Seeing through the Smoke with GIS

By Tom Patterson, ESRI Wildland Fire Specialist

Maps created using GIS software can be one of a firefighter's most important tools when fighting a raging wildfire. Firefighters use the maps to view their tactical assignments, familiarize themselves with the terrain, and see the fire's perimeters and progression. California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger also recently consulted GIS maps when he needed to check the status of a series of fires that burned across the state. Read the article.

When wildfires rage, officials, such as California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, need GIS maps to get a better picture of the crisis. Photos by Lew Nelson and Tom Patterson/ESRI.

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