FIM Toolbox: Obtain Approval and Publish Your FIM Library

Step 10. Submit your FIM Library (data and report) for approval 

Once your peer reviews are complete and you have incorporated their suggestions, you can submit your library for approval.

►  USGS FIM Library

• Enter your USGS report information and supporting files into IPDS, and follow the normal SIR or SIM approval process.
• The USGS Bureau Approving Official (BAO) will ensure that you have met the USGS FIM Library requirements, and grant approval to publish your library.
• Make any revisions requested by the BAO.

►  Furnished FIM Library

• Submit your data and report files to the USGS Water Science Center Director associated with your gage.
• The Center Director (or delegate) will complete the FIM SharePoint entry, verify your peer reviews, and confirm that you have met the minimum documentation requirements. The Center Director grants approval to publish your Furnished FIM Library.
• Make any revisions requested by the Center Director.

Step 11. Submit your final files for publication 

Once you've made your final revisions, your files are ready to be submitted for publication to the FIM Mapper.

►  USGS FIM Library 

• Submit final report files to the USGS Science Publishing Network (SPN).
  Per the SPN, USGS FIM reports can be routed through any of the USGS Publishing Service Centers (PSC) that have the expertise and knowledge to produce the final FIM SIR/SIM products using the templates. 
   
• Submit final data files 
  Upload final data files via your FTP site and fill out the remaining fields in the SharePoint form. You must have all the SharePoint fields completed before final publishing, including: 
  • Approved Report number and links to the final report and the associated data release.
  • Names, URLs and logos for the parties involved in creating and reviewing the maps (partners and OFA)
  • Basic logos are on file (USGS, NWS, and USACE), but we need to know which ones should be included with your library. Upload any additional logos that should appear in the mapper and print products through the SharePoint site. Logos should be a maximum height of 150 pixels.
     
• Review your library (on the FIM review mapper) and your final SIR/SIM report from the SPN.
• Approve your library and report to go live on the public FIM mapper and in the USGS Publications Warehouse. The final mapper upload and proofing can happen concurrently with your publications layout but the final links to pubs warehouse are needed before the maps can be published.

►  Furnished FIM Library

• Submit final data files to the mapper via your FTP site. 
  • Basic logos are on file (USGS, NWS, and USACE) but please let us know which ones to post. Include any additional logos that should appear in the mapper and print products in your FTP site submission. Logos should be a maximum height of 150 pixels.
• Review your library (on the FIM review mapper).
• Approve your library to go live on the public FIM mapper.

Step 12. Perform loss estimation (Optional)

Once your library is approved and finalized, the loss-estimation modeling can be completed using your final depth grids. Please allow for additional time and planning for publishing. 

While multiple loss-estimation models are available, the cheapest and most commonly used option is FEMA's HAZUS-MH methodology. Learn more about how HAZUS and flood inundation mapping work together here. HAZUS analysis can be conducted for a new FIM site or already-completed FIM site.