GIS Incident Mapping

Our GIS Unit has the following equipment: 

We have state of the art software loaded on our computer workstations:

The GIS Unit arrives with replacement cartridges for the printers, and plotter, a minimum of 4 rolls of paper for the plotter, a roll of clear film, a case of 8½ X 11 paper, 2 boxes of 11 X 17 paper.  

We will have the ability to produce the following as defined by the NRCG Geospatial Task Group: 

Situation Unit Map 

A situation map is a large map in size, fine scale (1:24K scale) of local detail containing the most up-to-date record of the incident situation. The base is generally comprised of USGS 7.5 minute Quads. This is a work-in-progress map, continually updated, and designed to be printed large (3’ X 5’). It remains in the Situation Unit, and is used for preparing incident action planning maps and planning maps. 

The map will contain a legend with ICS symbology and a Mylar overlay to record heavily detailed, current operations information, including access, roads, land management activities, fire perimeter, Branches, Divisions, Drop Points, Helispots, Safety Zones, hot spots, controlled and uncontrolled line, etc. Much of this operational information is provided directly by field observers.

Planning Map 

The planning map is usually a large map in size, and fine scale (1:24K) of local detail and is used to facilitate discussion with managers at planning meetings and briefings. Often custom made, this map can be comprised of USGS 7.5 minute Quads, a GIS map, or a sketch map. It will have key topographic features, a legend, ICS symbology, access, fire perimeter, and general operations information (Branches, Divisions, Drop Points, Helispots, controlled and uncontrolled line, etc).

Incident Action Plan (IAP) Map 

The IAP map(s) display current incident information to be included with the IAP for wide distribution. The IAP map is a snapshot in time, published daily for each shift for use in the field. It’s printed as an 11”x17” map or for larger fires, as a series maps. If several 11”x17” maps are required, an index map may also be included.  

The base is generally comprised of USGS 7.5 minute Digital Raster Graphic Quads, 1:24K, or a smaller scale up to 1:100,000 if key features and 200 foot or 100 meter contours can be obtained. The IAP map(s) also includes a legend with ICS symbology, access, fire perimeter, and specific operations information (Branches, Divisions, Drop Points, Helispots, Safety Zones, controlled and uncontrolled line, etc). As a field map, latitude and longitude grid ticks are included for people utilizing GPS units.

Traffic Map 

The traffic map generally is a more broad scale map (1:63,360 to 1:250K) that shows Incident Command Post (ICP), Incident Base, and Camps and routes to and within the incident for operations and other personnel. The traffic map may show any roads restrictions, preferred travel routes, bridge limitations, fuel tank locations, hot spots, and generally finer detail then you would see in a vicinity map (see below). 

Vicinity Map 

The vicinity map is also a broad scale map (1:100,000 and up) that shows access to the Incident Command Post and facilities, local ranger station, BLM field office, Dispatch Centers or Staging Areas along main travel routes from a known reference point, such as a city or an airport. A vicinity map generally includes the ICP and incident location, but does not include detailed incident information. It is usually printed on 8.5”x11” paper, easily made distributable by hand or fax. The traffic map (see above) may serve as a vicinity map if main travel routes and the reference points are within the map area.

Fire Progression Map 

The fire progression map is a GIS map that displays changes in the daily fire perimeters. The primary purpose of this map is a visual display of the fire movement over time; it does not include much detailed information. Usually a fire behavior analyst or the situation unit will request or maintain a fire progression map. 

We have the capability to produce these additional maps based on data availability:

Topography Map 

A topography map is produced using either hill shade or 3D, and provides an overview of the slope and aspect of the local terrain for incident ground and air resources.

Fire History Map 

This map shows the fire history of the local area and can be modified to show particular time periods, for example, areas that have burned during the past 30 years. This map is directly related to the vegetation map in that it may show potential changes in fuel loadings.

Vegetation and/or Fuels Map 

A map used by the fire behavior analyst to help in predicting the fire behavior and for developing suppression strategies. Conversion from vegetation to fuel types will require input by the assigned fire behavior analyst or a fuels specialist.

Farsite Maps 

Farsite modeling software provides several outputs which the fire behavior analyst might want to display using the GIS software, including flame length, fire intensity, rate of spread and heat per unit area.

Public Information Briefing Maps 

The Incident Information Officer typically uses these maps during public meetings and briefings of the public. 

Burned Area Emergency Rehabilitation (BAER) Maps 

BAER teams require maps to plan the rehabilitation efforts on fire incidents.

Availability 

Fire Logistics, Inc. resources are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week through Helena Interagency Dispatch Center.

Mobilization 

Upon receipt of a resource order for our GIS Mapping Support unit, we will be enroute to the incident in:

Mobilization Costs – None, all associated costs are detailed in the Emergency Equipment Rental Agreement. 

Demobilization 

For scheduling and finalizing work in progress we require notice to demobilize from the incident as follows:

For more information contact:

Bruce Suenram
Fire Logistics, Inc.
PO Box 2164
Montana City, MT 59634

406-449-9761

406-449-9768 Fax

bsuenram@firelogistics.com