MCG Maps

Getting Started with MCG Maps

Create an Incident, use its Topo Map, add a GeoPDF when needed, and begin your field workflow.

Create an Incident

Every new Incident immediately includes a permanent Topo Map. You do not need to import a PDF before opening the map, viewing an accepted current location, or adding Markers.

  1. Open MCG Maps.
  2. From the Incidents screen, create a new Incident.
  3. Enter the Incident name.
  4. Save the Incident.

Use the Topo Map

Open Topo Map from the Incident's Maps screen. It uses an online USGS topographic basemap.

Your current location and Incident Markers can appear on the Topo Map. Location availability and accuracy depend on normal device and environmental conditions.

Add a GeoPDF Map

Open Add Map and choose one of these options:

MCG Maps validates each PDF through the normal GeoPDF import pipeline. A PDF that looks like a map may not contain supported geospatial information.

After import, the GeoPDF appears geographically over the topo basemap. You can pan beyond the PDF boundary onto topo, adjust PDF opacity, or disable the basemap while viewing the PDF.

  1. Download from NIFC to search current incidents and choose a discovered PDF.
  2. Scan QR Code to use a supported NIFC directory or direct PDF link.
  3. Import from Device to choose a PDF from Files.

Add Incident-wide Markers

Use Add Marker to record information at a geographic location. Markers can include a type, supported classification, description, coordinates, size, and photos.

Markers belong to the Incident rather than to one GeoPDF. They remain available as you switch Maps and can appear beyond a selected PDF boundary on the Topo Map surface.

Connected and local use

Imported GeoPDFs, Incidents, Markers, Marker photos, and local map and Marker workflows are stored on the device and remain usable without internet access.

The online USGS Topo Map and NIFC incident discovery, product discovery, and PDF download require a network connection. An iPhone may still obtain GPS location without cellular service, subject to normal device and location conditions.

Sharing is a deliberate transfer through the available iOS workflows. MCG Maps does not provide live synchronization or an incident-wide common operating picture.