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Digital Flood Insurance Map (DFIRM) Database for Connecticut - Bench Marks (PERM_BMK)
SDE Feature Class - depgis.DEP.FEMA_DFIRM_S_PERM_BMK
FGDC, ESRI Metadata
DescriptionGraphicSpatialData StructureData QualityData SourceData DistributionMetadata
+ Resource Description
Citation
Description
A characterization of the data, including its intended use and limitations.
Abstract:
Includes location and attributes for Bench Marks (PERM_BMK) shown on Digital Flood Insurance Rate (DFIRM) maps available for five Connecticut counties. See below for time period of each county DFIRM Database included in this statewide PERM_BMK layer. More current data may be available from the Federal Emergcy Management Agency (FEMA). The 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, the 0.2-percent-annual-chance flood event, 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 the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The file is georeferenced to earth's surface using the State Plane projection and coordinate system. The specifications for the horizontal control of DFIRM data files are consistent with those required for mapping at a scale of 1:12,000.
Purpose:
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 DFIRM Database presents the flood risk information depicted on the FIRM in a digital format suitable for use in electronic mapping applications. The DFIRM database is a subset of the Digital FIS database that serves to archive the information collected during the FIS.
Supplemental information:
In Guidelines and Specifications for Flood Hazard Mapping Partners (http://www.fema.gov/library/viewRecord.do?id=2206), FEMA defines technical requirements, product specifications for Flood Hazard Maps and related National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) products, and associated coordination and documentation activities.
Language of dataset: en
Point Of Contact
Contact information for the individual or organization that is knowledgeable about the data.
Organization: Federal Emergency Management Agency
Phone: 1-800-358-9616
Email: http://www.fema.gov/msc
Address type: mailing address
Address:
500 C Street, S.W.
City: Washington
State or Province: District of Columbia
Postal code: 20472
Country: USA
Data Type
How the data are represented, formatted and maintained by the data producing organization.
File or table name: depgis.DEP.FEMA_DFIRM_S_PERM_BMK
Data type: FEMA-DFIRM-Final
Data format: SDE Feature Class
Native dataset environment: Original data development environment varies. Finishing of the data is done using ESRI's ArcGIS software.
Time Period of Data
Time period(s) for which the data corresponds to the currentness reference.
Date: 20100618
Date: 20110916
Date: 20080828
Date: 20110718
Date: 20101217
Currentness reference:
FIRM and FIS effective date for Fairfield, Hartford, Middlesex, New London, and New Haven Counties, respectively.
Status
The state of and maintenance information for the data.
Data status: Complete
Update frequency: Unknown
Key Words
Words or phrases that summarize certain aspects of the data.
Theme:
Keywords: elevation, environment, hydrogrology, inlandWaters, oceans, structure, transportation
Keyword thesaurus: ISO 19115 Topic Category
Theme:
Keywords: Base Flood Elevation , CBRS , Coastal Barrier Resources System , Coastal Flooding , DFIRM , DFIRM Database , Digital Flood Insurance Rate Map , FEMA Flood Hazard Zone , FIRM , Flood Insurance Rate Map , Floodway , NFIP , Riverine flooding , SFHA , Special Flood Hazard Area
Keyword thesaurus: FEMA NFIP Topic Category
Place:
Keywords: Fairfield County, Hartford County, Middlesex County, New London County, New Haven County
Keyword thesaurus: None
Data Access Constraints
Restrictions and legal prerequisites for accessing or using the data after access is granted.
Access constraints:
None.
Use constraints:
The hardcopy FIRM and DFIRM and the accompanying FISs 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 matches the hardcopy map exactly.  However the hardcopy flood maps and flood profiles are the authoritative documents for the NFIP. Acknowledgement of FEMA would be appreciated in products derived from these data.
Data Security Information
Handling restrictions imposed on the data because of national security, privacy or other concerns.
Security classifiction system: None
Security classification: None
Security handling: No restrictions for handling the data.
+ Graphic Example
Browse Graphic
Graphic illustration of the data.
Browse graphic 1
Open - Full view of DFIRM for Connecticut with data available for Fairfield, Hartford, Middlesex, New London, and New Haven counties.
Graphic Image

Browse graphic 2
Open - Detail view of DFIRM Database with standard FEMA symbology
Graphic Image

Browse graphic 3
Open - Detail view of DFIRM Database with color symbology applied by CT DEEP
Graphic Image

Browse graphic 4
Open - Legend for FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM)
Graphic Image

Browse graphic 5
Open - Notes to users included on FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM)
Graphic Image
+ Spatial Reference Information
Horizontal Coordinate System
Reference system from which linear or angular quantities are measured and assigned to the position that a point occupies.
Projected coordinate system:
Name: NAD 1983 StatePlane Connecticut FIPS 0600 Feet
Map units: survey feet
Geographic coordinate system:
Name: GCS North American 1983
Coordinate System Details
Map projection
Map projection name: Lambert Conformal Conic
Standard parallel: 41.200000
Standard parallel: 41.866667
Longitude of central meridian: -72.750000
Latitude of projection origin: 40.833333
False easting: 999999.999996
False northing: 499999.999998
Planar Coordinate Information
Planar coordinate encoding method: coordinate pair
Coordinate representation:
Abscissa resolution: 0.000328
Ordinate resolution: 0.000328
Planar distance units: survey feet
Geodetic model
Horizontal datum name: North American Datum of 1983
Ellipsoid name: Geodetic Reference System 80
Semi-major axis: 6378137.000000
Denominator of flattening ratio: 298.257222
Vertical Coordinate System
Reference system from which vertical distances (altitudes or depths) are measured.
Altitude system definition:
Altitude resolution: 1.000000
Altitude encoding method: Explicit elevation coordinate included with horizontal coordinates
Spatial Domain
The geographic areal domain of the data that describes the western, eastern, northern, and southern geographic limits of data coverage.
Bounding Coordinates
In Projected or local coordinates
NAD 1983 StatePlane Connecticut FIPS 0600 Feet
BoundaryCoordinate
Left744810.182993 (survey feet)
Right1250241.927049 (survey feet)
Top931519.031953 (survey feet)
Bottom565989.865704 (survey feet)
In Unprojected coordinates (geographic)
GCS North American 1983
BoundaryCoordinate
West-73.689025 (longitude)
East-71.829181 (longitude)
North42.017597 (latitude)
South41.010698 (latitude)
+ Data Structure and Attribute Information
Overview
Summary of the information content of the data, including other references to complete descriptions of entity types, attributes, and attribute values for the data.
Entity and attribute overview:
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.
Entity and attribute detailed citation:
Appendix L of FEMA's Guidelines and Specifications for FEMA Flood Hazard Mapping Partners contains a detailed description of each attribute code and a reference to other relevant information.
Entity and attribute detailed citation:
The following tables are included in this data set: l_comm_info l_mt1_lomc l_stn_start study_info s_bfe s_cbrs s_base_index s_firm_pan s_fld_haz_ar s_fld_haz_ln s_gen_struct s_label_pt s_label_ld s_perm_bmk s_pol_ar s_pol_ln s_quad_index s_wtr_ln s_xs
Direct spatial reference method: Vector
Attributes of PERM_BMK
Detailed descriptions of entity type, attributes, and attribute values for the data.
Name: depgis.DEP.FEMA_DFIRM_S_PERM_BMK
Type of object: Feature Class
Geometry type: Point
Number of records: 1649
Description:
Base Flood Elevation Lines. See http://www.cteco.uconn.edu/metadata/fema/document/frm_selected_pages_from_Appendix_L.pdf for attribute definitions.
Source:
Federal Emergency Management Agency
Attributes
OBJECTID
Definition:
Internal feature number.
Alias: OBJECTID Type: OID Width: 4 Precision: 10 Scale: 0
Attribute values: Sequential unique whole numbers that are automatically generated.
Attribute definition source:
ESRI
BM_ID
Alias: BM_ID Type: String Width: 11 Precision: 0 Scale: 0
PID
Alias: PID Type: String Width: 11 Precision: 0 Scale: 0
SOURCE_CIT
Alias: SOURCE_CIT Type: String Width: 11 Precision: 0 Scale: 0
Shape
Definition:
Feature geometry.
Alias: Shape Type: Geometry Width: 4 Precision: 0 Scale: 0
Attribute values: Coordinates defining the features.
Attribute definition source:
ESRI
ESRI Feature Description
Description of spatial objects in the data using the Environmental Systems Research Institute (ESRI) terminology.
Environmental Systems Research Institute (ESRI) terms
depgis.DEP.FEMA_DFIRM_S_PERM_BMK
ESRI feature type: Simple
Geometry type: Point
Topology: FALSE
Feature count: 1649
Spatial index: TRUE
Linear referencing: FALSE
SDTS Feature Description
Description of point and vector spatial objects in the data using the Spatial Data Transfer Standards (SDTS) terminology.
Spatial data transfer standard (SDTS) terms
depgis.DEP.FEMA_DFIRM_S_PERM_BMK
Type: Entity point
Count: 1649
+ Data Quality and Accuracy Information
General
Information about the fidelity of relationships, data quality and accuracy tests, omissions, selection criteria, generalization, and definitions used to derive the data.
Logical consistency report:
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.
Completeness report:
Data contained in the DFIRM Database files reflect 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. Both detailed and approximate analyses are employed. Generally, detailed analyses are used to generate flood risk data only for developed or developing areas of communities. For areas where little or no development is expected to occur, FEMA uses approximate analyses to generate flood risk data. Typically, only drainage areas that are greater than one square mile are studied.
Attribute Accuracy
Accuracy of the identification of data entities, features and assignment of attribute values.
Attribute accuracy report:
The DFIRM Database consists of countywide vector files and associated attributes produced in conjunction with the hard copy FEMA FIRM. The published effective FIRM and DFIRM maps 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 Specifications for Flood Hazard Mapping Partners.  Attribute 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 FEMA's DFIRM database was also performed. To obtain more detailed information in areas where Base Flood Elevations (BFEs) and/or floodways have been determined, users are encouraged to consult the Flood Profiles and Floodway Data and/or Summary of Stillwater Elevations tables contained within the FIS report that accompanies this DFIRM database. Users should be aware that BFEs shown in the S_BFE table represent rounded whole-foot elevations. These BFEs are intended for flood insurance rating purposes only and should not be used as the sole source of flood elevation information.  Accordingly, flood elevation data presented in the FIS report must be used in conjunction with the FIRM for purposes of construction and/or floodplain management.  The 1-percent-annual-chance water-surface elevations shown in the S_XS table match the regulatory elevations shown in the FIS report.
Positional Accuracy
Accuracy of the positional aspects of the data.
Horizontal accuracy report:
The DFIRM Database consists of countywide vector files and associated attributes produced in conjunction with the hardcopy FEMA FIRM. The published effective FIRM and DFIRM 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 Specifications for Flood Hazard Mapping Partners.  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 FEMA's DFIRM database was also performed.
Vertical accuracy report:
The DFIRM Database consists of countywide vector files and associated attributes produced in conjunction with the hardcopy FEMA FIRM. The published effective FIRM and DFIRM maps 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 Specifications for Flood Hazard Mapping Partners.  Vertical 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 FEMA's DFIRM database was also performed
+ Data Source and Process Information
Data Sources
Information about the source data used to construct or derive the data.
Data source information
County DFIRM
Title: Connecticut County DFIRM Database
Originators: Federal Emergency Management Agency
Publisher: Federal Emergency Management Agency
Publication place: Washington, DC
Data type: FEMA-DFIRM-Final
Other citation details:
DFIRM Database publiciation dates vary according to county
Media: disc
Date: 20100618
Date: 20110916
Date: 20080828
Date: 20110718
Date: 20101217
Currentness reference:
FIRM and FIS effective date for Fairfield, Hartford, Middlesex, New London, and New Haven Counties, respectively.
Connecticut DFIRM
Title: Connecticut statewide DFIRM Database
Media: disc
Process Steps
Information about events, parameters, tolerances and techniques applied to construct or derive the data.
Process step information
Process Step 1
Process description:
Appended and added together available county-level DFIRM data to create a statewide feature class for Connecticut for use by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.
Organization: Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection
Person: Courtney Larson
Phone: 860-424-3540
Address type: mailing and physical address
Address:
79 Elm Street
City: Hartford
State or Province: Connecticut
Postal code: 06106
Country: USA
Process date: 20110901
Process software and version: ArcGIS
Data Source used
County DFIRM
Title: Connecticut County DFIRM Database
Originators: Federal Emergency Management Agency
Publisher: Federal Emergency Management Agency
Publication place: Washington, DC
Data type: FEMA-DFIRM-Final
Other citation details:
DFIRM Database publiciation dates vary according to county
Media: disc
Date: 20100618
Date: 20110916
Date: 20080828
Date: 20110718
Date: 20101217
Currentness reference:
FIRM and FIS effective date for Fairfield, Hartford, Middlesex, New London, and New Haven Counties, respectively.
Data Source produced
Connecticut DFIRM
Title: Connecticut statewide DFIRM Database
Media: disc
+ Data Distribution Information
General
Description of the data known by the party from whom the data may be obtained, liability of party distributing data, and technical capabilities required to use the data.
Resource description:
DFIRM_S_PERM_BMK
Distribution liability:
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.
Distribution Point of Contact
Contact information for the individual or organization distributing the data.
Organization: FEMA, Map Service Center
Phone: 1-800-358-9616
Email: http://www.fema.gov/msc
Instructions:
Data requests must include the full name of the community or county and the FIRM panel number(s) or the 7.5- minute series quadrangle sheet area(s) covered by the request.
Address type: mailing address
Address:
P.O. Box 1038
City: Jessup
State or Province: Maryland
Postal code: 20794-1038
Country: USA
+ Metadata Reference
Metadata Date
Dates associated with creating, updating and reviewing the metadata.
Last updated: 20111227
Language of metadata: en
Metadata Point of Contact
Contact information for the individual or organization responsible for the metadata information.
Organization: Federal Emergency Management Agency
Person: MipHelp (subsequently modified by Howie Sternberg, CT DEEP, to describe the Connecticut DFIRM data based on the county-level DFIRM database)
Phone: 1-877-336-2627
Email: miphelp@riskmapcds.com
Hours of service: Monday to Friday, 08:30 to 16:30 Eastern Standard Time
Address type: mailing address
Address:
500 C Street, s.w
City: Washington
State or Province: District of Columbi
Postal code: 1-877-336-2627
Country: USA
Metadata Access Constraints
Restrictions and legal prerequisites for accessing or using the data after access is granted.
Access constraints:
None. No restrictions or legal prerequisites for accessing the metadata.
Use constraints:
None. No restrictions or legal prerequisites for using the metadata after access is granted.
Metadata Security Information
Handling restrictions imposed on the metadata because of national security, privacy or other concerns.
Security classifiction system: None
Security classification: None
Security handling: No restrictions for handling the metadata.
Metadata Standards
Description of the metadata standard used to document the data and reference to any additional extended profiles to the standard used by the metadata producer.
Standard name: FGDC Content Standards for Digital Geospatial Metadata
Standard version: FGDC-STD-001-1998
Time convention: local time
Metadata profiles defining additonal information:
Profile: FEMA NFIP Metadata Content and Format Standard
Profile: ESRI Metadata Profile
FGDC Plus Metadata Stylesheet
Stylesheet: FGDC Plus Stylesheet
File name: FGDC Plus.xsl
Version: 2.2
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