Wildland Mobile Technology Cheat Sheet
July 28, 2016 – These days, a world of information is at our fingertips. Here’s a list of mobile applications widely used within the fire and aviation management community. The cheat sheet, provided through the Wildland Fire Lessons Learned Center, is based off of feedback and field information from pilots over the past year. It’s consolidated into general categories – most commonly occurring and relevant – to those working in the wildland fire management world. The intent of this cheat sheet is to provide a starting point for employees using mobile tech, primarily through applications and devices, in fire.
This is not an all inclusive list and there may be more out there that may be beneficial for specific users.
Do you see one that is not on this list?
Click here for a pdf version of the Cheat Sheet: WMTWG Cheat Sheet 2016 Fire Season
Wildland Mobile Technology Working Group
Mobile Technology Cheat Sheet
Note: This list is not a recommendation or endorsement of any of these applications/technologies. This list is not all inclusive. Application/technology use and preference is very user specific.
Mobile Applications
The tables below are applications widely used within the Fire and Aviation Management Community.
Geospatial/Mapping Applications
Application
Website
Operating Systems
Description
Collector
ESRI, Collector for ArcGIS
iOS, Android, Windows 10
Offline collecting and updating of data in the field that works with ArcGIS Online. IMTs will be using this increasingly during fire season for incident data collection and maps.
Avenza PDF Maps
PDF Maps website
iOS, Android
Geospatial PDF, GeoPDF and GeoTIFF reader. Easily downloads, browses and interacts with maps. Formats supported by ArcGIS. Ability to geotag photos, mark waypoints, export, etc. Available offline.
Topo Maps
USGS topographic Maps on iPhone and iPad
iOS
Downloadable USGS TopoMaps and many features available such as waypoint marking, distances, navigation, etc.
GIS Pro by Grafata
GIS Pro on iTunes for iPhone and iPad
iOS
Downloadable map tiles and ability to create features while collecting data. Easy import and export via iTunes or email – of KMLs and SHP files. Available offline.
Glympse
Glympse an app to Share location information
iOS, Windows, Android
Location sharing in real-time
ForeFlight
Foreflight, Intelligence mapping for pilots
iOS
Intelligence mapping for pilots. Features hazards, track up, terrain maps, runway centerlines and traffic patterns. Also provides documents for Flight Ops. Yearly subscription cost.
Gaia GPS- Offline Topo Maps
GAIA GPS, Downloadable topo maps
iOS, Android
Downloadable topo maps, offline caching availability.
*GAIA is free for firefighters.
You Need A Map
iTunes Various Maps of the USA
iOS
Large US map. Data is based on US Census and OpenStreetMap.org. Large file 2GB. Good quality topo with roads included.
Real time updates, primarily weather applications
Application
Website
Operating Systems
Description
Aero Weather Lite
Lakehorn, AeroWeather Pro
iOS
Current weather conditions and forecasts for pilots. Also contains searchable database.
Darksky
Dark Sky, Source of Hyperlocal Weather
iOS, Android
Dark Sky is the most accurate source of hyperlocal weather information. With down-to-the-minute forecasts, you’ll know exactly when the rain will start or stop, right where you’re standing.
Sunrise
Sunrise/Sunset Calculator
iOS
Simple sunrise/sunset times automatically selected based on your lat/long location. Can operate on an iTouch and offline.
My Radar
NOAA Customizable Animated Radar
iOS, Android
Animated weather radar around your current location. Option to receive weather warnings and alerts.
Wundermap
Weather Underground Customizable weather
iOS, Android
Displays weather at your current location.
Documentation and Notes Applications
Application
Website
Operating Systems
Google Applications (Drive, Docs, etc)
Google Mobile
iTunes App Preview
Android, iOS
DoForms
DoForm, Mobile form builder
Android, iOS
Evernote
EveryNote
Android, iOS
Notability
Notability, Note taking on Mobile device
iOS
Theodolite
Theodolite on iTunes
(Theodolite lets you take geo-tagged camera images, screenshots, movies, and screen movies directly from the app, with 2X and 4X digital zoom and fast buffered saves. You can choose to overlay geographical data, time, date, and custom notes directly on photos and movies.)
iOS
Incident Command Table
Table Command Homepage
iOS, Android
MS Office Apps
Microsoft WORD on iTunes
iOS, Android,
Wildland Fire Specific Applications
Application
Website
Operating Systems
Description
Fire Weather Calculator
Fire Weather Calculator on Google Play
Fire Weather Calculator on iTunes
iOS, Android
Calculation of RH, FDFM, and PIG. Archiving of weather obs. Attach pics and share.
WildFire Info
http://www.firewhat.com/app/ NOT ACTIVE
iOS
Incident information including fire perimeters
Wildland Toolkit
Peakview, Wildland Toolkit
iOS
Fire behavior checklists and calculations as well as IRPG safety checklists.
Miscellaneous common applications
Application
Website
Operating Systems
Description
AndFTP
AndPDF for FTP Clients
Android
FTP client to use when accessing the NIFC FTP site (the official interagency repository for incident data)
Perfect Reader
Perfect Reader Pro – PDF and Document Reader
iOS
PDF Reader, annotator and file converter
DropBox
Dropbox, Mobile File Stiorage App
iOS, Android, Blackberry
Cloud storage
FTPClient Pro
FTP Client Pro on iTunes
iOS
FTP client when accessing the NIFC FTP site (the official interagency repository for incident data)
QR Reader
Tape Media QR Code Reader
iOS, Android
Scans QR codes
Social Media
Official Twitter / Facebook pages
iOS, Android, Blackberry, Windows, Nokia
Social media apps, track real time info, follow IMTs, Crews, Dispatch Centers, GACCS, etc.
*Reminder: This isn’t all inclusive, there are several more applications that may be beneficial for specific users (i.e. GISS, Aviation personnel).
**Note: there are several mobile websites that are frequently utilized as well: WFDSS-Lite, WildfiresNearMe, EGP, etc.
Department and Agency Assistance and Guidance
Refer to your Department / Agency CIO website for guidance regarding purchasing mobile applications and associated policies or contact your local IT specialist for assistance. Certain mobile technologies (devices and/or applications) may require a Technical Approval process.
Mobile Devices
It’s really user preference! Consider what you’d primarily use it for and ask yourself a few questions to guide your selection between operating system, tablets, smartphone, and device storage:
Do you use your device for mapping / media storage (photos) / documentation?
Do you have difficulty seeing your screen or using your screen’s keyboard?
Do you use applications that are only available on certain operating systems?
Do you prefer the biometric lock feature (iOS) vs typing in your password?
Do you have room (cargo pocket / laptop case) to carry a bigger device?
Mobile Device Accessories
There are several accessories (e.g. solar chargers, battery boosters) that are helpful within the fire and aviation environment. Research and ask your co-workers what works best for them.
Mobile Technology in Fire and Aviation Management
(Hosted by the Wildland Fire Lessons Learned Center)
Share advice, ask questions and keep tabs on how mobile technology is being used with your co-workers. Sign up as a member now:
Wildland Fire Lessons Learned Center Registration
