FIM Toolbox: Prepare Your FIM Report

Step 4. Prepare your report and geospatial data

PREPARING YOUR REPORT

All USGS-approved FIM libraries must have an accompanying report that adequately documents all study area, data sources, modeling, mapping, and QA/QC information.

• Minimum Documentation Standards for FIM Libraries
• FIM Mapper Print Product text template for summary information to be included in the PDF print tool in the mapper (updated 3/27/14, Word). REQUIRED FOR ALL SUBMISSIONS.
   

►  USGS FIM Library

All USGS-approved FIM libraries must have an accompanying USGS Scientific Investigations Report (SIR) or Scientific Investigations Map (SIM). An SIR or SIM must meet the published USGS standards for those report series.

SIR guidance
SIR annotated outline template for flood library Scientific Investigations Report. Includes detailed model documentation and a section on using the mapper pdf products. (updated 10/26/17, Word)

SIM Guidance

• SIM pamphlet text template for flood library Scientific Investigations Map report (updated 10/26/17, Word)
• Illustrator map template for SIMs - Portrait (updated 1/10/14, 79 MB, Adobe Illustrator)
• Illustrator map template for SIMs - Landscape (updated 1/10/14, 28 MB, Adobe Illustrator)
• Map Sheet Instructions (updated 1/10/14, 39 MB PDF file)

►  Furnished FIM Library

Furnished FIM Libraries must have an accompanying document or report that meets the minimum documentation standards for FIM libraries.

Useful References - list of published references for flood inundation mapping projects (updated 11/27/10, 25kb, Word) 

Disclaimer and Uncertainty statements for Map Library Files: To be used in all single-site applications, i.e., metadata, SIMs, and pdf maps (updated 02/01/12, Word) This disclaimer CANNOT be modified.

PREPARING YOUR GEOSPATIAL DATA 
Prepare your data files using the submission guidelines in the documents below (single site and two-site options):

• Single Site Library Guidance - formatting, naming conventions, GIS tips, and submission instructions. See scripts above for additional assistance. (updated 9/23/15, pdf)
• Two Site "Decision Matrix" Library Guidance (updated 9/23/15, pdf)
• Projection file - Please reproject your shapefile to this projection before submission (updated 5/3/11, prj file)
• Metadata template files for shapefiles and grids - USGS/NWS checked metadata files that meet all necessary standards. (updated 12/2/11, xml files)

Step 5. Submit your initial files

►  USGS FIM Library

Your USGS team member will fill out the SharePoint form: https://xcollaboration.usgs.gov/wg/wiwsc/FIMI/ 

• Fill in ALL required fields (those with a red asterisk*) for the review mapper submission. Missing information can result in delays.
• Zip all of your organized files together and place them on an FTP site. Indicate the FTP location on the SharePoint form.
• Attach the FIM Mapper Print Product text template to your SharePoint submission. Strict character limits will be enforced.
• Processing will begin as soon as your data is submitted. Please contact us as soon as possible if you have a strict deadline you need to meet. Normal processing time for complete submissions is two weeks.

►  USGS Furnished FIM Library

• Zip all of your organized files together and place them on an FTP site. Be sure to include the FIM Mapper Print Product text template (strict character limits will be enforced). 
• Your USGS contact (the Water Science Center Director or designee) will fill out the initial SharePoint form and inform you where to submit your files. 
• Processing will begin as soon as your data is submitted. Please contact us as soon as possible if you have a strict deadline you need to meet. Normal processing time for complete submissions is two weeks.

You are encouraged to use the peer-review mapper to proof your library and to assist your peer reviewers. Submit your files at least two weeks before your reviewers need online access your maps.

Step 6. Perform peer reviews

Both USGS and Furnished FIM Libraries must have two peer reviews (USGS or non-USGS) of the hydraulic modeling, mapping, and documentation. These reviews must meet the USGS Fundamental Science Practices requirements described in Survey Manual Chapter 502.3. 

We recommend including the FIM Mapper Print Product text template in your peer reviews.

Step 7. Incorporate peer review comments

Once you've received your peer reviews, revise your document as appropriate. 

For USGS FIM Libraries, you must thoroughly document your responses and/or actions to each peer review comment, just like a typical USGS report. For Furnished FIM Libraries, we encourage you to document your responses to your peer reviews, as this will help your USGS Center Director review and approve your library in a more efficient and timely manner.

Step 8. Editorial review (USGS FIM Library only)

As per the standard USGS report process, you must have an editorial review done through the USGS Science Publishing Network (SPN). before your report can be approved. 

We recommend including the FIM Mapper Print Product text template in your editorial review. 

IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS

• Minimum Documentation Standards for FIM Libraries
• FIM Mapper Print Product text template
• Single Site Library Guidance
• Metadata Template Files for Shapefiles and Grids