Flood Inundation Mapping Toolbox

It is the policy of the USGS to publish only those flood inundation maps that meet USGS standards: all FIM Libraries must be adequately documented, peer-reviewed, meet USGS standards, and be referenced to an active USGS streamgage.

There are two different USGS approved FIM library processes:

1. The traditional USGS FIM Library, which undergoes the USGS review process and is approved by a USGS Bureau Approving Official, and which results in an official USGS report. The requirements for a traditional USGS FIM library can be found in the USGS Flood Inundation Map Development and Documentation Standards policy memo.
    
2. A Furnished FIM Library, which is reviewed and approved by the Center Director of the USGS Water Science Center which oversees the USGS streamgage being referenced. The requirements for a Furnished FIM library can be found in the USGS Furnished Flood Inundation Map Policy memo.

Here are some helpful documents that may help illustrate the process and requirements of creating a flood inundation library:

• USGS Flood Inundation Map Library Minimum Report Documentation - outlines the basic sections and content requirements for FIM documentation
• National Weather Service Guidelines for the Development of AHPS Flood Inundation Mapping: Version 3 - provides a detailed framework for developing a Flood Inundation Map library
• QA/QC checklist (Appendix B from the NWS Guidelines document above) - details USGS/NWS combined methods and review process (updated 2/17/11, Excel with macros)