broken links or errors. Our dedicated web migration team has made significant efforts to minimize such issues prior to launch and will promptly address any that arise via use of analytic reports. We value your patience and understanding as we work towards enhancing your overall website experience.

WFSTAR 2023 Year in Review and 2024 Core Component Module Packages Available

Date: March 6, 2024
Contact: Joe Schindel 

The 2023 Fire Year in Review module and 2024 Core Component Module Packages for RT-130, Wildland Fire Safety Training Annual Refresher (WFSTAR) are now available on the NWCG website. The 2024 Core Component Module Package provides all content needed to deliver RT-130.

 

References:

WFSTAR 2023 Fire Year in Review module

WFSTAR 2024 Core Component Module Packages

2024 NWCG Executive Board Annual Letter

Date: March 6, 2024
Contact: NWCG

The NWCG Executive Board is privileged to share with you the 2024 NWCG Executive Board Annual Letter. As we look into the future and navigate an incredibly complex and dynamic environment, we must remain focused on our mission while actively engaging in national conversations regarding numerous wildland fire initiatives. In 2024, we prioritize building upon our successes and committing to continuous improvement. Key priorities and considerations for this year include: 

  • Determining Core Workload
  • Ensuring Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) Success
  • Improving Efficiencies
  • Firefighter Health and Wellness
  • Engagement in National Conversations

Together we will continue to make significant strides in the challenging and vital work that lies ahead. 

 

References:

2024 NWCG Executive Board Annual Letter

NWCG Welcomes NASA

Date: February 22, 2024
Contact: NWCG

NWCG welcomes the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) as an associate member.

“As wildfires become larger and more frequent, NASA is working to apply our scientific and technological knowledge toward this national challenge, and integral to our approach is forging collaborative partnerships,” said NASA Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy. 

 

References:

NASA News Release

NWCG