The FIM Toolbox contains comprehensive information on the Flood Inundation Mapping program, including how to develop a flood inundation map library. This section of the FIM Toolbox provides information on how to prepare your FIM science. The Toolbox is updated as new resources become available.
Step 1. Build your project team, select your stream reach and USGS streamgage, and identify available data and models (both hydraulic and elevation).
The first thing you need to do is build your flood inundation team. Teams typically consist of representatives from USGS, NWS, local government (engineers or emergency managers), and state emergency management. We also recommend that you consider including (or at least consult with) additional stakeholders such as your local floodplain managers, infrastructure managers (levees, dams, navigation, or public works), first responders, and other federal, state and local government representatives and agencies.
► USGS representatives for a USGS FIM Library:
If you are building a typical USGS FIM library, you will likely be working with a USGS partner that you already know. They will be your FIM team, serve as the USGS lead author, and will help guide your library through the USGS review and approval process.
► USGS representatives for a USGS Furnished FIM Library:
If you are creating a Furnished FIM Library, you may not have a USGS representative on your FIM team (although we recommend it). You will need to contact the USGS Water Science Center who oversees your selected streamgage and work with the Center Director (or their designee) during the Furnished FIM Library process. You may also contact the USGS FIM Program Coordinator for help determining your local USGS contact.
- Find your NWS Service Hydrologist and discuss project scoping details, flood categories, impacts, etc.
- Guidance for working with the National Weather Service on AHPS flood map libraries (updated 2/9/11, Word)
- List of potential USGS Technical Reviewers and their skills
Step 2. Select your hydraulic model, complete the model, and QC your results.
- 1-D HEC-RAS model checklist (updated 4/28/11, Excel)
- Optional Technical Summary Document (draft, updated 3/25/11, Word)
- Technical References List - Selected methods and reports citations with descriptions (updated 3/11/11, Word)
- Bathymetry mesh tool for preparing field surveyed xsection data in HEC-GeoRAS for HEC-RAS input - Field-surveyed cross-section data needs to be prepared before data can be imported into HEC-RAS. This procedure describes how to prepare the field data using HEC-GeoRAS and Bathymetry mesh tool (Purdue University) for use in HEC-RAS. (updated 7/26/13, PDF)
- At this point, we recommend reviewing the model with your entire FIM project team to identify any problems or concerns before proceeding.
Step 3. Perform your GIS processing, and QC your results.
- ArcGIS tools for QA/QC. The tools were built by Kris Lander at NWS and designed to assist mapping partners with the process of developing and Quality Controlling flood mapping polygon and grid layers. These tools automate several checks that are a part of the NWS QC review process. The tools are not required (or recommended in the case of the polygon edge smoothing), but you may find them helpful in your endeavors. (updated 8/2/13, ArcGIS Tools and instructions.)
- GIS layer/map editing procedure and python scripts for USGS mapper submission. GIS layer/map editing is recommended after the GIS layers are exported from HEC-RAS model runs. These procedures help to keep track of GIS editing process and follows the naming conventions of NWS/AHPS process. Once the GIS editing of layers are completed, python scripts can be run to get the GIS layers (polygons and depth grids) ready for USGS mapper submission. (updated 8/1/13, zip file of python scripts and instructions)
IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS
Information associated with the flood inundation mapping toolbox.
Flood Inundation Mapping Toolbox
FIM Toolbox: Prepare Your FIM Report
FIM Toolbox: Obtain Approval and Publish Your FIM Library
FIM Toolbox: Outreach and Education Resources
Flood Inundation Mapping (FIM) Program
Multimedia items associated with flood inundation mapping.
Below are data or web applications associated with flood inundation mapping.
Flood Inundation Mapper
USGS Flood Inundation Maps, along with Internet information regarding current stage from the USGS streamgage, provide emergency management personnel and residents with information that is critical for flood-response activities, such as evacuations and road closures, as well as for post-flood recovery efforts.
- Overview
The FIM Toolbox contains comprehensive information on the Flood Inundation Mapping program, including how to develop a flood inundation map library. This section of the FIM Toolbox provides information on how to prepare your FIM science. The Toolbox is updated as new resources become available.
Step 1. Build your project team, select your stream reach and USGS streamgage, and identify available data and models (both hydraulic and elevation).
The first thing you need to do is build your flood inundation team. Teams typically consist of representatives from USGS, NWS, local government (engineers or emergency managers), and state emergency management. We also recommend that you consider including (or at least consult with) additional stakeholders such as your local floodplain managers, infrastructure managers (levees, dams, navigation, or public works), first responders, and other federal, state and local government representatives and agencies.
► USGS representatives for a USGS FIM Library:
If you are building a typical USGS FIM library, you will likely be working with a USGS partner that you already know. They will be your FIM team, serve as the USGS lead author, and will help guide your library through the USGS review and approval process.
► USGS representatives for a USGS Furnished FIM Library:
If you are creating a Furnished FIM Library, you may not have a USGS representative on your FIM team (although we recommend it). You will need to contact the USGS Water Science Center who oversees your selected streamgage and work with the Center Director (or their designee) during the Furnished FIM Library process. You may also contact the USGS FIM Program Coordinator for help determining your local USGS contact.
- Find your NWS Service Hydrologist and discuss project scoping details, flood categories, impacts, etc.
- Guidance for working with the National Weather Service on AHPS flood map libraries (updated 2/9/11, Word)
- List of potential USGS Technical Reviewers and their skills
Step 2. Select your hydraulic model, complete the model, and QC your results.
- 1-D HEC-RAS model checklist (updated 4/28/11, Excel)
- Optional Technical Summary Document (draft, updated 3/25/11, Word)
- Technical References List - Selected methods and reports citations with descriptions (updated 3/11/11, Word)
- Bathymetry mesh tool for preparing field surveyed xsection data in HEC-GeoRAS for HEC-RAS input - Field-surveyed cross-section data needs to be prepared before data can be imported into HEC-RAS. This procedure describes how to prepare the field data using HEC-GeoRAS and Bathymetry mesh tool (Purdue University) for use in HEC-RAS. (updated 7/26/13, PDF)
- At this point, we recommend reviewing the model with your entire FIM project team to identify any problems or concerns before proceeding.
Step 3. Perform your GIS processing, and QC your results.
- ArcGIS tools for QA/QC. The tools were built by Kris Lander at NWS and designed to assist mapping partners with the process of developing and Quality Controlling flood mapping polygon and grid layers. These tools automate several checks that are a part of the NWS QC review process. The tools are not required (or recommended in the case of the polygon edge smoothing), but you may find them helpful in your endeavors. (updated 8/2/13, ArcGIS Tools and instructions.)
- GIS layer/map editing procedure and python scripts for USGS mapper submission. GIS layer/map editing is recommended after the GIS layers are exported from HEC-RAS model runs. These procedures help to keep track of GIS editing process and follows the naming conventions of NWS/AHPS process. Once the GIS editing of layers are completed, python scripts can be run to get the GIS layers (polygons and depth grids) ready for USGS mapper submission. (updated 8/1/13, zip file of python scripts and instructions)
IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS
- Science
Information associated with the flood inundation mapping toolbox.
Flood Inundation Mapping Toolbox
The FIM Toolbox contains comprehensive information on the Flood Inundation Mapping program, including how to develop a flood inundation map library. Resources include process documents, scientific and technical requirements, forms and templates, outreach and educational materials, and contact information. The FIM Toolbox is updated as new resources become available.FIM Toolbox: Prepare Your FIM Report
The FIM Toolbox contains comprehensive information on the Flood Inundation Mapping program, including how to develop a flood inundation map library. This section of the FIM Toolbox provides information on how to prepare your FIM report. The Toolbox is updated as new resources become available.FIM Toolbox: Obtain Approval and Publish Your FIM Library
The FIM Toolbox contains a comprehensive information on the Flood Inundation Mapping program, including how to develop a flood inundation map library. This section of the FIM Toolbox provides information on obtaining approval and publishing your FIM library. The Toolbox is updated as new resources become available.FIM Toolbox: Outreach and Education Resources
Outreach and education resources to help build flood inundation libraries.Flood Inundation Mapping (FIM) Program
Floods are the leading cause of natural-disaster losses in the U.S. More than 75 percent of declared Federal disasters are related to floods, and annual flood losses average almost $8 billion with over 90 fatalities per year. Although the amount of fatalities has declined due to improved early warning systems, economic losses continue to rise with increased urbanization in flood-hazard areas. - Multimedia
Multimedia items associated with flood inundation mapping.
- Web Tools
Below are data or web applications associated with flood inundation mapping.
Flood Inundation Mapper
USGS Flood Inundation Maps, along with Internet information regarding current stage from the USGS streamgage, provide emergency management personnel and residents with information that is critical for flood-response activities, such as evacuations and road closures, as well as for post-flood recovery efforts.