Producing FIRMette from Google Earth
Producing FIRMette from Google Earth
(OP)
I just learned that the National Flood Hazard Layer in Google Earth can be used for official floodplain determinations. Has anyone figured out how to produce a printout of the imagery displayed on GE in a manner that makes the printed version of the map just as authoritative... something similar to a FIRMette? I work for a city and get calls from time to time from people asking me if their house is in the floodplain. I can answer their question on the phone after checking Google Earth, but they usually want a document that they can take to their lender or insurance company as evidence of their status. The paper version of the FIRM for our city lacks the resolution to make parcel level determinations. The online FIRMs available on the FEMA site also lack good resolution and the imagery is dated. The attached file shows the difference.





RE: Producing FIRMette from Google Earth
An alternative might be to use ArcGIS Explorer or some open source GIS software. You would have to order shapefiles of the floodplain data from FEMA which is only 5 or 10 dollars (or maybe your county or city floodplain admin could give them to you). There are several free servers that have aerial images, so all you would need would be GIS parcel data.
Good luck!
RE: Producing FIRMette from Google Earth
RE: Producing FIRMette from Google Earth
RE: Producing FIRMette from Google Earth
Alt-Prtsc in GE, ctrl-v in Word, print, sign.
Hydrology, Drainage Analysis, Flood Studies, and Complex Stormwater Litigation for Atlanta and the South East - http://www.campbellcivil.com
RE: Producing FIRMette from Google Earth
RE: Producing FIRMette from Google Earth
RE: Producing FIRMette from Google Earth
RE: Producing FIRMette from Google Earth
RE: Producing FIRMette from Google Earth
RE: Producing FIRMette from Google Earth
RE: Producing FIRMette from Google Earth
Robert Billings
www.newrivereng.com
RE: Producing FIRMette from Google Earth
That is what I had thought, too. But several years ago FEMA gave their blessing to locally produced GIS maps using FEMA produced flood hazard layers. That is why I was asking the original question: How do you locally produce a map that has the same credibility and legal standing as a FIRMette? I am certain that what I produced meets the requirements of the attached memo. If a homeowner's insurance agent or bank does not accept this, I would suggest he find another insurance agent.