FLORIDA GEOGRAPHIC DATA LIBRARY DOCUMENTATION

TITLE: PANEL AREAS OF THE DIGITAL FLOOD INSURANCE RATE MAP (DFIRM) IN THE STATE OF FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 2018

Geodataset Name:       DFIRM_PANEL_NOV18
Geodataset Type:       File Geodatabase Feature Class
Geodataset Feature:    Polygon
Feature Count:         7238
GENERAL DESCRIPTION:
This dataset contains information about the FIRM Panel areas. The spatial entities representing FIRM panels are polygons. The polygon for the FIRM panel corresponds to the panel neatlines. Panel boundaries are generally derived from USGS DOQQ boundaries. As a result, the panels are generally rectangular. FIRM panels must not overlap or have gaps within a study. In situations where a portion of a panel lies outside the jurisdiction being mapped, the user must refer to the S_Pol_Ar table to determine the portion of the panel area where the FIRM Database shows the effective flood hazard data for the mapped jurisdiction. This information is needed for the FIRM Panel Index and the following tables in the FIS report: Listing of NFIP Jurisdictions, Levees, Incorporated Letters of Map Change, and Coastal Barrier Resources System Information. 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 (100 year), the 0.2-percent-annual-chance flood event (500 year), 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 FEMA. This is an update to the FGDL dataset DFIRM_PANEL_OCT17.
DATA SOURCE(S):                    Federal Emergency Management Agency
SCALE OF ORIGINAL SOURCE MAPS:     12000
GEODATASET EXTENT:                 State of Florida
PUBLICATION DATE: 20181114 TIME PERIOD OF CONTENT: Begin Date: 20010606 End Date: 20181114 DOWNLOAD LINK: http://www.fgdl.org/metadataexplorer/explorer.jsp

FEATURE ATTRIBUTE TABLES:

Datafile Name: DFIRM_PANEL_NOV18.DBF
ITEM NAME WIDTH TYPE
OBJECTID
4 OID
SHAPE
4 Geometry
DFIRM_ID
6 String
VERSION_ID
11 String
FIRM_ID
32 String
ST_FIPS
2 String
PCOMM
4 String
PANEL
4 String
SUFFIX
1 String
FIRM_PAN
11 String
PANEL_TYP
30 String
PRE_DATE
36 Date
EFF_DATE
36 Date
SCALE
5 String
PNP_REASON
254 String
BASE_TYP
10 String
SOURCE_CIT
21 String
XMIN
4 Integer
YMIN
4 Integer
XMAX
4 Integer
YMAX
4 Integer
PRODUCT_ID
20 String
DESCRIPT
15 String
FGDLAQDATE
36 Date
AUTOID
4 Integer
SHAPE.AREA
0 Double
SHAPE.LEN
0 Double

FEATURE ATTRIBUTE TABLES CODES AND VALUES:

Item
Item Description
OBJECTID Internal feature number.

SHAPE Feature geometry.

DFIRM_ID Study Identifier. For a single-jurisdiction flood risk project, the value is composed of the two-digit State FIPS code and the four-digit FEMA CID code (e.g., 480001). For a countywide flood risk project, the value is composed of the two-digit State FIPS code, the three-digit county FIPS code, and the letter "C" (e.g., 48107C). Within each FIRM Database, the DFIRM_ID value will be identical.

VERSION_ID Version Identifier. Identifies the product version and relates the feature to standards according to how it was created.
1.1.1.0 = Unknown

2.3.3.2 = Unknown


FIRM_ID Primary key for table lookup. Assigned by table creator.

ST_FIPS State FIPS. This is the two - digit code that corresponds to the State Federal Information Processing Standard (FIPS) code. This is a standard numbering system used by the Federal government, defined in FIPS Pub 6-4. These two numbers correspond to the first two digits of the panel number. Acceptable values for this field are listed in the D_State_FIPS table.
12 = Unknown


PCOMM Community or County Identification Number. This is the third through the sixth digits of the panel number. For community based maps this corresponds to the FEMA Community Identification number. For countywide maps this is the county (or county equivalent) FIPS code with a "C."

PANEL Panel Number. This is seventh through the 10th digits in the complete panel number. This is assigned by the scale of the map and the position within the community or county. The panel number scheme is described in detail in the FIRM Panel Technical Reference.

SUFFIX Map Suffix. This is the final digit in the complete panel number. This is a letter suffix at the end of the panel number. The map suffix is incremented one letter every time the panel gets republished.
B = Unknown

C = Unknown

D = Unknown

E = Unknown

F = Unknown

G = Unknown

H = Unknown

J = Unknown

K = Unknown

L = Unknown


FIRM_PAN FIRM Panel Number. This is the complete 11-digit FIRM panel number, which is made up of ST_FIPS, PCOMM, PANEL, and SUFFIX. This is the FIRM panel number that is shown in the title block of the map.

PANEL_TYP Panel Type. The type of FIRM panel identifies whether the panel is printed or not, and whether it is community based or countywide. Acceptable values for this field are listed in the D_Panel_Typ table.
COUNTYWIDE, = Unknown

COUNTYWIDE, NOT PRINTED = Unknown

COUNTYWIDE, PANEL PRINTED = Unknown


PRE_DATE Preliminary Release Date. This is the preliminary release date of the current map revision. This field is not populated until the FIRM preliminary release date is established and the Prelim FIRM is ready for hardcopy production by the Mapping Partner. Then it is required.

EFF_DATE Effective Date. This is the effective date of the current map revision. This field is not populated until the FIRM effective date is established and the Final FIRM is ready for hardcopy production by FEMA. Then it is required.

SCALE Map Scale. This is the denominator of the FIRM scale as a ratio. For example, 24000 is the denominator for a 1'' = 2000' map. Acceptable values for this field are listed in the D_Scale table.
12000 = Unknown

24000 = Unknown

6000 = Unknown


PNP_REASON Panel Not Printed Reason. This is the explanation for the FIRM panels that are not printed. Only completed if the hardcopy panel is not printed by FEMA. For example "No Special Flood Hazard Areas." See the FIRM Panel Technical Referencefor commonly used values.

BASE_TYP Base map type. The type of base map used for the FIRM panel shall be recorded in this field. Acceptable values for this field are listed in the D_Basemap_Typ table.
NP = Unknown

ORTHOPHOTO = Unknown

VECTOR = Unknown


SOURCE_CIT Source Citation. Abbreviation used in the metadata file when describing the source information for the feature. The abbreviation must match a value in L_Source_Cit.

XMIN Feature's Extent X Minimum location.

YMIN Feature's Extent Y Minimum location.

XMAX Feature's Extent X Maximum location.

YMAX Feature's Extent Y Maximum location.

PRODUCT_ID FEMA Flood Map Service Center Product ID. https://msc.fema.gov/portal/advanceSearch
NFHL_12_20181114 = Unknown


DESCRIPT Based on field [FIRM_PAN].

FGDLAQDATE Date FGDL acquired the data from the Source.

AUTOID Unique ID added by GeoPlan

SHAPE.AREA No description

SHAPE.LEN No description

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.
USER NOTES:
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.
Data contained in the NFHL reflects 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. Generally, regulatory water surface elevations and/or 
regulatory floodways are published only for developed or developing areas of 
communities. For areas where little or no development is expected to occur, FEMA 
may generate flood risk data without published water surface elevations. Typically, 
only drainage areas that are greater than one square mile and with an average of 
one foot of flood depth or greater are studied. Note: The NFHL reflects the most 
current information available when the distribution data set was created. Currently, 
not all areas of a State or Territory have effective FIRM Database data. As a result, 
users may need to refer to the effective FIRM for effective flood hazard information.
GeoPlan relied on the integrity of the attribute information within
the original data.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
** The following FEMA DFIRM information is from the FIRM Database Technical Reference pdf ** 
Table: S_FIRM_Pan
This table is required for all Preliminary or Final FIRM Databases.
The S_FIRM_Pan table contains information about the FIRM panel area. A spatial file with
location information also corresponds with this data table.
The spatial entities representing FIRM panels are polygons. The polygon for the FIRM panel
corresponds to the panel neatlines. Panel boundaries are generally derived from USGS DOQQ
boundaries. As a result, the panels are generally rectangular. FIRM panels must not overlap or
have gaps within a study. In situations where a portion of a panel lies outside the jurisdiction
being mapped, the user must refer to the S_Pol_Ar table to determine the portion of the panel area
where the FIRM Database shows the effective flood hazard data for the mapped jurisdiction.
This information is needed for the FIRM Panel Index and the following tables in the FIS report:
Listing of NFIP Jurisdictions, Levees, Incorporated Letters of Map Change, and Coastal Barrier
Resources System Information.
Source: https://www.fema.gov/media-library-data/886edbc98e2229a90d0593d5e46ddac9/Flood+Insurance+Rate+Map+Database+Technical+Reference.pdf
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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 FIRM Database presents the flood risk 
information depicted on the FIRM in a digital format suitable for use in electronic 
mapping applications. The FIRM Database serves to archive the information 
collected during the Flood Risk Project.

The NFHL consists of vector files and associated attributes produced in 
conjunction with the hardcopy FEMA FIRM. The published effective FIRM and 
FIRM Database 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 Standards for Flood Risk Analysis and 
Mapping. 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 the individual FIRM Database 
components of the NFHL was also performed.

The NFHL consists of vector files and associated attributes produced in 
conjunction with the hardcopy FEMA FIRM. The published effective FIRM and 
FIRM Database 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 Standards for Flood Risk Analysis and 
Mapping. The reliability of the floodplain boundary delineation is quantified by 
comparing the computed flood elevation to the ground elevation at the mapped 
floodplain boundary. The tolerance for how precisely the flood elevation and the 
ground elevation must match varies based on the flood risk class, which is a 
function of population, population density, and/or anticipated growth in floodplain 
areas. A horizontal accuracy of +/- 38 feet is used to determine the compliance with
the vertical tolerances defined for each risk class. The range of differences 
between the ground elevation (defined from the topographic data used for the Flood
Risk Project) and the computed flood elevation is between +/- 1.0 foot at the 95% 
confidence interval for areas with high population within the floodplain and/or high 
anticipated growth and Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs) with high flood risk to 
+/- one-half the contour interval at the 85% confidence interval for areas with low 
population and densities within the floodplain and small or no anticipated growth 
and SFHAs with low flood risk. Independent quality control testing of the individual 
FIRM Database components of the NFHL was also performed.

FEMA Disclaimer: 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. The hardcopy FIRM and FIRM Database and the accompanying FIS 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. Acknowledgement of FEMA would be appreciated in products derived from
these data.

The Florida Geographic Data Library is a collection of Geospatial Data
compiled by the University of Florida GeoPlan Center with support from
the Florida Department of Transportation. GIS data available in FGDL is
collected from various state, federal, and other agencies (data sources)
who are data stewards, producers, or publishers. The data available in
FGDL may not be the most current version of the data offered by the
data source. University of Florida GeoPlan Center makes no guarantees
about the currentness of the data and suggests that data users check
with the data source to see if more recent versions of the data exist.

Furthermore, the GIS data available in the FGDL are provided 'as is'.
The University of Florida GeoPlan Center makes no warranties, guaranties
or representations as to the truth, accuracy or completeness of the data
provided by the data sources. The University of Florida GeoPlan Center
makes no representations or warranties about the quality or suitability
of the materials, either expressly or implied, including but not limited
to any implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular
purpose, or non-infringement. The University of Florida GeoPlan Center
shall not be liable for any damages suffered as a result of using,
modifying, contributing or distributing the materials.

A note about data scale: 

Scale is an important factor in data usage.  Certain scale datasets
are not suitable for some project, analysis, or modeling purposes.
Please be sure you are using the best available data. 

1:24000 scale datasets are recommended for projects that are at the
county level.
1:24000 data should NOT be used for high accuracy base mapping such
as property parcel boundaries.
1:100000 scale datasets are recommended for projects that are at the
multi-county or regional level.
1:125000 scale datasets are recommended for projects that are at the
regional or state level or larger.

Vector datasets with no defined scale or accuracy should be
considered suspect. Make sure you are familiar with your data
before using it for projects or analysis. Every effort has been
made to supply the user with data documentation. For additional
information, see the References section and the Data Source Contact
section of this documentation. For more information regarding
scale and accuracy, see our webpage at:
http://geoplan.ufl.edu/education.html

REFERENCES:
FEMA Flood Map Service Center 
https://msc.fema.gov/portal/advanceSearch 

Additional Documentation For more information 
on this dataset and its creation process, 
please see the metadata attached to the 
downloadable data and the following from 

FEMA: NFHL Resources 
https://www.fema.gov/national-flood-hazard-layer-nfhl

National Flood Hazard Layer (NFHL): 
New Products and Services for FEMA's Flood Hazard Map Data 
https://www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/documents/13424?id=3286 

NFHL GIS Data: Perform Spatial Analyses and Make Custom Maps and Reports 
https://www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/documents/13476?id=3291

Guidelines and Standards for Flood Risk Analysis and Mapping 
https://www.fema.gov/guidelines-and-standards-flood-risk-analysis-and-mapping 

Technical References 
https://www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/documents/34519 

Guidance Documents 
https://www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/documents/34953 

Map Modernization 
https://www.fema.gov/national-flood-insurance-program-flood-hazard-mapping/map-modernization

DATA LINEAGE SUMMARY:
The NFHL dataset is a compilation of effective FIRM Databases (a collection of the 
digital data that are used in GIS systems for creating new Flood Insurance Rate 
Maps) and Letters of Map Change (Letters of Map Amendment and Letters of Map 
Revision only) that create a seamless GIS data layer for a State or Territory. It is 
updated on a monthly basis. The FIRM Databases are compiled in conjunction with 
the hardcopy FIRMs and the final FIS reports. The specifics of the hydrologic and 
hydraulic analyses performed are detailed in the FIS reports available for each 
jurisdiction. 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 FIRM publication and checked for accuracy and compliance with 
FEMA standards. As new FIRM Databases are received the individual FIRM layers 
are sewn into the nationwide layers of the NFHL. LOMRs for the FIRM Databases 
in the NFHL are cut directly into the NFHL data layers as they are being produced 
and finalized.
Process Date: 20181114

The GeoPlan Center downloaded the Statewide National Flood Hazard Layer from the following FEMA website on December 5th, 2018. FEMA Flood Map Service Center https://msc.fema.gov/portal Search All Products https://msc.fema.gov/portal/advanceSearch Choose one of the three search options below and optionally enter a posting date range. https://msc.fema.gov/portal/advanceSearch State -FLORIDA County - ALACHUA Community - ALACHUA Search Effective Products NFHL Data-State(1) Product ID Latest Study Effective Date Latest LOMR Effective Date Size Download NFHL_12_20181114 11/02/2018 11/14/2018 2236MB NFHL_12_20181114.zip NFHL_12_20181114.gdb Feature Layer: S_FIRM_Pan The S_FIRM_Pan was originally in the following projection: GCS_North_American_1983 WKID: 4269 Authority: EPSG Angular Unit: Degree (0.0174532925199433) Prime Meridian: Greenwich (0.0) Datum: D_North_American_1983 Spheroid: GRS_1980 Semimajor Axis: 6378137.0 Semiminor Axis: 6356752.314140356 Inverse Flattening: 298.257222101 The dataset was projected to the FGDL Albers HARN projection using the following Transformation: NAD_1983_To_HARN_Florida The dataset was renamed to dfirm_panel_nov18. Next the following fields were added and populated: PRODUCT_ID = "NFHL_12_20181114" DESCRIPT = [FIRM_PAN] FGDLAQDATE = "12/05/2018" AUTOID = OBJECTID + 1 No methodology was performed by GeoPlan to correct for geometry issues. For more information on FEMA's Final Data Structure concerning sliver polygons please see below. The FEMA report frm_gsal.pdf states the following regarding sliver polygons. L.3.5.2 Topology Vector data files must meet the following data structure requirements: * Area spatial features for a given theme must cover the entire study area without overlaps, underlaps or sliver polygons between adjacent polygons. Duplicate Removal Process for Brevard County, impacting the following datasets; BFE, CBRS, FLDHAZ & PANEL. It was noted that duplicate records existed for BREVARD COUNTY where ID = 12009C_* - Reviewed the duplicate features where the dataset specific unique id count was greater than 1. Dataset specific unique ids are as follows: - BFE = BFE_FN_ID - CBRS = CBRS_ID - FLDHAZ = FLD_AR_ID - PANEL = FIRM_ID - Summarized on Dataset specific unique ids with MAX and Min boxes check for AUTOID and AREA. - Exported the duplicates and checked to make sure the areas of each suspect duplicate matched (they did). - Joined this table back to the full dataset on the Max AUTOID field. - Ran a selection to grab just these records where the Max AUTOID matched. - Ran Switch selection set and exported out the full dataset without the extra duplicate records. - This process was used to clean all four datasets impacted. Process Date: 20181217
MAP PROJECTION PARAMETERS:

Projection                          ALBERS
Datum                               HPGN
Units                               METERS
Spheroid                            GRS1980
1st Standard Parallel               24  0  0.000
2nd Standard Parallel               31 30  0.000
Central Meridian                   -84 00  0.000
Latitude of Projection's Origin     24  0  0.000
False Easting (meters)              400000.00000
False Northing (meters)             0.00000

DATA SOURCE CONTACT (S):

Name:
Abbr. Name:
Address:


Phone:

Web site:
E-mail:
Contact Person:
         Phone:
        E-mail:
Federal Emergency Management Agency
National Flood Hazard Layer
500 C Street SW
Washington, DC
20472
1-800-358-9616

https://msc.fema.gov/portal/advanceSearch www.msc.fema.gov Flood Map Service Center

FGDL CONTACT:
Name:                   FLORIDA GEOGRAPHIC DATA LIBRARY
Abbr. Name:             FGDL
Address:                Florida Geographic Data Library
                        431 Architecture Building
                        PO Box 115706
                        Gainesville, FL  32611-5706
Web site:               http://www.fgdl.org

Contact FGDL: 

      Technical Support:	        http://www.fgdl.org/fgdlfeed.html
      FGDL Frequently Asked Questions:  http://www.fgdl.org/fgdlfaq.html
      FGDL Mailing Lists:		http://www.fgdl.org/fgdl-l.html
      For FGDL Software:                http://www.fgdl.org/software.html