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If you have been following our daily updates, visited one of our fire information boards, or attended our community meetings, you’ve no doubt seen one of our maps. Incidents rely heavily on the use of maps for operational planning and information sharing. But who is collecting this data and putting it on a map? Read on to learn more about our Geographic Information System (GIS) Unit.

The GIS staff collects data that has been verified from personnel in the field through a mobile app called Field Maps, where people can track and plot exact georeferenced points. As the data is being collected, it’s simultaneously uploaded to ArcGIS Online (AGOL). As a result, GIS professionals in the office can begin working on and updating maps in a timely manner.

Georeferenced points are important for locating spike camps where helicopters will drop supplies. They also accurately record road data around the fire to help with transportation to and from the line. They can also note where intended fireline is planned.

GIS personnel also go to briefings for operations where they can receive live updates from the crews about what area is contained and what needs to change on the map.

Every unit in on an incident relies on these maps that are created and updated daily for fire work and sharing information. We would be lost without our GIS Unit.