Map Overlays
Maps may include these basic elements as outlined by the NWCG:
Labels*: Text on the map that specifies boundaries or geographical features (e.g., cities, bodies of water).
Legend: The key that describes the meaning of colors and symbols found on the map.
Title: The basic description of the map, including items such as incident name and map type. The Unit Identifier and the Local Incident Identifier are included (e.g., ID-BOF-0095). For certain maps, the title must also include the operation date and/or period for which the map was produced.
Scale: A graphical expression of a fixed distance, such as 1,000 feet or 1 mile. A textual description, such as 1:24,000 or 1” = 1 mile is useful if the map is printed at the desired output size; however, because digital maps (such as PDFs) can be printed at various sizes, it is preferable to use a graphical scale bar.
North arrow: The graphical display used to orient the map correctly. This element could also include additional direction indicators for magnetic declination or grid angle.
Date of preparation: Including the date and time the map was produced informs the map user of the currency of the information displayed on the map.
Author: The person or group that prepared the map.
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