DIGITAL FLOOD INSURANCE RATE MAP DATABASE, BERKELEY COUNTY, WEST VIRGINIA (AND INCORPORATED AREAS)

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Frequently-anticipated questions:


What does this data set describe?

Title:
DIGITAL FLOOD INSURANCE RATE MAP DATABASE, BERKELEY COUNTY, WEST VIRGINIA (AND INCORPORATED AREAS)
Abstract:
The Digital Flood Insurance Rate Map (DFIRM) Database depicts flood risk information and supporting data used to develop the risk data. The primary risk classifications used are the 1-percent-annual-chance flood event, the 0.2-percent-annual-chance flood event, and areas of minimal flood risk. The DFIRM Database is derived from Flood Insurance Studies (FISs), previously published Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs), flood hazard analyses performed in support of the FISs and FIRMs, and new mapping data, where available. The FISs and FIRMs are published by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The file is georeferenced to earth's surface using the UTM projection and coordinate system. The specifications for the horizontal control of DFIRM data files are consistent with those required for mapping at a scale of 1:12000.
  1. How should this data set be cited?

    Federal Emergency Management Agency, 20090707, DIGITAL FLOOD INSURANCE RATE MAP DATABASE, BERKELEY COUNTY, WEST VIRGINIA (AND INCORPORATED AREAS): Federal Emergency Management Agency, Washington, DC.

    Online Links:

    Other_Citation_Details: Metadata_File_Name: 54003C_20090707_metadata.txt
    This is part of the following larger work.

    Federal Emergency Management Agency, 20090707, FEMA CASE 06-03-A675S.

  2. What geographic area does the data set cover?

    West_Bounding_Coordinate: -78.31
    East_Bounding_Coordinate: -77.69
    North_Bounding_Coordinate: 39.69
    South_Bounding_Coordinate: 39.19

  3. What does it look like?

  4. Does the data set describe conditions during a particular time period?

    Calendar_Date: 07-Jul-2009
    Currentness_Reference: MIP Submission Date

  5. What is the general form of this data set?

    Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form: FEMA-DFIRM-Final

  6. How does the data set represent geographic features?

    1. How are geographic features stored in the data set?

      This is a Vector data set. It contains the following vector data types (SDTS terminology):

      • Point
      • String
      • GT-polygon composed of chains

    2. What coordinate system is used to represent geographic features?

      Grid_Coordinate_System_Name: Universal Transverse Mercator
      Universal_Transverse_Mercator:
      UTM_Zone_Number: 17
      Transverse_Mercator:
      Scale_Factor_at_Central_Meridian: 0.9996
      Longitude_of_Central_Meridian: -81
      Latitude_of_Projection_Origin: 0
      False_Easting: 500000
      False_Northing: 0

      Planar coordinates are encoded using coordinate pair
      Abscissae (x-coordinates) are specified to the nearest 1
      Ordinates (y-coordinates) are specified to the nearest 1
      Planar coordinates are specified in meter

      The horizontal datum used is North American Datum 1983.
      The ellipsoid used is Geodetic Reference System 80.
      The semi-major axis of the ellipsoid used is 6378137.0.
      The flattening of the ellipsoid used is 1/298.26.

      Vertical_Coordinate_System_Definition:
      Altitude_System_Definition:
      Altitude_Datum_Name: North American Vertical Datum of 1988
      Altitude_Resolution: 0.03
      Altitude_Distance_Units: Feet
      Altitude_Encoding_Method: Attribute values

  7. How does the data set describe geographic features?

    S_Base_Index
    Location and attributes for a tiling index for raster data used for the DFIRM (Source: FEMA Guidelines and Specifications for Flood Hazard Mapping Partners, Appendix L: Guidance for Preparing Draft Digital Data and DFIRM Databases (available at <http://www.fema.gov/fhm/dl_cgs.shtm>))

    S_BFE
    Location and attributes for base flood elevations lines shown on DFIRM (Source: FEMA Guidelines and Specifications for Flood Hazard Mapping Partners, Appendix L: Guidance for Preparing Draft Digital Data and DFIRM Databases (available at <http://www.fema.gov/fhm/dl_cgs.shtm>))

    S_FIRM_Pan
    Location and attributes for DFIRM hardcopy map panels (Source: FEMA Guidelines and Specifications for Flood Hazard Mapping Partners, Appendix L: Guidance for Preparing Draft Digital Data and DFIRM Databases (available at <http://www.fema.gov/fhm/dl_cgs.shtm>))

    S_Fld_Haz_Ar
    Location and attributes flood insurance risk zones on the DFIRM (Source: FEMA Guidelines and Specifications for Flood Hazard Mapping Partners, Appendix L: Guidance for Preparing Draft Digital Data and DFIRM Databases (available at <http://www.fema.gov/fhm/dl_cgs.shtm>))

    S_Fld_Haz_Ln
    Location and attributes for boundaries of flood insurance risk zones on the DFIRM (Source: FEMA Guidelines and Specifications for Flood Hazard Mapping Partners, Appendix L: Guidance for Preparing Draft Digital Data and DFIRM Databases (available at <http://www.fema.gov/fhm/dl_cgs.shtm>))

    S_Gen_Struct
    Location and attributes for flood control structures shown on the DFIRM (Source: FEMA Guidelines and Specifications for Flood Hazard Mapping Partners, Appendix L: Guidance for Preparing Draft Digital Data and DFIRM Databases (available at <http://www.fema.gov/fhm/dl_cgs.shtm>))

    S_Label_Ld
    Location and attributes for leader lines on transportation and hydrography labels shown on the DFIRM (Source: FEMA Guidelines and Specifications for Flood Hazard Mapping Partners, Appendix L: Guidance for Preparing Draft Digital Data and DFIRM Databases (available at <http://www.fema.gov/fhm/dl_cgs.shtm>))

    S_Label_Pt
    Location and attributes for transportation and hydrography labels shown on the DFIRM (Source: FEMA Guidelines and Specifications for Flood Hazard Mapping Partners, Appendix L: Guidance for Preparing Draft Digital Data and DFIRM Databases (available at <http://www.fema.gov/fhm/dl_cgs.shtm>))

    S_Perm_Bmk
    Location and attributes for bench marks on the DFIRM (Source: FEMA Guidelines and Specifications for Flood Hazard Mapping Partners, Appendix L: Guidance for Preparing Draft Digital Data and DFIRM Databases (available at <http://www.fema.gov/fhm/dl_cgs.shtm>))

    S_Pol_Ar
    Location and attributes for political jurisdictions shown on the DFIRM (Source: FEMA Guidelines and Specifications for Flood Hazard Mapping Partners, Appendix L: Guidance for Preparing Draft Digital Data and DFIRM Databases (available at <http://www.fema.gov/fhm/dl_cgs.shtm>))

    S_Pol_Ln
    Location and attributes for political boundaries shown on the DFIRM (Source: FEMA Guidelines and Specifications for Flood Hazard Mapping Partners, Appendix L: Guidance for Preparing Draft Digital Data and DFIRM Databases (available at <http://www.fema.gov/fhm/dl_cgs.shtm>))

    S_Quad_Index
    Location and attributes for USGS quadrangle maps covering the DFIRM area. (Source: FEMA Guidelines and Specifications for Flood Hazard Mapping Partners, Appendix L: Guidance for Preparing Draft Digital Data and DFIRM Databases (available at <http://www.fema.gov/fhm/dl_cgs.shtm>))

    S_Wtr_Ln
    Location and attributes for hydrography features shown on DFIRM (Source: FEMA Guidelines and Specifications for Flood Hazard Mapping Partners, Appendix L: Guidance for Preparing Draft Digital Data and DFIRM Databases (available at <http://www.fema.gov/fhm/dl_cgs.shtm>))

    S_XS
    Location and attributes for cross-section lines in the area covered by the DFIRM (Source: FEMA Guidelines and Specifications for Flood Hazard Mapping Partners, Appendix L: Guidance for Preparing Draft Digital Data and DFIRM Databases (available at <http://www.fema.gov/fhm/dl_cgs.shtm>))

    Entity_and_Attribute_Overview:
    The DFIRM Database is made up of several data themes containing both spatial and attribute information. These data together represent the current flood risk for the subject area as identified by FEMA. The attribute tables include SFHA locations, flood zone designations, BFEs, political entities, cross-section locations, FIRM panel information, and other data related to the NFIP.
    Entity_and_Attribute_Detail_Citation:
    Appendix L of FEMA's Guidelines and Specifications for FEMA Flood Hazard Mapping Partners contains a detailed description of each attribute code and a reference to other relevant information.
    Entity_and_Attribute_Detail_Citation:
    The following tables are included in this data set: l_comm_info l_mt1_lomc l_stn_start study_info s_base_index s_bfe s_firm_pan s_fld_haz_ar s_fld_haz_ln s_gen_struct s_label_ld s_label_pt s_perm_bmk s_pol_ar s_pol_ln s_quad_index s_wtr_ln s_xs


Who produced the data set?

  1. Who are the originators of the data set? (may include formal authors, digital compilers, and editors)

  2. Who also contributed to the data set?

  3. To whom should users address questions about the data?

    Federal Emergency Management Agency
    Federal Insurance and Mitigation Administration
    500 C Street, S.W.
    Washington, District of Columbia 20472
    USA

    1-800-358-9616 (voice)
    <http://www.fema.gov/msc>


Why was the data set created?

The FIRM is the basis for floodplain management, mitigation, and insurance activities for the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Insurance applications include enforcement of the mandatory purchase requirement of the Flood Disaster Protection Act, which "... requires the purchase of flood insurance by property owners who are being assisted by Federal programs or by Federally supervised, regulated or insured agencies or institutions in the acquisition or improvement of land facilities located or to be located in identified areas having special flood hazards," Section 2 (b) (4) of the Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973. In addition to the identification of Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs), the risk zones shown on the FIRMs are the basis for the establishment of premium rates for flood coverage offered through the NFIP. The DFIRM Database presents the flood risk information depicted on the FIRM in a digital format suitable for use in electronic mapping applications. The DFIRM database is a subset of the Digital FIS database that serves to archive the information collected during the FIS.


How was the data set created?

  1. From what previous works were the data drawn?

    BASE1 (source 1 of 12)
    Survey, U.S.Geological, 1989, USGS 7.5-Minute Series Topographic Maps: U.S.Geological Survey, Reston, VA.

    Other_Citation_Details:
    USGS has mapped the county with 1:24000 scale topographic maps (also referred to as 7.5-minute quadrangles). The entire county was mapped by the late 1980s. From the raster topographic maps, a vector index of the USGS topographic maps with its corresponding tile identification number and name was created.
    Type_of_Source_Media: online
    Source_Scale_Denominator: 24000
    Source_Contribution:
    Spatial and attribute information for the index of USGS 7.5-Minute Series Topographic Map boundaries.

    BASE2 (source 2 of 12)
    U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), West Virginia Statewide Addressing a, 20040630, High Resolution 7.5' Quarter-Quad Orthophotos for the state of West Virginia: U.S. Geological Survey, Sioux Falls, SD.

    Other_Citation_Details:
    Original WVSAMB State Plane images were mosaicked by the USGS into into quater quandrangle tiles. The WVGISTC checked the image files for completeness, and is the steward of this data set.
    Type_of_Source_Media: digital computer data
    Source_Scale_Denominator: 4800
    Source_Contribution:
    Spatial and attribute information for location of roads, railroads, bridges, streams, political boundaries, and other physical features.

    BASE3 (source 3 of 12)
    West Virginia GIS Technical Cen, West Virginia Statewide Addressing a, 20060603, Local Resolution Hydrologic Feature Dataset: West Virginia GIS Technical Center, WV.

    Other_Citation_Details: None
    Type_of_Source_Media: digital computer data
    Source_Scale_Denominator: 4800
    Source_Contribution: Spatial and attribute information for surface water features.

    BASE4 (source 4 of 12)
    Survey, National Geodetic , 2002, Permanent Bench Mark Data Sheets: National Geodetic Survey, Silver Spring, MD.

    Other_Citation_Details:
    Geodetic data comprise the results of geodetic surveys to determine among other things, latitude, longitude, height, scale, and orientation control. The NGS' final product is the geodetic data sheet. Geodetic data sheets are comprehensive summaries of all the published information for a given geodetic reference point, including: the geographic position and/or height based on the current reference datum, condition of the survey mark when it was last visited, a description of where the point is located and how to reach it, and an explanation of the terms used in the data sheet.
    Type_of_Source_Media: CD-ROM
    Source_Scale_Denominator: 12000
    Source_Contribution:
    Spatial and attribute information for National Geodetic Survey reference points (bench marks).

    BASE5 (source 5 of 12)
    U.S. Census Bureau, 19900101, 1990 Incorporated Places / Census Designated Places: Department of Commerce, Census Bureau, Geography Division, Washington, D.C..

    Other_Citation_Details:
    The 1:100,000 scale file was prepared by the Natural Resource Analysis Center (NRAC)at West Virginia University.
    Type_of_Source_Media: CD-ROM data
    Source_Scale_Denominator: 100000
    Source_Contribution: Spatial and attribute information for corporate boundaries.

    BASE6 (source 6 of 12)
    West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection (WVDEP), 20050301, West Virginia 1:24,000 Scale County Boundaries: West Virginia University GIS Technical Center (WVGISTC), Morgantown, WV.

    Other_Citation_Details:
    Vector county boundary features were digitized from the raster USGS 7.5-Minute Topographic Quadrangles (UTM NAD83 projection).
    Type_of_Source_Media: digital raster data
    Source_Scale_Denominator: 24000
    Source_Contribution: Spatial and attribute information for county boundary lines.

    BASE7 (source 7 of 12)
    U.S. Census Bureau, West Virginia University Natural Res, 200309, 1990 / 2000 Transportation, TIGER/Line data: West Virginia University GIS Technical Center (WVGISTC), Morgantown, WV.

    Other_Citation_Details:
    Road lines were used as reference for annotating DFIRM features.
    Type_of_Source_Media: CD_ROM media
    Source_Scale_Denominator: 100000
    Source_Contribution: Spatial and attribute information for road features.

    BASE8 (source 8 of 12)
    Natural Resource Analysis Center, 2000, Public Lands / Land Stewardship (WV GAP): Natural Resource Analysis Center and West Virginia Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, WestVirginia University, Morgantown, WV.

    Other_Citation_Details:
    Forest and park lines were used as reference for annotating DFIRM features.
    Type_of_Source_Media: digital computer data
    Source_Scale_Denominator: 100000
    Source_Contribution:
    Spatial and attribute information for state park, forest, and wildlife area features.

    FIRM1 (source 9 of 12)
    Federal Emergency Management Agency, 20000518, Flood Insurance Rate Maps: Federal Emergency Management Agency, Washington, D.C..

    Other_Citation_Details: none
    Type_of_Source_Media: paper
    Source_Scale_Denominator: 24000
    Source_Contribution: Spatial and attribute information for flood features.

    FIS1 (source 10 of 12)
    Federal Emergency Management Agency, 20000518, Flood Insurance Study, BERKELEY COUNTY, WEST VIRGINIA (AND INCORPORATED AREAS): Federal Emergency Management Agency, Washington, D.C..

    Other_Citation_Details: None
    Type_of_Source_Media: paper
    Source_Scale_Denominator: 12000
    Source_Contribution:
    Spatial and attribute information for floodplain widths, cross sections, and floodplain location..

    LOMC1 (source 11 of 12)
    Federal Emergency Management Agency, 2007, Letter Of Map Revision (LOMR), 02-03-069P: Federal Emergency Management Agency, Washington, DC.

    Other_Citation_Details: none
    Type_of_Source_Media: PDF
    Source_Scale_Denominator: 6000
    Source_Contribution:
    Spatial and attribute information for Foodplain extent in a defined area as reflected in the S_LOMR feature class.

    LOMC2 (source 12 of 12)
    Federal Emergency Management Agency, 20020904, Letter of Map Revision (LOMR), 02-03-169P: Federal Emergency Management Agency, Washington, D.C..

    Other_Citation_Details: none
    Type_of_Source_Media: PDF
    Source_Scale_Denominator: 6000
    Source_Contribution:
    Spatial and attribute information for Foodplain extent in a defined area as reflected in the S_LOMR feature class.

  2. How were the data generated, processed, and modified?

    Date: 22-Jun-2007 (process 1 of 1)
    The DFIRM Database is compiled in conjunction with the hardcopy FIRM and the final FIS report. The specifics of the hydrologic and hydraulic analyses performed are detailed in the FIS report. The results of these studies are submitted in digital format to FEMA. These data and unrevised data from effective FIRMs are compiled onto the base map used for DFIRM publication and checked for accuracy and compliance with FEMA standards.

    Data sources used in this process:

    • BASE1
    • BASE2
    • BASE3
    • BASE4
    • BASE5
    • BASE6
    • BASE7
    • BASE8
    • FIRM1
    • FIS1
    • LOMC1
    • LOMC2

  3. What similar or related data should the user be aware of?

    Federal Emergency Management Agency, Federal Emergency Management Agency, and Federal Emergency Management Agency, 20090707, Flood Insurance Rate Map, BERKELEY COUNTY, WEST VIRGINIA (AND INCORPORATED AREAS) Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form: Map: Federal Emergency Management Agency, Washington, DC.

    Online Links:


How reliable are the data; what problems remain in the data set?

  1. How well have the observations been checked?

    The DFIRM Database consists of community based vector files and associated attributes produced in conjunction with the hard copy FEMA FIRM. The published effective FIRM and DFIRM maps are issued as the official designation of the SFHAs. As such they are adopted by local communities and form the basis for administration of the NFIP. For these purposes they are authoritative. Provisions exist in the regulations for public review, appeals and corrections of the flood risk information shown to better match real world conditions. As with any engineering analysis of this type, variation from the estimated flood heights and floodplain boundaries is possible. Details of FEMA's requirements for the FISs and flood mapping process that produces these data are available in the Guidelines and Specifications for Flood Hazard Mapping Partners. Attribute accuracy was tested by manual comparison of source graphics with hardcopy plots and a symbolized display on an interactive computer graphic system. Independent quality control testing of FEMA's DFIRM database was also performed. To obtain more detailed information in areas where Base Flood Elevations (BFEs) and/or floodways have been determined, users are encouraged to consult the Flood Profiles and Floodway Data and/or Summary of Stillwater Elevations tables contained within the FIS report that accompanies this DFIRM database. Users should be aware that BFEs shown in the S_BFE table represent rounded whole-foot elevations. These BFEs are intended for flood insurance rating purposes only and should not be used as the sole source of flood elevation information. Accordingly, flood elevation data presented in the FIS report must be used in conjunction with the FIRM for purposes of construction and/or floodplain management. The 1-percent-annual-chance water-surface elevations shown in the S_XS table match the regulatory elevations shown in the FIS report.

  2. How accurate are the geographic locations?

    The DFIRM Database consists of community based vector files and associated attributes produced in conjunction with the hardcopy FEMA FIRM. The published effective FIRM and DFIRM are issued as the official designation of the SFHAs. As such they are adopted by local communities and form the basis for administration of the NFIP. For these purposes they are authoritative. Provisions exist in the regulations for public review, appeals and corrections of the flood risk information shown to better match real world conditions. As with any engineering analysis of this type, variation from the estimated flood heights and floodplain boundaries is possible. Details of FEMA's requirements for the FISs and flood mapping process that produces these data are available in the Guidelines and Specifications for Flood Hazard Mapping Partners. Horizontal accuracy was tested by manual comparison of source graphics with hardcopy plots and a symbolized display on an interactive computer graphic system. Independent quality control testing of FEMA's DFIRM database was also performed.

  3. How accurate are the heights or depths?

    The DFIRM Database consists of community based vector files and associated attributes produced in conjunction with the hardcopy FEMA FIRM. The published effective FIRM and DFIRM maps are issued as the official designation of the SFHAs. As such they are adopted by local communities and form the basis for administration of the NFIP. For these purposes they are authoritative. Provisions exist in the regulations for public review, appeals and corrections of the flood risk information shown to better match real world conditions. As with any engineering analysis of this type, variation from the estimated flood heights and floodplain boundaries is possible. Details of FEMA's requirements for the FISs and flood mapping process that produces these data are available in the Guidelines and Specifications for Flood Hazard Mapping Partners. Vertical accuracy was tested by manual comparison of source graphics with hardcopy plots and a symbolized display on an interactive computer graphic system. Independent quality control testing of FEMA's DFIRM database was also performed.

  4. Where are the gaps in the data? What is missing?

    Data contained in the DFIRM Database files reflect the content of the source materials. Features may have been eliminated or generalized on the source graphic, due to scale and legibility constraints. With new mapping, FEMA plans to maintain full detail in the spatial data it produces. However, older information is often transferred from existing maps where some generalization has taken place. Flood risk data are developed for communities participating in the NFIP for use in insurance rating and for floodplain management. Flood hazard areas are determined using statistical analyses of records of river flow, storm tides, and rainfall; information obtained through consultation with the communities; floodplain topographic surveys; and hydrological and hydraulic analysis. Both detailed and approximate analyses are employed. Generally, detailed analyses are used to generate flood risk data only for developed or developing areas of communities. For areas where little or no development is expected to occur, FEMA uses approximate analyses to generate flood risk data. Typically, only drainage areas that are greater than one square mile are studied.

  5. How consistent are the relationships among the observations, including topology?

    When FEMA revises an FIS, adjacent studies are checked to ensure agreement between flood elevations at the boundaries. Likewise flood elevations at the confluence of streams studied independently are checked to ensure agreement at the confluence. The FIRM and the FIS are developed together and care is taken to ensure that the elevations and other features shown on the flood profiles in the FIS agree with the information shown on the FIRM. However, the elevations as shown on the FIRM are rounded whole-foot elevations. They must be shown so that a profile recreated from the elevations on the FIRM will match the FIS profiles within one half of one foot.


How can someone get a copy of the data set?

Are there legal restrictions on access or use of the data?

Access_Constraints: None
Use_Constraints:
The hardcopy FIRM and DFIRM and the accompanying FISs are the official designation of SFHAs and Base Flood Elevations (BFEs) for the NFIP. For the purposes of the NFIP, changes to the flood risk information published by FEMA may only be performed by FEMA and through the mechanisms established in the NFIP regulations (44 CFR Parts 59-78). These digital data are produced in conjunction with the hardcopy FIRMs and generally match the hardcopy map exactly. However the hardcopy flood maps and flood profiles are the authoritative documents for the NFIP. Acknowledgement of FEMA would be appreciated in products derived from these data.

  1. Who distributes the data set? (Distributor 1 of 1)

    FEMA, Map Service Center
    P.O.Box 1038
    Jessup, Maryland 20794-1038
    USA

    1-800-358-9616 (voice)
    <http://www.fema.gov/msc>

    Contact_Instructions:
    Data requests must include the full name of the community or county and the FIRM panel number(s) or the 7.5- minute series quadrangle sheet area(s) covered by the request.
  2. What's the catalog number I need to order this data set?

  3. What legal disclaimers am I supposed to read?

    No warranty expressed or implied is made by FEMA regarding the utility of the data on any other system nor shall the act of distribution constitute any such warranty. FEMA will warrant the delivery of this product in a computer-readable format, and will offer appropriate adjustment of credit when the product is determined unreadable by correctly adjusted computer input peripherals, or when the physical medium is delivered in damaged condition. Requests for adjustment of credit must be made within 90 days from the date of this shipment from the ordering site.

  4. How can I download or order the data?


Who wrote the metadata?

Dates:
Last modified: 07-Jul-2009
Metadata author:
Mr. Jon Janowicz
FEMA, Region III
Project Officer
615 Chestnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106-4404
USA

1-215-931-5524 (voice)
jon.janowicz@dhs.gov

Metadata standard:
FGDC Content Standards for Digital Geospatial Metadata (FGDC-STD-001-1998)
Metadata extensions used:


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