Avagene Moore: Welcome to the EIIP Virtual Forum! Amy Sebring, my partner/associate, and I are pleased to see you in our audience today. Avagene Moore: Today's topic is .... Avagene Moore: "Modernizing FEMA's Flood Hazard Mapping Program: An Overview." Avagene Moore: If you have not read the background materials, please do so after today's session. Avagene Moore: For the benefit of any first-timers, we will begin today's session with a formal presentation followed by an opportunity for your questions. Avagene Moore: We will provide further instructions on the protocol for asking questions or commenting just before we begin the Q&A section. However, it is wise to jot down your questions or comments as we go along. Avagene Moore: Please do not send private messages to our speakers or the moderator, as we will be busy with the presentation. If you need assistance, you may send a private message to Amy Sebring. Avagene Moore: The transcript of today's session will be available late this afternoon -- just check back on our home page. Avagene Moore: Now it is my pleasure to introduce our speaker ... Avagene Moore: Scott McAfee is the GIS coordinator for the Mitigation Division of FEMA in Washington, D.C. He helps to develop policy and coordinate the geospatial information aspects of a number of FEMA activities and programs, including HazardMaps.gov; Emergency Management Map Symbology; HAZUS; and Flood Map Modernization. Avagene Moore: Before FEMA Scott worked for the California Office of Emergency Services where he utilized GIS for disaster preparedness, response, and recovery. He also serves on the Federal Geographic Data Committee's Coordination and Homeland Security Groups. Avagene Moore: This is Scott's second presentation in the EIIP Virtual Forum. He presented a fine session for us a few months back on Map Symbology. Scott, we thank you for being here today to share an important overview with the EIIP Virtual Forum audience. ... Avagene Moore: Scott, I now turn the floor to you. Scott McAfee: Thanks, Ava, and hello and welcome to all! It's nice to be back in the forum. Scott McAfee: I've got a lot of material, so I may be moving a little faster than normal. I'm sure Ava will slow me down if I move too fast. Scott McAfee: As most in the forum know, accurate information about risks is the first step in preventing and reducing losses. In emergency management, risk information is key to mitigation. Scott McAfee: Mitigation is the ongoing efforts to lessen the impact disasters have on people's lives and property. Today, many of the Nation s flood maps reflect outdated data, severely limiting their usefulness. Scott McAfee: To support its vision, "A Nation Prepared," the Federal Emergency Management Agency, (FEMA) has embarked on an aggressive campaign called Map Modernization to update the Nation s flood hazard maps. The President and Congress have challenged FEMA to transform the Nation s flood maps into a more accurate, easier-to-use, and readily available product. Scott McAfee: Updated, Digital Flood Insurance Rate Maps, or DFIRMs, will become the platform for identifying multiple hazards. These maps will feed a premier geospatial system whose infrastructure will allow management of a dynamic array of data, applications and processes. Users will access this system through the web. Scott McAfee: An important aspect of Map Modernization is the alliance of civic organizations, private entities, and all levels of government that play a role in disaster preparedness and response. By developing and maintaining effective partnerships; leveraging resources; and using defined "best practices," all citizens will benefit from the development of a comprehensive disaster protection plan. Scott McAfee: Another goal of Map Modernization is to better inform the public from community officials, to insurance agents, to home and business owners. We plan to get the word out about Map Modernization and the positive changes that will come. Scott McAfee: To measure the effectiveness of the Map Modernization process, we will have a Program Management team monitoring measurable results against established goals. Scott McAfee: Map Modernization is a huge undertaking, and the Department of Homeland Security and FEMA can't do it alone. It requires technology, partnerships, community participation, and effective Program Management. It's essential for us to leverage America's talent and expertise to accomplish this monumental task. Scott McAfee: Our vision for Map Modernization entails providing flood maps and data for communities nationwide that are more accurate, easier-to-use, and readily available. FEMA s vision for Map Modernization contains the following four key areas: Scott McAfee: 1. Network the Nation using the latest Internet portal technology to provide access to general flood hazard, risk, and mitigation information, and convert the maps from a paper to a digital format. The information will be tailored to the needs of specific partners, stakeholders, and users. Scott McAfee: 2. Maximize the use of Federal, State, and local resources and transfer ownership and use of maps and data to the State and local levels by building and maintaining effective partnerships with State, regional, and community entities in the development of the maps and data. We will build further capability and increase the number of partnerships through the Cooperating Technical Partners Program. Scott McAfee: 3. Reduce processing time and costs for map updates by implementing results-oriented systems and standards that will facilitate the rapid exchange of data between our partners, staff, and contractors. Our systems and standards will allow the data to flow seamlessly between and among our partners and our staff and contractors. Scott McAfee: 4. Communicate widely, effectively, consistently, and continuously to maximize partners , stakeholders , and users understanding of flood hazards and the risks posed to life and property. Scott McAfee: Who benefits from Map Modernization? Map Modernization benefits everyone. An estimated 30 million Americans are at high risk from flooding, and almost every American is at some degree of flood risk. Scott McAfee: Additionally, flood maps are used an estimated 20 million times annually. Communities and developers use flood maps to determine safe areas in which to build. Insurance agents and lenders use flood maps to determine which properties are floodprone. Scott McAfee: Home and business owners use flood maps to determine their flood risk and protect their property. By committing to this multi-year mapping effort, the Nation will save an estimated $45 billion dollars over the next 50 years. Scott McAfee: The goal is to implement a nationwide, cutting edge Geographic Information System infrastructure available on the Internet that allows management of a dynamic array of data, applications, and processes. Scott McAfee: The geospatial platform will support local officials as they are required to make critical decisions with regard to asset management, economic development, planning, floodplain management, and zoning and building code enforcement. Scott McAfee: The geospatial platform will serve the following functions: Scott McAfee: 1. Repository - The geospatial platform will be the repository for the national Geographic Information System (GIS) data layer. It will not only store the final DFIRM data, but also intermediate data, which will include the outputs of key steps used to create the DFIRM data. Scott McAfee: This will include scoping, survey, elevation, hydrology and hydraulics modeling data, Base Flood Elevations (BFEs), flood outlines, and other pertinent data. In addition, the geospatial platform will include a "federation" feature; if data are stored elsewhere, the geospatial platform will direct users to where the data are maintained, for instance at a local level, rather than duplicating data. Scott McAfee: 2. Workflow - The geospatial platform will contain the flood mapping process embedded in a workflow engine, from needs assessment through final DFIRM production. Floodplain administrators, communities, Study Contractors, and those involved with the mapping process will be able to follow the status of flood mapping projects. Scott McAfee: The geospatial platform will have a "rollup system" that allows users to sort projects by schedule, cost, issue, and other factors. The geospatial platform will allow up-to-date communication among Study Contractors, communities, FEMA, and MOD Team members. Scott McAfee: The workflow system also will collect the intermediate and final data, not allowing a project to progress until required data are collected. Scott McAfee: 3. Training - The geospatial platform will provide an e-Learning system that will include information about using the platform and information about flood mapping. This will be particularly useful because .... Scott McAfee: the additional funding now available for flood mapping means that new surveyors and engineers will be entering the flood mapping field. This training material will help to communicate common vocabulary, methods, and procedures. Scott McAfee: 4. Tools - The geospatial platform will not require any particular tool to create data, as long as the data are submitted in accordance with established standards (which will be specified in the platform). The geospatial platform will provide a standard set of tools for those who wish to use them. Scott McAfee: These tools will be tested against geospatial platform data interchange standards to ensure compatibility, and they will cover the entire flood mapping process, from needs assessment through final DFIRM production. Scott McAfee: The first toolset is called WISE, and covers the mapping process from survey through flood layer identification. The second toolset is called PLTS, and covers the process through final DFIRM production. Scott McAfee: The only software required to use these tools is a web browser. The tools download a CITRIX client that then allows users to access the tools. Scott McAfee: 5. Quality Checks - The geospatial platform will perform quality checks of data to catch common errors. This includes checking form and format, as well as ensuring that the BFE upstream is not lower than the BFE downstream. This will ensure high-quality data, saving time and funds. Scott McAfee: 6. Outreach - The geospatial platform will include a public Web site where citizens can access flood hazard information for their community. The geospatial platform will include an extensive library of materials focused on flood hazards. It will include useful information for homeowners enabling the reduction of flood hazard risks for their property. Scott McAfee: Increase Partnerships - Exchanging risk information with State and local partners is integral for the success of Map Modernization; partnerships provide the opportunity to pool resources and extend the value of public funds. State and local ownership of maps reinforces widespread participation in the program, and offers the benefits of shared best practices. Scott McAfee: The Cooperating Technical Partners (CTP) Program is an innovative, collaborative approach among FEMA, participating NFIP communities, and regional and State agencies that have the expertise to become active participants in flood hazard mapping. CTPs enter into an agreement with FEMA that formalizes their contribution and commitment to help ensure their flood maps are accurate, up-to-date, and reflect current conditions. Scott McAfee: Because FEMA funding for flood studies is limited, the object of the CTP Program is to leverage available funding to obtain more mapping with the available resources. National mapping needs determine FEMA funding priorities, but locally funded activities can be initiated at any time. Federal funding is managed by the FEMA Regional Offices and provided through a cooperative agreement. Scott McAfee: The objectives of the CTP Program are the following: Scott McAfee: 1. Allow FEMA partners who are actively working to identify and map their flood risk, to incorporate this information into the official FEMA flood hazard information. Scott McAfee: 2. Maximize limited funding by combining resources and aligning objective of FEMA and the CTP. Scott McAfee: 3. Maintain national standards consistent with NFIP regulations and objectives. Scott McAfee: The benefits of becoming a CTP include the following: Scott McAfee: 1. Local maps equal FEMA maps. Ongoing local activities can be harmonized with FEMA regulations and specifications and incorporated directly into official NFIP flood hazard information. Scott McAfee: 2. Opportunity to share resources with FEMA to make better maps. Scott McAfee: 3. Local activities can benefit from closer coordination with FEMA, adoption of FEMA standards, and better access to existing FEMA data. Scott McAfee: 4. FEMA training, technical assistance, and mentoring will assist capable communities in meeting FEMA standards and improving local products. Scott McAfee: 5. Collaborative efforts with FEMA accomplish more than independent efforts. Scott McAfee: More information on the CTP Program and a self assessment to determine whether the CTP Program is a good fit for you and your community or organization is available online at www.fema.gov/fhm/ctp_main.shtm. Scott McAfee: Inform the User Community - In addition to updating flood maps, every American needs to know the true flood hazards they face so they can make informed risk management decisions. To do this, information about hazards need to be accurate, accessible, and understandable to a wide range of stakeholders and partners. Scott McAfee: Map Modernization will use current GIS technology that will update map data, allow faster future revisions, and make data more easily and widely available. To realize the full, long-lasting benefit of modernized maps, the user community must be expanded and better informed about the Map Modernization and its benefits. Scott McAfee: We will foster public and stakeholder understanding of whether to obtain hazard data and how to use the data to make sound decisions to reduce their vulnerability to hazards. The public information campaign must be implemented at both the national and local levels. FEMA will provide a central, comprehensive, and interactive outreach campaign that is implemented locally while maintaining national consistency. Scott McAfee: To meet FEMA s outreach goals, we have the following objectives: Scott McAfee: * Establish and maintain a central platform that supports the development, digital conversion, and adoption of flood maps. Scott McAfee: * Build on existing resources and established functions and transform them to adhere to new, innovative solutions. Scott McAfee: * Promote understanding of Map Modernization s products, services, and benefits. Scott McAfee: * Respond to requests at the program and mapping levels. Scott McAfee: * Increase awareness, participation, and support Scott McAfee: One good example of how we will promote Map Modernization and answering floodplain mapping questions is the FEMA Map Assistance Center (FMAC). The FMAC informs the public of National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) rules and regulations. Map Specialists respond to inquiries from officials and the general public, and educate callers on the requirements necessary to meet NFIP criteria. Scott McAfee: The FMAC disseminates this information and helps callers understand the technical issues of the NFIP. FMAC representatives also handle map revision inquiries from surveyors, engineers, lenders, insurance agents, appraisers, and floodplain managers. Scott McAfee: Achieve Effective Program Management - FEMA will monitor management data to determine effectiveness, implement continuous improvement activities, and measure program success. Using technology to make flood map production more efficient, FEMA and our mapping partners will use simplified processes nationwide to meet the goals of Map Modernization. Scott McAfee: Using re-engineered flood mapping processes and management tools, FEMA will make sure that projects are on time and on budget. FEMA s continually improving program management structure serves to motivate partners to share responsibilities and aligns partner missions to ensure high-quality flood maps and reduce the Nation s vulnerability to flood and other hazards. Scott McAfee: Role of MOD Team - To support Map Modernization, FEMA chose a National Service Provider (NSP) known as the Mapping On Demand (MOD) Team. The MOD Team helps FEMA with all aspects of Map Modernization/map production, map adoption, outreach activities, Program Management, and creation of the geospatial platform. Scott McAfee: MOD Team activities are carried out at both the national and regional level. Scott McAfee: A. MOD Team Headquarters - National activities are managed at the MOD Team headquarters in Alexandria, Virginia, and are funded by the National contract. Primary responsibilities at the national level include the following: Scott McAfee: * Program Management--Maintain up-to-date status of projects and initiatives across the nation and align program progress with FEMA performance metrics. Scott McAfee: * Reporting--Periodically report the status and progress of the Map Modernization Program to FEMA, Department of Homeland Security and Congressional leaders. Scott McAfee: * Technology and tools--Provide the data management framework, tools and processes to facilitate the completion and tracking of program activities Scott McAfee: * Planning--Budgeting and scheduling necessary resources to meet FEMA objectives (metrics). Scott McAfee: * Outreach and Partnerships--Develop and maintain outreach materials and assist Regions (and RMCs) in developing and enhancing partnerships with other Federal Agencies (OFAs) and non-Federal partners. Scott McAfee: * Engineering and Mapping Standardization and QC--Document standards for data development and submittal, provide access to training on methods and tools, and provide quality control reviews to ensure that submitted data meets the specifications. Scott McAfee: MOD Team headquarters staff is organized into the following groups: Scott McAfee: Program Management Office; Information Technology; Customer Care Center; and Engineering/Mapping. Scott McAfee: Regional Management Centers - The Regional Management Centers (RMCs) have been established to support Map Modernization by providing program management services on a regional level. They are the eyes and ears of the National Service Provider and located in close proximity to FEMA s Regional Offices. Scott McAfee: Primary responsibilities of each RMC include the following: Scott McAfee: * Monitor and manage activities related to the development of DFIRM map coverage, the map adoption and the ordinance revision process for all communities in the region. Scott McAfee: * Encourage and enable delegation of engineering and mapping activities under the NFIP to CTPs. Scott McAfee: * Act as a local liaison between the NSP resources and regional partners and customers, including FEMA Regional staff, CTPs, cities and counties, contractors and property owners. Scott McAfee: * Implement outreach activities within the guidelines of the national strategy to increase the local participation in the map modernization program and to facilitate the acceptance of the NFIP map products, programs, and policies. Scott McAfee: * Assist in the map modernization process, where appropriate, for individual projects. Scott McAfee: To meet the four Map Modernization objectives, the following major tasks have been identified as essential functions in the RMCs: Scott McAfee: * Business Management - Develop and manage RMC operations. Scott McAfee: * Project Management - Plan, monitor and manage study progress, DFIRM production and community adoption of revised maps. Scott McAfee: * Regional Support - Perform study and mapping work, post- preliminary processing, community coordination, or provide other support to FEMA staff, as needed and/or requested by the Region. Scott McAfee: * DFIRM Production - Production of the final version of the Digital Flood Insurance Rate Map. Scott McAfee: * Training/Outreach - Activities to facilitate delegation of NFIP responsibility to CTPs and to increase the awareness and acceptance of NFIP programs by property owners. Scott McAfee: * Support the Multi-Hazard Implementation Plan (MHIP) - The Multi- Hazard Implementation Plan (MHIP) provides a vision for mapping our Nation s flood hazards for 2004 through 2008. MHIP will support planning and decision making processes, improve communication between FEMA and mapping partners, and clearly report the progress of Map Modernization. Scott McAfee: How Can You Contribute? - Map Modernization is a collaborative process and a new way of doing business for government officials, cutting across all layers of government. Officials and other stakeholders will be active participants in the mapping process (e.g., collecting, updating, and adopting data). Scott McAfee: Engineering companies will be contracted on a local level to do the mapping and determine where the high, medium, and low flood risk zones are located. Maps will be reviewed and adopted by the local government and FEMA. Leveraging partnerships will allow States and communities to choose their level of involvement. Scott McAfee: Everyone is a stakeholder and has a role to play in Map Modernization. Whether you are a government official or a homeowner, a study contractor or an insurance agent, a land developer or a flood zone determination company, your involvement is key to Map Modernization and an essential step in preventing and reducing losses. Scott McAfee: Thank you for your time and attention. I will be available for your questions. I now turn the floor back to our Moderator. Avagene Moore: Thank you very much, Scott. That was an excellent overview of a very industrious map modernization program! I trust the audience has questions for you. ... Avagene Moore: Our protocol for audience questions is to enter a question mark ? to indicate you wish to ask a question or make a comment. ... Avagene Moore: Then go ahead and compose your question or comment to have it ready, but do NOT hit your Enter key or click on the Send button until you are recognized by name. Please WAIT your turn. ... William Cumming: The National Flood Insurance Act requires that flood maps be scientifically and technically correct. Many of the current mapping techniques were reveiwed by the NAS (National Research Council)! Will this be done for this remapping effort, and do you expect litigation over the remapping effort? Who, what, where and how will the administrative record be preserved in case there is litigation? What is the role of the other technical mapping agencies in the remapping effort? (COE, USGS, NOAA, etc.)e Avagene Moore: We will take question in the order ... Avagene Moore: the question marks are sent to the screen. One question at at time please. If you have a follow up, please get back in line with another ? - courtesy is the order of the day. ... Ed Kostiuk: ? Avagene Moore: We are ready to begin now. Please input a question mark (?) at any time. Tim Rogan: ? Avagene Moore: Scott, please address William's question first. Scott McAfee: Quite a few questions there . . . Scott McAfee: I'm not sure of NAS review, but I will look into it for the transcript. Scott McAfee: Unfortunately, litigation is a fact of life in a regulatory program such as this. I think we expect this to continue . . . Scott McAfee: But we will do our best through outreach and education to make people aware of our program and why we are doing it. Scott McAfee: Not sure of the official administrative record . . . Scott McAfee: but data of the study process from beginning to end will be captured through the portal. Scott McAfee: We have many federal partners in addition to the state and local ones. . . Scott McAfee: USGS and Army Corps of Engineers are perhaps the main ones. Craig Knight: ? Scott McAfee: That cover it OK? Avagene Moore: Ed Kostiuk's ? showed up at the end of William's questions. Ed, you are next. Ed Kostiuk: You stated "assist in the map modernization process, where appropriate, for individual projects" could you be more specific? I apologize for getting on line late and may have missed the answer! Scott McAfee: Ok . . . Scott McAfee: This is in the section on the role of the Regional Management Center . . . Scott McAfee: The RMC's are one of our contractor's (MOD) main ways of assisting our FEMA regions in implementing the program. Scott McAfee: The rubber of the program meets the road at the 10 FEMA regions. . . Avagene Moore: Tim Rogan, your question, please. Scott McAfee: And the RMC's are there to help, even down to individual projects. Scott McAfee: Done. Avagene Moore: Sorry, Scott. Please go ahead Tim. Tim Rogan: What are the key metrics for measuring progress Scott McAfee: Perhaps Bill can help me with these. . . Amy Sebring: ? Scott McAfee: One measure of success is . . . Scott McAfee: amount of GIS data supporting the Flood program held at the local level and shared with FEMA, for example. William Cumming: ? I understand there is no longer a direct link between insurance ratemaking and the flood maps! Will this continue, or could simplication of both maps and rates be accomplished during the remapping? William Cumming: Sorry? Avagene Moore: Do you have other examples of success, Scott? Bill Blanton: Scott, I don't have the metrics in front of me, but I will take a minute to grab them. Scott McAfee: Insurance rating is still done using the floodmaps, to my knowedge. Avagene Moore: Craig, you are next, please. Scott McAfee: OK, thanks Bill, I'm looking for the exact words too. We'll at least make sure they get in the transcript. Craig Knight: Have federal and local partnerships already been selected, or will there still be opportunities for local engineering firms etc to become involved? Jaco VanZyl: ? Scott McAfee: Good question, Craig. . . Scott McAfee: This program will be implemented over many years . . . Scott McAfee: and we will constantly be seeking out new partners . Generally, our CTP's are state or local government. . . Jennifer Stephens: ? Scott McAfee: Local engineering firms are often retained by our Regions as well as state or local government for support . . . Scott McAfee: I'm sure this will be continuing thorough the program. (done). Avagene Moore: I understand Bill has examples ready for us now re: earlier question - Bill, please go ahead. Bill Blanton: Sure... Scott McAfee: Bill is one of our mapping specialists . . . Scott McAfee: and the lead engineer for the Central Territory. Bill Blanton: The metrics we are working with to ensure success in our mapping efforts are as follows Bill Blanton: % of population with digital GIS flood data available online Bill Blanton: % of population with adopted maps that meet quality standards Bill Blanton: % leveraged digital GIS flood data Bill Blanton: % funds appropriated through CTPs (done) Avagene Moore: Amy, you are next, please. Amy Sebring: I gather that "National Mapping Needs" plays a role in setting project priorities. How are these needs identified? Scott McAfee: Good question. There are many factors that determine the needs . . . Scott McAfee: For instance, age of the old maps . . . Scott McAfee: how much development has occured . . Scott McAfee: The level of risk of the area (population and hazard) Scott McAfee: (done, unless Bill has more off the top of his head) Avagene Moore: Bill? Do you wish to add anything? Bill Blanton: Also, #of policies, and repetitive loss information Bill Blanton: Just the above Avagene Moore: Jaco, your turn, sir. Jaco VanZyl: How do you enticipate achieving complete coverage, i.e. for those areas where a local partner does not outright offer their assistance, due to budgets, etc.? Who will ultimately be responsible for funding new surveys? Tim Rogan: ? Avagene Moore: (Anyone with a question for Scott, please input your ? at any time.) Scott McAfee: Thanks for the question Jaco . . . Scott McAfee: As was said above, we are in the process of evaluating a 5 year plan on how we will cover the nation . . . Amy Sebring: ? Isabel McCurdy: ? Scott McAfee: Known as the Multi-Hazard Implementation Plan. Scott McAfee: In the out years . . Scott McAfee: those partners that offer more (more data, support, etc.) . . . Scott McAfee: Will become a higher priority. Ultimately, we expect the large share of the investment to come from federal funds . . . Vic Calderon: ? Scott McAfee: But we can't do it without partner contributions. Scott McAfee: (done) Avagene Moore: Jennifer Stephens, please. Jennifer Stephens: when did this modernization plan begin? Scott McAfee: Before I came to FEMA (heh heh) . . . Scott McAfee: I believe (Bill, correct if wrong) it was first talked about in the mid nineties. . . Scott McAfee: But only really got rolling in 2002-2003. Avagene Moore: Tim, your turn, please. Tim Rogan: How do you balance the metric of % of the population covered digitally with % of population with adopted maps that meet standards? Bill Blanton: Yes, the real plan started with a report that was prepared for the previous director of FEMA Bill Blanton: That was in 1997 Scott McAfee: Good question. I think balance is the key word there. . . Scott McAfee: We feel that it is important to make digital data available, as it has many uses besides insurance rating and flood mitigation . . . William Cumming: Apologies! I should have said underwriting! Determiniation of risk and price! The actuaries no longer use the original depth-damage curves but rely on claims loss experience only! This happended because cost considerations often drove what was mapped! For example, exlusion of stream flow areas less than 800 CFS! Or limiting riverine cross-sections to 4 per mile. The remapping has been estimated to result in expansion of A and V zones (1% chance annual flood) by 25-35%!afloxorf hafeatid Scott McAfee: But when it comes down to it, the best way to make sure you're reducing risk is for local governments to adopt the maps and use them for land- use decisions. Scott McAfee: (done) Avagene Moore: Amy, please. Amy Sebring: Scott, do you know if any priority will be given to Coastal V Zones, and a strategy for leveraging Corps resources identified? Scott McAfee: Bill, can you handle Amy's question please? Bill Blanton: Yes Bill Blanton: Actually we have a team working on coastal methodologies Bill Blanton: We intentionally didn't initiate a lot of new work to study coastal areas in the 1st part of Map Mod... Bill Blanton: so that we can get a good handle on what methods should be used. Once that is done, which I think is a mater of months... Bill Blanton: the Regional offices will start to look at Coastal needs as well as riverine Bill Blanton: Also, we are working closely with the USACE to bring our efforts together (done) Avagene Moore: Isabel, your question, please. Isabel McCurdy: Scott- this goes along with Jaco's question- how does one ensure the integrity of information shared in the first place is accurate? What checks and balances are in place? Scott McAfee: Good question Isabel. . . Scott McAfee: Good to break this into two parts, engineering data and finished map data. . . William Cumming: ? Scott McAfee: For engineering data, there is a set of standards that the data will be checked against as part of the workflow. Jay Johnson: ? Scott McAfee: For shared finished map data, say street centerlines or orthophotos. . . Scott McAfee: We also have guidelines and specifications that cover how accurate these need to be, but it becomes interesting in this shared, or "federated" environment . . . Scott McAfee: Especially since there is a movement for digital flood data becoming as official as the paper. Scott McAfee: (continuing) . . . Scott McAfee: We are devinately interested in ways to certify digital data for transfer, as has been suggested as one of the elements of the USGS "National Map" strategy. Scott McAfee: (done) Avagene Moore: Scott has to leave - Scott, would you mind putting up your email address for 2 others questions we have in the queue? Bill, could you address those questions? Avagene Moore: Actually we have 3 more questions. Scott McAfee: Sure. my email is scott.mcafee@dhs.gov. Avagene Moore: Thank you, Scott for a fine session. Avagene Moore: Bill, will you take the questions? Bill Blanton: I need to run as well, but if you send them to Scott, I will chime in on the answers as needed. William Cumming: Any chance of introducing meterological data and not just hydrologic data into the remapping? How will elevation data be utilized? Subsidence? Future development?or Avagene Moore: OK. Vic, William and Jay. Please send your questions to Scott. Jay Johnson: Will do. Vic Calderon: Many of our floodplains and waterways traverse thru interstate and international tribal lands. Have these Native American nations been encouraged to act as CTPs? Avagene Moore: That's all we have time for today. We greatly appreciate your efforts and time on our behalf today, Scott. Very informative! Thank you! Avagene Moore: Please stand by a moment while we make some quick announcements .... Avagene Moore: If you are not currently on our mailing list, and would like to get program announcements and notices of transcript availability, please see the Subscribe link on our home page. Avagene Moore: If your organization is interested in becoming an EIIP Partner, please see the "Partnership for You" link on our home page. Avagene Moore: Again, the transcript of today's session will be posted later this afternoon and you will be able to access it from our home page. Avagene Moore: Thanks to everyone for participating today. We appreciate you, the audience! Avagene Moore: Our session is adjourned but before you go, please help me show our appreciation to Scott for a fine job.