Frequently asked questions
Straight answers to common questions about MCG Maps.
What is MCG Maps?
MCG Maps is a simple field-mapping and personal situational-awareness app for wildland firefighters. Each Incident includes an online Topo Map, and supported GeoPDFs can be added as overlays. You can see an accepted device location, keep track of what matters with Incident-wide Markers, and deliberately share useful files or data.
Who is MCG Maps built for?
MCG Maps is built primarily for wildland firefighters and other people carrying incident maps in the field who want a simple way to maintain their own map-based field information.
What kind of maps does MCG Maps use?
Every Incident has a permanent Topo Map using an online USGS topographic basemap. You can also add supported georeferenced PDF (GeoPDF) Maps, including many Operations and Division maps. An imported GeoPDF appears geographically over topo, but a regular PDF that looks like a map may not contain supported geospatial information.
Does MCG Maps work offline?
The local field workflow does. Imported GeoPDFs, Incidents, Markers, Marker photos, and local map and Marker tools remain usable without internet. Online USGS topo tiles and NIFC incident discovery, product discovery, and PDF downloads require a connection. An iPhone may still obtain GPS location without cellular service, subject to normal device and location conditions.
Do I need to import a GeoPDF before using an Incident?
No. Every Incident includes Topo Map from the start. You can open it, view an accepted current location, and work with Incident Markers without importing a PDF. Topo Map itself requires a network connection to retrieve USGS basemap tiles.
What happens when I add a GeoPDF?
A supported GeoPDF is drawn geographically over the topo basemap. You can pan beyond its boundary onto topo, adjust PDF opacity, or hide the basemap. The imported PDF is stored locally and remains usable if the network or basemap is unavailable.
How does NIFC map discovery work?
Download from NIFC searches current incident records and discovers map products from public NIFC services. You choose the correct incident and explicitly select a PDF to download through the normal validation and import pipeline. MCG Maps does not host NIFC data, and imported maps do not automatically synchronize or update.
What can I do with MCG Maps?
You can use Topo Map, add supported GeoPDF overlays, see an accepted location, rotate and recenter the map, measure a temporary multi-segment distance, keep multiple Maps together, search and filter Incident-wide Markers, work with DD, DDM, and DMS coordinates, and share Map or Marker files.
Are Markers attached to a particular GeoPDF?
No. Markers belong to the Incident and store geographic locations. They remain available as you switch Maps, and a Marker outside the selected PDF boundary can appear on the surrounding Topo Map surface.
Does MCG Maps save measurements?
No. Measure Distance creates a temporary multi-segment straight-line measurement using geodesic segments. Add Point, Undo, and Clear manage the temporary measurement; Done exits measurement mode and clears it.
Does sharing make MCG Maps a live collaborative map?
No. MCG Maps does not provide a live shared map or automatically synchronize field information between users. Sharing lets you deliberately send useful Map or Marker information to someone else using the available sharing tools.
Does MCG Maps require an account?
No. There is no MCG Maps account or sign-in.
Where is my data kept?
Your imported Maps, Incidents, Markers, photos, and other field data are kept locally on your device. MCG Maps does not upload that field data to MCG servers during normal use. Connected Topo Map and NIFC features do make requests to the relevant third-party public services for the map information you request.
Does MCG Maps include advertising?
No. MCG Maps does not include advertising.
What devices does MCG Maps support?
MCG Maps is currently available for iPhone and iPad.
What if my GeoPDF doesn't work?
We want to know about it, especially during the beta. GeoPDFs can vary considerably depending on how they were created. If an incident map fails to import, displays incorrectly, or puts geographic information in the wrong place, email MCG Maps support and include the PDF or information about where it came from when possible.
Where can I get MCG Maps?
MCG Maps is currently in beta and available through Apple's TestFlight program. Visit the TestFlight guide for instructions on joining the beta.