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Data Preparation

The Data Preparation section of the NWCG GISS Workflow lays the groundwork for the rest of the incident.

Follow the NWCG Standards for Geospatial Operations (GeoOps), PMS 936 for structure and organization for consistency.

Never skip steps in the Data Preparation section to save time during the often-chaotic incident ramp up, it will only require more effort in the long term.

GISS Workflow Diagram: Data Preparation

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_data.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 hosted 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.
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GISS Workflow Diagram: Data Preparation

Figure 1. GISS Workflow Diagram: Data Preparation
(click image to enlarge)

 

Job Aids

YouTube Playlist: Data Preparation

 

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NWCG Latest Announcements

NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Chainsaw Operations, PMS 212, and Next Generation Position Task Book for Basic Faller Are Now Available

Date: April 14, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Hazard Tree and Tree Felling Subcommittee

The updated NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Chainsaw Operations, PMS 212, and NWCG Position Task Book for Basic Faller (FAL3), PMS 311-19 are now available.

The NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Chainsaw Operations, PMS 212 includes position standards designed to be used in conjunction with the Next Generation Position Task Book (Next Gen PTB). The Next Gen PTB for Basic Faller (FAL3) includes an evaluation guide with suggested rating elements to consider when assessing trainees.

References:

NWCG Standards For Wildland Fire Chainsaw Operations, PMS 212

NWCG Position Task Book for Basic Faller (FAL3), PMS 311-119

NWCG Basic Faller (FAL3)

RMC Memo 25-01: Summary of Updates to Safety Officer Positions

Date: April 9, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
RMC Member Eric Fransted

The Risk Management Committee (RMC) serves as the position steward for all Safety Officer incident positions and continues to improve position standards, training, and naming conventions. The implementation of Complex Incident Management (CIM) required changes to position titles. RMC collaborated with the NWCG Incident Position Standards Committee (IPSC) to propose and implement these updates. 

References:

RMC Memo 25-01: Summary of Updates to Safety Officer Positions 

NWCG Position Catalog

Updated, NWCG Guide to Wildland Fire Origin and Cause Determination, PMS 412

Date: April 8, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Wildland Fire Investigation Subcommittee

PMS 412 provides guidance for wildland fire investigations. This guide outlines recommended procedures, practices, techniques, and methods to promote a systematic approach. The last update to this publication was in 2016.

References:

NWCG Guide to Wildland Fire Origin and Cause Determination PMS 412

Updated NWCG Standards for Airtanker Base Operations, PMS 508

Date: March 31, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Airtanker Base Operations Unit

The updated NWCG Standards for Airtanker Base Operations (SABO), PMS 508 standardizes operations and procedures at interagency airtanker bases to ensure safe, efficient, and effective operations in support of interagency goals and objectives.

References:

NWCG Standards for Airtanker Base Operations, PMS 508