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.
The USGS Flood Inundation Mapping (FIM) Program helps communities protect lives and property by providing tools and information to help them understand their local flood risks and make cost-effective mitigation decisions.
The USGS Flood Inundation Mapping Program has two main functions:
1) Partner with local communities to assist with the development and validation of flood inundation map libraries.
A flood inundation map library is a set of maps that shows where flooding may occur over a range of water levels in the community’s local stream or river. The USGS works with communities to identify an appropriate stream section, gather the necessary data to model where flooding will likely occur, and verify that the maps produced are scientifically sound. To learn more about the scientific process of developing a map library, visit the FIM Science section.
Inundation maps can be used for:
- Preparedness - "What-if" scenarios
- Timely Response - tied to real-time gage and forecast information
- Recovery - damage assessment
- Mitigation and Planning - flood risk analyses
- Environmental and Ecological Assessments - wetlands identification, hazardous spill cleanup
To help communities create a flood inundation map library, the USGS created the FIM Toolbox, which contains development resources and contact information.
2) Provide online access to flood inundation maps along with real-time streamflow data, flood forecasts, and potential loss estimates.
Once a community’s map library is complete, it is uploaded to the USGS FIM Mapper, an online public mapping application. The FIM Mapper allows users to explore the full set of inundation maps that shows where flooding would occur given a selected stream condition. Users can also access historical flood information and potential loss estimates based on the severity of the flood. The FIM Mapper helps communities visualize potential flooding scenarios, identify areas and resources that may be at risk, and enhance their local response effort during a flooding event.
The USGS works with the National Weather Service, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency to connect communities with federal flood-related science thereby ensuring the quality and consistency of flood inundation maps across the country.
History of the USGS Flood Inundation Mapping (FIM) Program
2002: Washington State Dynamic Snoqualmie Model Report - First FIM library with on-demand mapping during a flood event. FloodPath's dynamic mapping is only turned on during events.
2007: North Carolina Tar River lidar derived FIM report - First project to detail the lidar processing needed to support flood inundation mapping and document the standard FIM methodology
2008: Midwest floods spark a discussion about starting a uniform USGS FIM initiative
2010:
- April - First preliminary FIM website, guidance, and templates released online
- June - First FIM coordination meeting in Atlanta. The FIM Mapper is launched with the Findlay, Ohio, library. The prospectus outlining the FIM Program is finalized
- Fall - FIM Toolbox is released with guidance documents
- December - Second FIM Coordination meeting in Louisville
2011 (January): USGS Scientific Investigations Map template is distributed via the Toolbox. FIM becomes a National Program with Office of Surface Water leadership
2012 (November): Started working with the National Weather Service and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on an interagency FIM requirements team, Integrated Water Resources Science and Services (IWRSS). The first regional FIM team is formed in the Midwest Area (remaining regional teams formed in 2013).
2013 (December): FIM Program Strategic meeting
2014:
- May - SIR Template is released via the Toolbox
- June - National FIM Strategic Planning meeting
2015: February - Release of USGS FIM Policy Memorandums and updated FIM Toolbox
Related flood inundation mapping information.
Flood Inundation Mapping Toolbox
Flood Inundation Map (FIM) Libraries
Flood Inundation Mapping Science
Multimedia items associated with the Flood Inundation Mapping Program.
Publications associated with the Flood Inundation Mapping (FIM) Program. In addition to the USGS publications listed below, National Weather Service Inundation Maps, served through the Advanced Hydrologic Prediction Service, are available.
Delivering integrated HAZUS-MH flood loss analyses and flood inundation maps over the Web
Sources of uncertainty in flood inundation maps
Facing tomorrow’s challenges—U.S. Geological Survey science in the decade 2007–2017
Flood hazards— A national threat
Data and web applications associated with the Flood Inundation Mapping Program.
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.
Our Flood Inundation Mapping Program partners:
- Overview
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.
Screenshot of the new mobile-friendly USGS Flood Inundation Mapper. This screenshot was taken during Minor Flooding Stage (National Weather Service) in St. Paul, Minnesota, on April 7, 2020. The USGS Flood Inundation Mapping (FIM) Program helps communities protect lives and property by providing tools and information to help them understand their local flood risks and make cost-effective mitigation decisions.
The USGS Flood Inundation Mapping Program has two main functions:
1) Partner with local communities to assist with the development and validation of flood inundation map libraries.
A flood inundation map library is a set of maps that shows where flooding may occur over a range of water levels in the community’s local stream or river. The USGS works with communities to identify an appropriate stream section, gather the necessary data to model where flooding will likely occur, and verify that the maps produced are scientifically sound. To learn more about the scientific process of developing a map library, visit the FIM Science section.Inundation maps can be used for:
- Preparedness - "What-if" scenarios
- Timely Response - tied to real-time gage and forecast information
- Recovery - damage assessment
- Mitigation and Planning - flood risk analyses
- Environmental and Ecological Assessments - wetlands identification, hazardous spill cleanup
To help communities create a flood inundation map library, the USGS created the FIM Toolbox, which contains development resources and contact information.
2) Provide online access to flood inundation maps along with real-time streamflow data, flood forecasts, and potential loss estimates.
Once a community’s map library is complete, it is uploaded to the USGS FIM Mapper, an online public mapping application. The FIM Mapper allows users to explore the full set of inundation maps that shows where flooding would occur given a selected stream condition. Users can also access historical flood information and potential loss estimates based on the severity of the flood. The FIM Mapper helps communities visualize potential flooding scenarios, identify areas and resources that may be at risk, and enhance their local response effort during a flooding event.The USGS works with the National Weather Service, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency to connect communities with federal flood-related science thereby ensuring the quality and consistency of flood inundation maps across the country.
Flooding on the Baraboo River, Wisconsin. (Credit: Chuck Dunning, USGS) History of the USGS Flood Inundation Mapping (FIM) Program
2002: Washington State Dynamic Snoqualmie Model Report - First FIM library with on-demand mapping during a flood event. FloodPath's dynamic mapping is only turned on during events.
2007: North Carolina Tar River lidar derived FIM report - First project to detail the lidar processing needed to support flood inundation mapping and document the standard FIM methodology
2008: Midwest floods spark a discussion about starting a uniform USGS FIM initiative
2010:
- April - First preliminary FIM website, guidance, and templates released online
- June - First FIM coordination meeting in Atlanta. The FIM Mapper is launched with the Findlay, Ohio, library. The prospectus outlining the FIM Program is finalized
- Fall - FIM Toolbox is released with guidance documents
- December - Second FIM Coordination meeting in Louisville
2011 (January): USGS Scientific Investigations Map template is distributed via the Toolbox. FIM becomes a National Program with Office of Surface Water leadership
2012 (November): Started working with the National Weather Service and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on an interagency FIM requirements team, Integrated Water Resources Science and Services (IWRSS). The first regional FIM team is formed in the Midwest Area (remaining regional teams formed in 2013).
2013 (December): FIM Program Strategic meeting
2014:
- May - SIR Template is released via the Toolbox
- June - National FIM Strategic Planning meeting
2015: February - Release of USGS FIM Policy Memorandums and updated FIM Toolbox
Photo of Rock River, looking west-southwest, June 21, 2008. (Credit: Allan Brillman) - Science
Related flood inundation mapping information.
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.Flood Inundation Map (FIM) Libraries
The Flood Inundation Mapping Program focuses on developing flood inundation map libraries and helping communities pair those libraries with real-time stream data and National Weather Service flood forecasts to form a two-dimensional flood warning system. Together, these products can help communities estimate the extent of a flood and identify at-risk areas and resources in advance of floodwaters...Flood Inundation Mapping Science
When planning for a flood, there are three key questions that must be answered: What areas will be flooded? How deep will the flood waters get? When will the flood arrive? Historical flooding can help a community anticipate how much impact similar flood events could have, but there are other methods and tools that can provide more accurate and nuanced estimations of a wide variety of flood... - Multimedia
Multimedia items associated with the Flood Inundation Mapping Program.
- Publications
Publications associated with the Flood Inundation Mapping (FIM) Program. In addition to the USGS publications listed below, National Weather Service Inundation Maps, served through the Advanced Hydrologic Prediction Service, are available.
Delivering integrated HAZUS-MH flood loss analyses and flood inundation maps over the Web
Catastrophic flooding is responsible for more loss of life and damages to property than any other natural hazard. Recently developed flood inundation mapping technologies make it possible to view the extent and depth of flooding on the land surface over the Internet; however, by themselves these technologies are unable to provide estimates of losses to property and infrastructure. The Federal EmerAuthorsPaul P. Hearn,, Herbert E. Longenecker, John J. Aguinaldo, Ami N. RahavSources of uncertainty in flood inundation maps
Flood inundation maps typically have been used to depict inundated areas for floods having specific exceedance levels. The uncertainty associated with the inundation boundaries is seldom quantified, in part, because all of the sources of uncertainty are not recognized and because data available to quantify uncertainty seldom are available. Sources of uncertainty discussed in this paper include hydAuthorsJ. D. Bales, C. R. WagnerFacing tomorrow’s challenges—U.S. Geological Survey science in the decade 2007–2017
Executive SummaryIn order for the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) to respond to evolving national and global priorities, it must periodically reflect on, and optimize, its strategic directions. This report is the first comprehensive science strategy since the early 1990s to examine critically major USGS science goals and priorities.The development of this science strategy comes at a time of global tAuthorsFlood hazards— A national threat
In the late summer of 2005, the remarkable flooding brought by Hurricane Katrina, which caused more than \$ 200 billion in losses, constituted the costliest natural disaster in U.S. history. However, even in typical years, flooding causes billions of dollars in damage and threatens lives and property in every State. Natural processes, such as hurricanes, weather systems, and snowmelt, can cause flAuthors - Web Tools
Data and web applications associated with the Flood Inundation Mapping Program.
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.
- Partners
Our Flood Inundation Mapping Program partners: