DFIRM Extension for ArcGIS 8.2

Digital Flood Insurance Rate Map (DFIRM) panels emphasize the value of the data in an interactive GIS environment.

As part of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) manages an estimated 100,000 flood insurance rate maps (FIRMs). In an effort to modernize the flood-mapping program, FEMA is working to develop up-to-date flood hazard data nationwide, provide maps and data in digital format (DFIRM), and improve processes for creating and updating maps.

PBS&J’s Information Solutions division developed the DFIRM extension to provide GIS analysts with a suite of customized tools to make DFIRM production and DFIRM database creation easier and more automated. Prior to development of the DFIRM extension, DFIRMs were created using off-the-shelf ESRI ArcGIS software that did not easily allow for pro­duc­tion of uniform DFIRMs that met stringent FEMA standards.

PBS&J developed this software extension using ESRI ArcObjects API with Visual Basic 6.0 as the development environment. The extension seamlessly integrates with ArcMap, one of the component GIS desktop applications included with ESRI ArcGIS 8.2. The tools appear as drop-down menus within the ArcMap pro­gram, allowing for the efficient creation of uniform paper and digital maps. Development of the extension included a user needs assessment, application design, graphical user interface (GUI) design, coding, debugging, testing, and documentation.

For the next release of this extension, PBS&J Information Solutions is developing quality control and data validation applications to automate the QCAP processes. PBS&J also developed a tutorial and conducted training in the use of the extension as part of the DFIRM Workshop conducted for the Cooperating Technical Partners (CTPs) involved in the FEMA NFIP.