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Review and Export Layout


Refer to the Map Elements page of GeoOps and review your layout to ensure that all required elements (STANDL SGD) are present and correct.

Export the layout from the Share tab on the ribbon > Export Layout button. Export settings may vary depending on the plotter and driver used. Ensure export of georeference information and font embedding are good practice.

Review the exported layout to ensure it appears as intended, i.e., all fonts display correctly, assignment breaks and labels appear, labels do not overlap, there are no data selections in the map, etc.

If needed, reduce or optimize the size of the exported PDF. This can be done in Adobe Acrobat Pro, Foxit PDF, or with several free online tools. The smaller the file size of the PDF, the faster uploads to and downloads from FTP and/or SharePoint will be for both GISS and firefighters using the products in the Avenza Maps application.

Additional Considerations for Digital-Only Geospatial PDFs

All PDFs exported from ArcGIS are geo-enabled (unless default settings have been modified) and can be used in any software that works with 'GeoPDFs.'

However, creating a Geospatial PDF designed specifically for digital use in an application like Avenza Maps follows a different workflow than creating a traditional paper map since it is not constrained by paper sizes. The Geospatial PDF should be designed with the user's area of interest and map scale in mind first with the "page" size determined second.

Operational needs will dictate the type of Geospatial PDF to be created. Once that determination is made, decide on the base map that best suits that type of map. For example, an IAP map will require topography, while transportation will need a roads layer. Aerial imagery can also be very beneficial for some maps. In some cases, the background on the topographic map can be made transparent and the topo can be displayed on top of aerial imagery.

The appropriate map scale for use on a mobile device also needs to be determined. Typical topo maps should be at 1:24k; aerial imagery may be 1:8k-12k; and a travel map may be 1:50k-100k.

Focus on the map scale the end-user needs to do their job. Since a PDF is a single static image, not a tile cache like a web map, there will be no additional information when a user "zooms in," only what's already there but bigger. This is why the scale is important, if the features, and labels are all sized for 8k, but the map needs to be used at 24k, everything will be far too small.

The last consideration is the “page size.” Since the map is designed for digital use only and not being printed, it does not need to adhere to a standard size. Rather than the paper size, the “page size” is determined by the area of interest and ArcMap/Pro allows you to set a custom page size to cover the area that you need. There is a trade-off between page size, scale, and output file size, so be sure to keep that in mind during this process. The PDF file should be compressed/optimized for easier distribution before being loaded onto devices for use on the fireline.

The map must still have all the standard map elements (STANDL SGD), however, a few modifications are useful. The title, legend, etc. need to be legible, but they don’t have to be large enough to read at a 1:1 scale. Additionally, the amount of white space around the borders can be minimized since there is no risk of a printer cutting it off.

After exporting a map designed primarily for digital consumption, it’s best practice to test the map in the application in which it will be used.

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National Wildland Firefighter Day

Date: July 2, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
National Interagency Fire Center

The National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) recognizes July 2, 2025, as National Wildland Firefighter Day (NWFFD). Established in 2022, NWFFD honors the dedication of wildland firefighters and support personnel. This day falls within the 2025 Week of Remembrance (June 30 - July 6), providing an opportunity to renew our commitment to wildland firefighter safety while remembering those who have fallen in the line of duty.

NWCG provides leadership to enable interoperable wildland fire operations among federal, state, local, Tribal, and territorial partners. NWCG standards and training establish common practices to contribute to safe, effective, and coordinated interagency wildland fire operations nationwide.

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Week of Remembrance

National Wildland Firefighter Day

2025 Week of Remembrance

Date: June 27, 2025
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6 Minutes for Safety Subcommittee

As we approach the 2025 Week of Remembrance (WOR), June 30–July 6, we dedicate this time to reflect on the past incidents from 2015 and honor the fallen through learning. Since its inception in 2014, WOR has honored wildland firefighters who made the ultimate sacrifice while encouraging critical discussions that reinforce lessons learned.

Throughout the week, we encourage thoughtful and generative conversations—whether in briefing rooms or at tailgates—that promote a culture of continuous learning and safety.

References:

2025 Week of Remembrance: Letter to Leadership

Wildland Fire Lessons Learned Center

ETC Equipment Bulletin: 25-003 Flame-Resistant Shirt Survey

Date: June 12, 2025
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Equipment Technology Committee

The U.S. Forest Service National Technology and Development Program (NTDP) is seeking input on the Forest Service-designed flame-resistant (FR) shirt, currently available through the National Interagency Support Cache system and FedMall.

NTDP is conducting a product review to improve future FR shirt designs. As part of this effort, a short survey is now open for federal employees who have worn any of three recent FR shirt models. Feedback will guide design improvements to better meet the needs of wildland firefighters.

To comply with the Paperwork Reduction Act, responses are limited to federal employees. The survey is open through September 12, 2025. 

References:

NWCG Alerts

ETC Equipment Bulletin: 25-003

NEW! S-130, Firefighter Training (Blended) Now Available

Date: June 10, 2025
If you have questions, please visit our FAQ page. 
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submit your question using our Contact Us form. 
 

The S-130, Firefighter Training (Blended), equips new wildland firefighters with essential skills through a mix of online learning and hands-on training. The course features a required online component and an instructor-led exercise, reinforcing online concepts with practical performance-based training.

The course builds competencies in wildland fire operations, safety, and equipment use, applicable across various operational environments. Both the online component and instructor-led field exercise must be completed to receive a certificate of completion. Students are required to finish the prerequisite S-190, Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior, before enrolling in S-130, Firefighter Training (Blended).

References:

S-130, Firefighter Training (Blended)

S-190, Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior

Wildland Fire Learning Portal