| In recent years, GIS technology has evolved into an essential component of large fire management in the United States. Not so long ago, groups of display processors laboriously hand-drew fire perimeters on mylar overlays; now teams of GIS technicians toil away in specialty GIS trailers to produce maps of the high quality expected by agency administrators and the public. This rapidly-evolving, complex technology can prove challenging for the Situation Unit Leader (SITL), the ICS position charged with managing the visual display of the fire's current and predicted status. | 
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This webpage was created for GEO565, a distance education course offered by Dr. Dawn Wright through Oregon State University's E-campus; its purpose is to provide a bibliography of educational and support resources to SITLs to aid them in more effectively managing the GIS function on wildland fire incidents.
A basic knowledge of cartography ("mapmaking") and Geographic Information Systems ("GIS") is essential in managing today's Situation Unit. While the Situation Unit Leader may not be expected to directly use the GIS software program, he/she should have a working knowledge of these topics:
The following resources offer a concise introduction to these topics:
Heywood, Ian, Sarah Cornelius, and Steve Carver. 2002. An Introduction to Geographical Information Systems, 2nd edition. Essex, England: Prentice Hall Ltd. 294 pages.
An exceptionally accessible text published in England. The book begins with an overview of GIS, then covers the basic concepts of the uses, formats and management of spatial data. The authors examine the use of GIS for analysis and modeling, and end with discussions of issues in data quality and the future of GIS. They include several "real-world" case studies throughout the book to illustrate GIS applications. The material is clearly presented, with well-organized graphics including flowcharts and outtake boxes that provide more detailed information on selected topics. The website has useful and entertaining links to explore the topics in each chapter in greater depth (go to "Weblinks and Activities" for individual chapters).
(Those of you who feel as though you have landed on another planet whenever your GIS Techs start explaining their work to you will appreciate the analogy used throughout the book comparing learning about GIS to a Martian learning how to drive a car).
Ferguson, Michael. 1999. GPS Land Navigation. Boise, ID: Glassford Publishing. 255 pages.
While the technical GPS receiver information in this book is extremely outdated, Chapters Three and Four remain classic in their clear, concise description of map skills and coordinate systems. Chapter Three covers the topics of map scales, projections and datums in a detailed but easy-to-grasp manner not usually found in books of this genre. The information given at the end of the chapter on the basics of digital map formats is still relevant and accurate as a short primer on the subject. Chapter Four (Coordinate Systems) is a thorough examination of all commonly-used geographic coordinate systems and their applications, including instructions on converting between the different lat-long formats--a common task in the Sit Unit. You would be hard-pressed to find a more lucid explanation of these topics--if you can locate a used copy of this out-of-print book, it would be a great investment for these chapters alone.
US Geological Survey. 2004. Geographic Information Systems Poster. Available online: http://erg.usgs.gov/isb/pubs/gis_poster/ [Accessed 8/13/04].
This 34-page basic introduction to GIS is presented in "poster" format on the web (the hardcopy poster is no longer available). "Side 1" covers the definition of Geographic Information Systems, the structure of GIS data and how a GIS works.
"Side 2" discusses the uses of GIS, from map production to spatial analysis, with clearly-explained examples of real-world uses, such as disaster planning, site selection and wildland fire management. Of the resources included in this bibliography, the USGS poster presents the simplest, most basic explanation of GIS.
Buckley, David J. The GIS Primer. Available online: http://www.innovativegis.com/basis/primer/primer.html [Accessed 8/13/04].
Another online resource for a basic overview of GIS technology and management, with more in-depth detail than the USGS poster. The first four modules
--The Nature of Geographic Information, Fundamental GIS Concepts, Data Sources and Data Input and Data Organization and Storage--cover the areas that a SITL should be familiar with in managing an incident GIS operation; the remainder of the modules are more applicable to the establishment and management of a permanent GIS department or a long-term GIS project.
For those brave SITLs who like to get their hands dirty and try out the GIS software for themselves, these resources offer that opportunity:
While not offering the full functionality of a GIS, the following resources will introduce you to digital mapping and allow you get a usable map out to the fireline while you're waiting for the GIS Technicians to arrive. Digital mapping programs are also useful on smaller fires that may not require or have access to GIS capabilities.
The primary use of GIS in fire management has been the production of standard and customized map products. This process requires first locating base map
data, then adding incident data
("intelligence") to the base map.
The most common way to get base map data is to request it from the host agency. Most agencies will have some or all of these data file formats for their area:
If the
host agency can't meet your needs, many websites offer downloadable GIS
data free of charge--check these out:
GPS receivers and the fireline personnel that carry them will be your most prolific and least expensive source of intelligence. The more familiar you are with GPS receivers and the fundamentals of their use, the more likely you are to receive more and better GPS data from the field.
While GIS have proven themselves invaluable in producing high-quality, easily-customizable maps for fire incidents, much of the analytical potential of GIS in wildland fire management has yet to reach the fireline. These studies focus on the cutting edge of GIS implementation in fire management; they are intended to pique your interest in expanding your horizons in fire GIS.
Created by: Mary Taber Photo Credits:Tom Patterson (top); Kelly Close (bottom)
Rys-Sykora, Anne. 1999. Proposed NRCG GIS Fire Mapping Symbols. Missoula, MT: USDA Forest Service, Northern Rockies Coordinating Group.
.pdf file
Standardized symbology for wildland fire mapping.
Software
Ormsby, Tim, Eileen Napoleon, Robert Burke, Carolyn Groess and Laura Feaster. 2001. Getting to Know ArcGIS Desktop. Redlands, CA: ESRI Press. 541 pages with 2 CDs.
This volume is an excellent introduction to using ArcGIS software programs. Unlike the preceding references, Getting to Know ArcGIS contains little information about the principles of GIS--it's all about using the software. Don't let
the number of pages discourage you--most pages consist of screen shots with little text, and the majority of space in this book is devoted to clear, well-illustrated instructions that walk you through each of the exercises. While you will want to complete the earlier exercises to get a feel for the program, the
last two chapters ("Making Maps Quickly" and "Making Maps
for Presentation") are especially pertinent to the fire mapping world, with instructions for creating templates, downloading map data from the Geography Network and setting up your standard map components and print options.
ESRI ArcView Demonstration Software. Available online: http://gis.esri.com/emails/av8evalcd_order.cfm [Accessed 8/13/04].
Order a free 60-day trail version of ArcView 8.3 at this website, and use the accompanying tutorial to familiarize yourself with ArcView. Great for those
who don't have high-speed Internet access--all the data is included on the disc. After you order the demo, ESRI will send you an e-mail requesting you to take a short online survey; in return, ESRI will give you access to one of their online commercial training modules (the "15-Minute Map" course is very applicable to fire mapping).
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. 2002. ArcView Basic Training. Available online: http://thoreau.dnr.state.mn.us/mis/gis/tools/arcview/Training/WebHelp/Training.htm [Accessed 8/13/04].
(Go to "DNR GIS Courses" then "ArcView Basic Training" in the lefthand frame.) This comprehensive online training module provides an overview of ArcView capabilities and several hands-on exercises using the program. Includes ArcView ÂQuick Tips--from experienced users. This module requires that you have ArcView installed on your computer and is best experienced over a high-speed Internet connection.
Digital Mapping
McNamara, Joel. 2004. GPS for Dummies. Indianapolis, IN: Wiley Publishing. 382 pages.
This recently-published book has a somewhat misleading titleÂwhile it does contain around 100 pages on the use of GPS receivers, the majority of the book is devoted to digital mapping. It is a comprehensive but non-technical review of digital mapping programs, with an explanation of their uses and limitations. It briefly covers the difference between GIS and digital mapping, and discusses stand-alone programs (such as OziExplorer), web-based mapping services (like TopoZone) and commercial programs bundled with maps (for example,
National Geo's TOPO!). The book then offers detailed instructions on using specific mapping programs with GPS receivers, including the hardware and instructions for downloading data. The book also contains very useful descriptions of common map file formats. According to his introduction, the author is an experienced wildland firefighter and SAR technician, and as a result, this book is a great resource for learning how to incorporate GPS data and digital mapping into incident management. This book could easily serve as a user's manual for any of the mapping programs listed below.
TopoZone Website. Online: http://www.topozone.com/ [Accessed 8/14/04].
TopoZone is a web-based map server that is simple and quick to use and provides access to a comprehensive collection of digital topographic maps and aerial photos.
It's the fastest way to get a bare-bones digital topo map to work with when you arrive on a fire or get a new initial attack (if you have Internet accessÂ
). With a $49.95 upgrade to TopoZonePro, you can add interactive coordinate display, shaded relief and Public Land Survey System maps (for those
die-hard "Township/Range/Section" fans). Like most web-based mapping programs, it is unable to download data from GPS receivers and
won't interface with ArcGIS.
GPS Visualizer Website. Online: http://www.gpsvisualizer.com/ [Accessed 8/14/04].
GPS Visualizer is also a free web-based map server, but it accepts data files from GPS receivers. In fact, you have to have a GPS data file in order to download the map. Would be most useful when you have access to GPS data and no other way to dump it on a map quickly.
It's a little more complicated than TopoZone, but it will interface with OziExplorer (see below).
National Geographic TOPO! Software. [Publication date varies by package]. Website: http://maps.nationalgeographic.com/topo/ [Accessed 8/13/04].
TOPO! Mapping software comes bundled with digital maps in several different packages: national, regional, individual states and national parks. For fire mapping,
you'll want the individual state package.
It contains 1:24000 scale topo maps with the level of detail needed for off-road navigation. The advantages of NG TOPO are the ability to download GPS data and the inclusion of all base map data with the software package--no Internet connection required, no download time. With the addition of a rather expensive software extension that most GIS techs have available, NG TOPO map files can be imported into ArcGIS, meaning that all the work you put into that initial map can be captured when the GIS techs arrive. The downside is that
you'll have to pre-plan a way to access and purchase the package for the state you need, and each state runs about $90. Stop by a backpacking store or office supply center on your way to the fire.
VanNatter. 2001. OziExplorer GPS Mapping Software: Applications for Forestry and Wildland Fire. State of Idaho: Idaho Department of Lands. 24 pages.
OziExplorer is a raster data-based digital mapping program with extensive interactive features. It is a stand-alone program available in demo, shareware and registered versions ($85 USD); for fire mapping, the full functionality of the registered version is required. The advantages of the program include the ability to export or import from ArcGIS, perform distance and acreage calculations, and scan in paper maps. This document contains instructions for performing these functions, as well as other tasks common in fire management. It also includes a list of websites offering free
DRGs organized by state with specific instructions for State Plane Coordinates in Montana and Idaho. This instruction document combined with the McNamara book and the OziExplorer website will have you well on your way to becoming an expert user of this commonly-used fire mapping resource.
Base Map and Remote Sensing Data
Map Data
National Wildfire Coordinating Group Geospatial Task Group Site. Online: http://gis.nwcg.gov/
Click on the "Data" link at the top to go to a list of websites specializing in downloadable GIS data for wildland fire.
US Geological Survey National Geospatial Data Clearinghouse. Online: http://nsdi.usgs.gov/
A comprehensive list of links to GIS data.
Doyle's Dart Den GIS Links. Online: http://www.doylesdartden.com/gis/
This surprising website is actually devoted to poisonous frogs, but it also contains one of the most comprehensive and easy-to-use listings of free GIS base map data, organized by state and grouped by data format. His GPS links are worth
exploring as well (and of course it's a fantastic site if you're into poisonous frogs).
Infrared Flight Data
Zajkowski, Thomas, Lloyd Queen and Darrell VanBuren. 2003. Infrared Field User's Guide and Vendor Listing. Salt Lake City: USDA Remote Sensing Applications Center. 19 pages.
.pdf file
An excellent primer on the use of infrared sensors to detect fire perimeters and hot spots. IR data can be one of your most useful sources of intelligence on a growing fire, but it is also the most expensive. The information in this report will help you make the right decision on selecting the proper equipment, interpreter and vendor to ensure that time and money is not wasted on imagery that does not meet your needs. The report covers the science behind IR detection as well as the factors that affect its accuracy. The typing system for IR sensors and the capabilities and limitations of each are discussed. The report ends with a listing of available vendors and the specs and costs of their services, including whether the outputs can be supplied in GIS-ready format (a real time-saver over paper map outputs).
Infrared Scan Order Form: This Word document contains the Infrared Order Form with instructions for each block included in "Comment" boxes; go to the View menu and uncheck "Markup" to hide the comments before printing.
GPS
Garmin, Ltd. 2003. An Introduction to Using a Garmin GPS with Paper Maps for Land Navigation. Olathe, Kansas: Garmin International. 36 pages. .pdf file
This manual provides clear, concise instructions on using the most popular brand of GPS receivers on the fireline. As the SITL, you are the "go-to" person for GPS questions--this primer and the User Manuals on Garmin's website will assist you in providing accurate and effective instruction to fireline personnel.
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. 2004. Introduction to GPS. Available online: http://thoreau.dnr.state.mn.us/mis/gis/tools/arcview/Training/WebHelp/Training.htm [Accessed 8/15/04].
(Go to "DNR GIS Courses" then "Introduction to GPS" in the lefthand frame.) After reading the GPS basics from Garmin (above), familiarize yourself with specific information about other GPS receiver makes and models on this website. It also has excellent information on most Garmin mapping models, as well as a free extension for downloading Garmin data directly into ArcView; this extension will prove invaluable to you and your GIS tech.
The Future of GIS in Wildland Fire Management
GIS and Incident Management
Burchfield, James A., Theron A. Miller and Lloyd Queen. 2002. Investigation of Geospatial Support of Incident Management. Missoula, MT: University of Montana. 48 pages. .pdf file
A
"must read" for SITLs. This report studies the use of GIS in large fire management during the 2002 fire season. The investigation team interviewed members of Incident Management Teams on large fire incidents to ascertain how GIS was being utilized and identify what factors were critical in determining its current and future uses.
The investigators identified challenges in each of the three components that define GIS: data, infrastructure and personnel. Data are often difficult to access in the remote areas where some fire camps are located; even data that are available are often out-of-date or incompatible with other data. Remote fire camp locations are also inhospitable environments for large, expensive plotters and Internet-dependent functions of GIS. The GIS technicians assigned to the fire may not have sufficient fire experience to understand the needs of the IMT, and may have difficulty adjusting to the high-stress, time-dependent culture of a wildfire incident. The study notes that these issues, as well as the focus on high-production map-making may be significant factors in the observed failure of GIS to be more fully employed as an analytical decision-making tool in wildland fire management, concluding ÂÂ
a strategic vision for the use of geospatial technologies on fire incidents was not apparent to the research team.Â
For the SITL, the report highlights some commonly-encountered challenges with GIS on fire incidents, and through the quotes of respondents, presents the Âwork-arounds employed by experienced SITLs and GIS techs. For those interested in utilizing fire GIS at its full potential, the report delineates the challenges that lie ahead.
General Accounting Office. 2003. Geospatial Information: Technologies Hold Promise for Wildland Fire Management, But Challenges Remain. Washington, DC: General Accounting Office. 73 pages. .pdf file
This GAO report reaffirms the findings of the Burchfield, et al. study in concluding that an overall management strategy for use of geospatial technologies is needed in interagency fire management. While reiterating the challenges in infrastructure, data acquisition and staffing, it expands its scope into remote sensing and GPS technology, and summarizes ongoing and proposed initiatives to address these challenges. This report includes reference materials on federal fire policies, fire terminology and characteristics of remote sensing systems as well as succinct summaries of current and developmental geospatial technologies for use in fire management; it makes an excellent primer on how geospatial
information management fits into wildland fire management--today and in the future.
Allen, Sarah, and David Kehrlein, David Shreve and Richard Krause. 1996. Interactive Application of GIS During the Vision Wildfire at Point Reyes National Seashore. Available online: http://www.nps.gov/gis/applications/documents/pore/gisndx.htm [Accessed 8/13/04].
This website details a case study in which GIS technology was utilized extensively throughout the management of a wildfire in Point Reyes National Seashore. GIS was used for many functions, from mapping fire perimeters and threatened structures, to accessing damage to natural and cultural resources, aiding Burned Area Emergency Rehabilitation (BAER) teams in post-fire restoration efforts and documenting long-term monitoring and mitigation projects. The final page discusses challenges and problems with the use of GIS that arose during the incident with suggested solutions generated by the post-incident debriefing.
Clark, Timothy E. 2001. GIS Provides Critical Support for Wildfire Response. ArcUser Magazine, January 2001. Available Online: http://www.esri.com/news/arcuser/0101/geomac.html [Accessed 5/15/04].
This article chronicles the conception and implementation of GeoMac, an Internet-based GIS application for strategic allocation of firefighting resources. Although originally conceived as a tool for Area Commands during record-setting fire seasons, GeoMac has expanded into providing data at the individual incident level and to the general public. GeoMac applications also support fire aviation management and BAER teams. This project approaches the realization of
GIS's potential as a comprehensive fire management tool. Visit the GeoMac website to explore its capabilities.
Fire Behavior Simulation
Albright, Dorothy and Bernard N. Meisner. 1999. Classification of fire simulation systems. Fire Management Notes 59(2): 5-12.
Not only a concise and well-organized introduction to fire simulation systems and the science they are based on, this article defines the role of GIS data in fire prediction modeling and speculates on the future contribution of GIS to fire management. Possible areas for expansion include the application of fire behavior simulation as a fireline management training tool, and use of these systems to model the probability of containment with different fire suppression strategies. The potential of these simulation systems might prove most useful in displaying fire behavior and explaining suppression strategies to the public on high-profile incidents.
This article would be very useful as background information prior to reading the following two references on a specific fire simulation application:
Green, Kass, Mark Finney, and Jeff Campbell. 1995. FIRE! Using GIS to predict fire behavior. Journal of Forestry 93(5): 21-28.
Weinstein, David, and Kass Green, Jeff Campbell and Mark Finney. 1995. Fire Growth Modeling in an Integrated GIS Environment. Proceedings from 1995 ESRI Conference. Available online: http://gis.esri.com/library/userconf/proc95/to100/p092.html [Accessed 8/13/04]. (Both articles contain roughly the same content;
the "FIRE!" reference is more succinct and available in libraries, while
"Fire Growth Modeling" provides slightly more in-depth coverage and is available online.)
FIRE! is an ArcInfo-based fire behavior simulation application developed under contract to the Camp Lejuene Marine Corp Base. It provides
a "Graphic User Interface" (GUI) that allows the program to be used by field-level managers without advanced computer and GIS skills. The program differs from previous fire simulation applications (see Albright and Meisner, above) in two significant ways: FIRE! relies on a spatially-based fire prediction model (FARSITE), and it uses the vector-based wave propagation technique to model the results, rather than the raster-based cellular automation technique. These advances result in more accurate fire spread predictions without the repetitive calculations required by the non-spatial fire behavior programs.
Wildland-Urban Interface Mapping
RedZone Software website. Online: http://www.redzonesoftware.com [Accessed 8/13/04].
RedZone Software distributes PDA-based software for GIS-compatible structure assessment and initial attack mapping.
Patterson, Tom. [Web-published report, 2002]. Field GIS Provides Timely and Accurate Structural Damage Assessment During Wildfire. Available online: http://www.myfirecommunity.net/documents/Williams.pdf [Accessed 8/13/04].
This case study outlines the innovative integration of iPAQ PDAs running the ESRI application ArcPad with GPS receivers and digital cameras to map and document damaged structures during the 2002 Williams Fire in California. These techniques allow for the safe and timely collection and processing of urban interface mapping data, and result in more effective fire management decision-making.
E-mail: taberm@onid.orst.edu
This webpage was created for GEO 565, a distance education
course offered by Dr. Dawn Wright at Oregon State University.
Last Modified: October 24, 2005
Uploaded to new server: December 22, 2005
http://dusk.geo.orst.edu/gis/student_bibs/mtaber
