Description
1) Using Multiple FEMA Regional Branches to Carry the Base Level Engineering Message
Diane Howe, CFM, FEMA Region 6 diane.howe@fema.dhs.gov
Co-presenters: Bruce Bender, CFM, babender@cox.net
Abstract: Where flood maps are old or don’t exist, communities should be urged to adopt and use Base Level Engineering (BLE) when it becomes available. However, most communities are new to BLE and don’t know its many benefits and uses. Therefore, FEMA Region 6 brought three of its Region’s branches together to highlight, capture, and promote the many ways communities can benefit from using and adopting BLE early. In FEMA Region 6, that are many communities with outdated (or no) flood maps. To provide updated flood risk information, FEMA Region 6 is creating Base Level Engineering (BLE) for the entire Region. It is readily accessible through the free Estimated Base Flood Elevation viewer. The challenge is 1) getting local officials to understand the many benefits of BLE, so 2) they adopt and use BLE data early on, and not wait for a new flood map. The many uses of BLE extend across several areas (e.g., emergency management, floodplain management, grants, and planning) for which different FEMA Region 6 Branches are responsible. To help improve the delivery of BLE messaging Region-wide, members from the multiple FEMA Branches came together to share the many uses of BLE. The meeting also included mapping contractors and two Cooperating Technical Partners (CTPs). From this meeting, a 3-hour workshop was created and presented to CTPs, Branch staff, and mapping contractors. It was also recorded and is now a three-part training video for FEMA and CTPs to promote BLE’s benefits and uses, and why BLE should be adopted early on. Attendees will learn:
- An overview of the benefits and uses of Base Level Engineering and the value of adopting BLE early in a mapping project.
- The importance of involving different FEMA Regional Branches and CTPs in planning BLE outreach.
- The benefit of recording a workshop for future training and outreach.
2) Adapting to New Standards, Delivering 2D BLE Mapping in South Dakota
James Johnston, CFM, GISP, PMP, AECOM, james.johnston@aecom.com
Co-presenters: Madi Pluss, madeleine.pluss@fema.dhs.gov
Abstract: Two-dimensional (2D) Large Scale Base Level Engineering (LSBLE) hydraulic models were developed across 27 counties in eastern South Dakota using HEC-RAS 5.03. This large scale modeling allowed FEMA Region VIII to quickly expand their digital footprint in to areas that were either unstudied or had paper-based maps. To support successful delivery and acceptance of the project, Region VIII staff led an extensive engagement and outreach effort with the nearly 50 affected communities. This presentation will catch up with the ongoing coordination efforts as communities in various stages of the process provide feedback and input into the mapping process and work toward adopting their new maps.
3) Improving the BLE workflow: Leveraging ArcGIS Pro Capabilities
David Smith, CFM, GISP, CDM Smith, smithd@cdmsmith.com
Co-presenters: Marta Blanco Castano, CFM, GISP, Colorado Water Conservation Board, marta.blancocastano@state.co.us
Abstract: Base level engineering (BLE) datasets are often large files that require a lot of computing power to translate into special flood hazard area boundaries. Processing these datasets pushes the extent of ArcMap capabilities which can often require workarounds that decrease efficiency and increase costs. Workarounds can involve moving geoprocessing to virtual machines or altering workflows to filter raw mapping outputs to allow simplification and smoothing to occur. Pro provides a solution that can process BLE datasets in a more efficient manner by creating workflows with increased geoprocessing and visualization speed, integrative user interface (UI), and is interoperable with the suite of ESRI products such as Notebooks. CDM Smith is integrating ArcGIS Pro into their BLE workflow to better support a Cooperating Technical Partners (CTP) contract with the Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB). This change in software increases efficiency in processing large BLE datasets, reduces human error in regulatory products for 2-Dimensional studies, and automates quality assurance and quality control (QAQC) checks during review. This presentation will explore the benefits of transitioning Risk MAP workflows to include a more automated process using ArcGIS Pro. A brief introduction of ArcGIS Pro UI as well as an overview of the specific labor-intensive tasks associated with BLE development will be covered prior to showcasing CWCB examples.
Contributors
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Diane Howe
Diane Howe has been with FEMA for 16 years is the Risk MAP Lead for FEMA in Region 6. She provides program guidance to all of Region 6’s CTPs and is the Appeals coordinator for Region 6. Before this role, she worked with FEMA as the Risk Analysis Communications and Outreach Coordinator for 10 years, focusing on mapping communication product development to support all five of the Region 6 states. She is a CFM with a background of 40 years in public and stakeholder communications and outreach.
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James Johnston
Mr. Johnston is a GIS Professional with over 18 years of experience working in the field of floodplain mapping. He is the AECOM control account manager for FEMA Region 8 where he oversee's production and mapping including the South Dakota 2D BLE project. During his career in Floodplain Management Mr. Johnston has supported many aspects of the program across multiple regions.
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David Smith
Mr. Smith is a GIS Specialist and study manager with CDM Smith out of the Albany, NY office. He holds seven years of geospatial experience, half of which have been spent working on Risk MAP and related CTP contracts for CDM Smith. His experience spans across the flood insurance study project life cycle including Discovery QAQC, Hydraulic and Floodplain Mapping, draft DFIRM, and preparing preliminary products. In 2022 he co-presented with Jared Newell at ASFPM Orlando discussing the various nuances of Large Scale BLE mapping across the regions. Building out from that presentation, Mr. Smith will discuss reasons why the industry needs to make the shift to ArcGIS Pro especially within BLE mapping tasks.