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Data Toolbox

Data resources for incident UAS operations.  

Last Update: 7/21/2025 

Prospective UASDs!  

UASD can be an entry point into wildland fire support.  If you have never been to a fire before, please work with your local fire specialists to acquire the necessary training, gear, and knowledge to setup for success before you make yourself available as a trainee.  

All UASD trainees must have appropriate hardware and software ready upon arrival at an assignment.  For the 2025 season, this includes:

  • Laptop with agency GIS specifications or ArcGIS Pro Specifications
  • ArcGIS Pro version 3.3
  • A NIFC ArcGIS Online account and completion of any required training, such as the Acceptable Use Policy Course

Additional capabilities include:

  • ESRI Imagery Analyst License
  • Photogrammetry software such as Metashape, Pix4D, Drone2Map or other equivalent software.
  • WinSCP and a NAP account (NIFC FTP access)
  • VLC or other software for converting and manipulating video
  • A mobile device with Avenza and ESRI Field Maps

Skills required for success are varied depending on the assignment.  At a minimum trainees must be familiar with:

  • Efficient use of ESRI ArcGIS Pro for cartography and spatial analysis
  • Creating, editing, and managing data in a geodatabase
  • The GeoOps file structure and naming conventions
  • The National Incident Feature Service 

Production expectations for UASD are typically:

  • Management and dissemination of UAS data and imagery
  • Creation of intelligence products to inform incident decisions
  • Creation and/or manipulation of MISB compliant Full Motion Video
  • Creation of orthomosaics
  • Creation and management of maps and other spatial data for use in UAS ground control stations

Remote Trainees:  If you are mobilizing without a qualified UASD, please ensure there is a plan for support and assistance, ideally with an on-call UASD, before you mobilize.  UASD training will follow the NWCG Position Task Book process and responsibilities as outlined at About Position Task Books | NWCG  

UASD Self sufficiency:  Depending on the situation, data specialists may or may not have access to fire camp amenities.  UASDs should be prepared for self sufficiency on assignment, especially if supporting Type 3 or 4 UAS modules.  Talk to the UASM or UASL before mobilizing to confirm expected arrangements for food and lodging.  Keep in mind that UAS modules commonly move between fires, so the situation may change over the course of an assignment.    

The Red Book Safety and Risk Management Standards (Chapter 7) has information that may be helpful for trainees with minimal fire experience.  

Planning

Guides

Data Structures

Data Sharing

Data Sources

 

Operations

CWN Systems Overview

Flight Planning

Metashape and Photogrammetry

Tools

 

Training and Reference

Incident Support Summaries

Software and Hardware Reference

UASD Position Information 

Links

 

Sample Data

GeoPDF

Sample Data