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Step 1 - Open Data Source Manager

  • Launch QGIS
  • Open 'Layer'
  • Click 'Data Source Manager' (or use the shortcut icon on the toolbar)


 

Open Data Source Manager

Step 2 - Create New Connection

  • Select WFS / OGC API – Features (from the source manager list on the left)
  • Click on 'New' to create new connection
Create New Connection

Step 3 - Specify Connection Parameters

  • Name: Enter a name for the new connection
  • For server URL set:
    • https://firms.modaps.eosdis.nasa.gov/mapserver/wfs/[LAYER_TYPE]/<YOUR_MAP_KEY>/
    • [LAYER_TYPE] is the geographic region of interest (review the GetCapabilities list here)
    • <YOUR_MAP_KEY> is a unique code containing both letters and numbers; you can request a free Map Key here: https://firms.modaps.eosdis.nasa.gov/mapserver/wfs-info/#firms-mapkey
    • For example - for the WFS for the contiguous USA and Hawaii, you would insert: https://firms.modaps.eosdis.nasa.gov/mapserver/wfs/USA_contiguous_and_Hawaii/<YOUR_MAP_KEY>/
    • If successful, this would list the MODIS & VIIRS (including S-NPP, NOAA-20, NOAA-21) Fire / Hotspots for the last 24 hours and last 7 days.
  • Click on OK.
Specify Connection Parameters

Step 4 - Select FIRMS Layer

  • Click on 'Connect' to get the list of available FIRMS layers
  • Choose layer(s) of interest
  • Click on 'Add'
Select FIRMS Layer

Step 5 - Customize Color and Attributes

  • Open Layer Properties
  • Select 'Symbology'


 

Customize Color and Attributes

Step 6 - View Results

  • The map will display custom symbology
View Results

Details

Last Updated

April 22, 2026

Published

Nov. 12, 2019