AUTOMATED HYDROLOGY & HYDRAULICS
GeoFIRM integrates Dewberry-developed GIS tools optimized for flood insurance studies and DFIRM production. These tools include automated floodplain and floodway mapping tools, as well as DFIRM "cartographic"” and QA/QC automated checking tools.
Because GeoFIRM is built around a multi-user geodatabase toolset in ArcGIS/SDE, engineers utilize ArcGIS to create flood hazard data throughout the entire production process. GeoFIRM integrates industry-standard automated GIS-based H&H modeling tools, such as GeoHMS and GeoRAS, with Dewberry-developed GIS tools optimized for flood insurance studies and DFIRM production. These tools include H&H tools, automated floodplain and floodway mapping tools, as well as DFIRM "cartographic" and QA/QC automated checking tools.
GeoFIRM is standards-based and open-architecture. This means that GeoFIRM can use industry-standard GIS toolsets, like GeoRAS. GeoFIRM seeks to leverage best-in-class tools and models within GIS. GeoFIRM extends the capabilities of these toolsets by using them seamlessly with other tools and adding additional functionality through the GeoFIRM toolset.
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The GeoFIRM toolset supports advanced features for performing:
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Terrain Data Development
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Hydrology
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Hydraulics
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Coastal Engineering
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Floodplain Mapping
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FEMA Mapping
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Quality Review
GeoFIRM also includes Dewberry-developed floodplain and floodway GIS tools that produce FEMA-compliant floodplain mapping. GeoFIRM floodplain mapping tools automate delineation of floodplains and floodways in compliance with FEMA requirements (e.g., automatically superimposes backwater effects, automates BFE and floodway plotting, cross section annotation, applies datum conversion, etc). These tools also overcome limitations of some of the "off-the-shelf" floodplain mapping utilities. For example, many hydraulic tools such as GeoRAS do not map ineffective flow areas, produce a 'jagged' floodplain delineation, and map isolated small areas of high ground as 'islands' outside of the floodplain. Through these GeoFIRM floodplain mapping tools, the user is able to utilize GIS-based engineering and mapping techniques that can be integrated directly into DFIRMs.
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Results from GeoRAS: Angular floodlines, incorrect mapping across roadway.
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Results from GeoFIRM: Mapping sections provide natural smooth floodlines and correct mapping at roadways without having to remodel.
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| Hydrology | Hydraulics | Floodplain Mapping |
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