This is an automated archive made by the Lemmit Bot.

The original was posted on /r/Ultralight by /u/t103z on 2025-09-09 04:28:01+00:00.

I’ve always liked the “smoke forecast” layer in GAIA GPS, and since switching to Caltopo I’ve been missing it. After some tinkering with custom layers, I figured out how to add the Canadian Smoke Plume forecast directly into Caltopo and thought I’d share it here

Here’s how:

1. In Caltopo: Map Objects → Add → Custom Source
2. In the pop-up:
   1. Type: WMS
   2. Name: {any name}
   3. Overlay?: No
   4. URL template. Paste the code below.
3. Save to account if you want it to stick.
4. From map layers, stack your base layer, then add your new smoke layer and adjust opacity to taste.

https://geo.weather.gc.ca/geomet?SERVICE=WMS&VERSION=1.1.1&REQUEST=GetMap&STYLES=&BBOX=%7Bleft%7D%2C%7Bbottom%7D%2C%7Bright%7D%2C%7Btop%7D&SRS=EPSG%3A4326&WIDTH=%7Btilesize%7D&HEIGHT=%7Btilesize%7D&LAYERS=RAQDPS.Sfc_PM2.5-WildfireSmokePlume&FORMAT=image%2Fpng&TRANSPARENT=TRUE

This adds the current PM2.5 plume forecast at surface level (same data as Environment Canada’s FireWork site).

Limitations: low-res, current conditions only. Forecast layers are possible, but take more setup — I might share later if I streamline it.

If you want to nerd out more, here’s the Environment Canada docs.

https://preview.redd.it/oia8wlg3g2of1.png?width=2588&format=png&auto=webp&s=a285eaf5c7a86a4b19a5293a8ec25de4d4412ed4