N9006 - GPS for ICS

Reviewed: GPS for Fire Management and ICS    

Course Description:

GPS FOR FIRE MANAGEMENT AND ICS is a 24-hour course for fire and incident management staff providing advanced training in the use of GPS equipment for navigation and data collection. Course participants use GPS receivers to navigate to known locations, correctly collect data that can be communicated in written or verbal formats, and download data used to create map products and files for use in a geographic information system (GIS) program, to meet the needs of fire managers or incident command staff. Additionally, participants learn to plan a mapping mission, use GPS in conjunction with digital and paper maps, and the functional role GPS technology plays in fire and all-hazard incident management today. The use of GPS is one of the most efficient methods for documenting information regarding the location of facilities, conditions, and environments affected by Wildfire, Floods, Earthquakes, and other incidents. Candidates from all agencies involved in all-hazard incident management are encouraged to apply.

NOTE: This course is NOT a GIS course. Those persons interested in learning more about the use of GIS for Incidents should apply for the S-341, GIS Specialist for Incident Management.

GPS HARDWARE: The Garmin GPSMAP 76S receiver will be used as the training platform to provide hands on experience in planning and executing all GPS missions. GPSMAP 76, GPSMAP 76C/CS, Garmin GPS V, eTrex Legend/Vista or GPSMAP60C receivers are not acceptable alternatives to the 76S for class use but may be brought along for use outside of class time. Familiarity with the GPS receiver on your home unit is important and taking time to apply classroom knowledge to your receiver is encouraged. If you do not have a Garmin GPSMAP 76S, we will provide one for your use.

 

Objectives:

During the course, students will:

• Set up a GPS receiver to navigate and collect data.
• Determine datum and coordinate system that the incident or home unit is using or is appropriate for the mission.
• Navigate using the GPS
• Develop efficient plan to collect requested data on an incident.
• Coordinate mission with GIS specialist of incident command staff or home unit. 
• Collect data using the GPS
• Manage for GPS error.
• Record metadata [in a notebook, field log, or on an Incident GPS Metadata Form].
• Download data from GPS unit to text files and ESRI shapefiles

Target Group:

Persons who need to operate a GPS unit to navigate and/or collect data in conjunction with fire management, wildland fire incidents, or other all-hazard incident and emergency management operations.

 

The Primary Target is non-GIS staff such as engine operators, field observers, engine captains, WUI specialists, fuels technicians, crew bosses, hotshot crew superintendents, fire use module members, and firefighters. The Secondary Target includes GIS tech/specialists and resource specialists wanting to improve use of GPS.

Prerequisites:

GPS HARDWARE: The Garmin GPSMAP 76S receiver will be used as the training platform to provide hands on experience in planning and executing all GPS missions. GPSMAP 76, GPSMAP 76C/CS, Garmin GPS V, eTrex Legend/Vista or GPSMAP60C receivers are not acceptable alternatives to the 76S for class use but may be brought along for use outside of class time. Familiarity with the GPS receiver on your home unit is important and taking time to apply classroom knowledge to your receiver is encouraged. If you do not have a Garmin GPSMAP 76S, we will provide one for your use.

Offer Level:
Geographic Area

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