FLORIDA GEOGRAPHIC DATA LIBRARY DOCUMENTATION

TITLE: COASTAL BARRIER RESOURCES SYSTEM (CBRS) POLYGONS OF THE DIGITAL FLOOD INSURANCE RATE MAP (DFIRM) IN THE STATE OF FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 2015

Geodataset Name:       DFIRM_CBRS_FEB15
Geodataset Type:       SDE Feature Class
Geodataset Feature:    Polygon
Feature Count:         331
GENERAL DESCRIPTION:
This dataset contains information about the Coastal Barrier Resources System Boundaries (CBRS) within a study area. The Coastal Barrier Resources Act (CBRA) of 1982 established the John H. Chafee Coastal Barrier Resources System (CBRS), comprised of undeveloped coastal barriers along the Atlantic, Gulf, and Great Lakes coasts. The law encourages the conservation of hurricane prone, biologically rich coastal barriers by restricting Federal expenditures that encourage development, such as Federal flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program. CBRA is a free-market approach to conservation. These areas can be developed, but Federal taxpayers do not underwrite the investments. CBRA saves taxpayer dollars and encourages conservation at the same time. CBRA has saved over $1 billion and will save millions more in the future. Approximately 3.1 million acres of land and associated aquatic habitat are part of the CBRS. The Fish and Wildlife Service maintains the repository for CBRA maps enacted by Congress that depict the CBRS. The Service also advises Federal agencies, landowners, and Congress regarding whether properties are in or out of the CBRS, and what kind of Federal expenditures are allowed in the CBRS. 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 dataset is an update to the DFIRM_CBRS_MAR14.shp layer.
DATA SOURCE(S):                    Federal Emergency Management Agency
SCALE OF ORIGINAL SOURCE MAPS:     12000
GEODATASET EXTENT:                 State of Florida
PUBLICATION DATE: 20150223 TIME PERIOD OF CONTENT: Begin Date: 20010606 End Date: 20150223 DOWNLOAD LINK: http://www.fgdl.org/metadataexplorer/explorer.jsp

FEATURE ATTRIBUTE TABLES:

Datafile Name: DFIRM_CBRS_FEB15.DBF
ITEM NAME WIDTH TYPE
OBJECTID
4 OID
SHAPE
4 Geometry
DFIRM_ID
6 String
VERSION_ID
11 String
CBRS_ID
32 String
CBRS_TYP
32 String
CBRS_DATE
36 Date
WTR_NM
100 String
SOURCE_CIT
21 String
PRODUCT_ID
20 String
DESCRIPT
35 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 Flood Risk Project Identifier. For a single-jurisdiction flood risk project, the value is composed of the 2-digit state FIPS code and the 4-digit FEMA CID code (e.g., 480001). For a countywide flood risk project, the value is composed of the 2-digit state FIPS code, the 3-digit county FIPS code, and the letter C (e.g., 48107C). Within each FIRM database, the DFIRM_ID value is identical.
N/A = N/A


VERSION_ID Version Identifier. Identifies the product version and relates the feature to standards according to which it was created.
N/A = N/A


CBRS_ID Primary key for table lookup. Assigned by table creator.
N/A = N/A


CBRS_TYP CBRS Type. The type code provides details of the types of prohibitions that apply to the area. Normally this would be a CBRS area or Otherwise Protected Area (OPA). Acceptable values for this field are listed in the D_CBRS_Type table. This field is applicable if CBRS_TF is true. Otherwise this field is null
COASTAL BARRIER RESOURCES SYSTEM = COASTAL BARRIER RESOURCES SYSTEM

OTHERWISE PROTECTED AREA = OTHERWISE PROTECTED AREA


CBRS_DATE CBRS Date. Legislative or administrative date on which prohibitions for the CBRS area apply. This must be indicated on the Flood Insurance Rate Map with a note or with a fill pattern indicated on the legend. This field is applicable if CBRS_TF is true. Otherwise this field is null.
N/A = N/A


WTR_NM Primary Flooding Source
NP = Not Populated

Null = No Data Available


SOURCE_CIT Source Citation. Abbreviation used in the metadata file when describing the source information for the S_Fld_Haz_Ar table. Normally, the flood hazard area polygon will be divided to distinguish areas modified by the most recent revision from areas based on the effective FIRM prior to the most recent revision. Revisions and sources prior to the most recent revision will not be tracked for individual polygons in the flood hazard areas table in the standard database.
N/A = N/A


PRODUCT_ID FEMA Flood Map Service Center Product ID. https://msc.fema.gov/portal/advanceSearch
NFHL_12_20150223 = NFHL_12_20150223


DESCRIPT Based on the field CBRS_TYP.
COASTAL BARRIER RESOURCES SYSTEM = COASTAL BARRIER RESOURCES SYSTEM

OTHERWISE PROTECTED AREA = OTHERWISE PROTECTED AREA

NO DESCRIPT AVAILABLE = NO DESCRIPT AVAILABLE


FGDLAQDATE Date FGDL acquired the data from the Source.
20150226 = 20150226


AUTOID Unique ID added by GeoPlan

SHAPE.AREA Area in meters

SHAPE.LEN Perimeter in meters

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.
The NFHL incorporates all FIRM Databases published by FEMA and any LOMRs 
that have been issued against those databases since their publication date. 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. 
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 the individual FIRM Database components of 
the NFHL 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 reports that accompany the 
individual FIRM Database components of the NFHL. Users should be aware that 
BFEs shown in the S_BFE table may 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.
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**The Following Information Contains The GeoPlan Center Process Steps: Indented Format** 

The GeoPlan Center downloaded the Statewide National Flood Hazard Layer 
from the following FEMA website on February 26th, 2015.

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_20150223 09/26/2014 02/23/2015 1400MB

NFHL_12_20150223.zip
NFHL_12_20150223.gdb
  Feature Layer: S_CBRS

The S_CBRS 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_cbrs_feb15.

Next the following fields were added and populated:
PRODUCT_ID = "NFHL_12_20150223"
DESCRIPT = CBRS_TYP
FGDLAQDATE = "2/26/2015"
AUTOID = OBJECTID

It was noted that sliver polygons existed (primarily in Charlotte County).
However, no methodology was performed by GeoPlan to correct for these 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.

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** The following FEMA DFIRM information is from the frm_gsalb.pdf ** 
Table: S_CBRS This table only applies to coastal areas that have specially 
protected areas designated by Congress on John H. Chafee Coastal Barrier 
Resources System (CBRS) maps. Authoritative CBRS boundary locations are 
shown on these maps administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Normally 
these areas are already shown on existing Federal Emergency Management 
Agency (FEMA) maps for the area. CBRS areas have restrictions on Federal funding
(including flood insurance coverage) after specified dates for new or substantially 
improved structures. See Section 2.2 and Appendix K of these Guidelines for more 
detailed information about CBRS areas. The S_CBRS table contains information 
about the CBRS areas within the study area, if applicable. A spatial file with 
locational information also corresponds with this data table. The spatial elements 
representing CBRS features are closed polygons. Each contiguous CBRS area of 
the same CBRS_TYP and same CBRS_DATE must be a single polygon. This is a 
Standard DFIRM Database table. What are Coastal Barriers? Coastal barriers are 
unique land forms that provide protection for diverse aquatic habitats and serve as 
the mainland's first line of defense against the impacts of severe coastal storms and 
erosion. Located at the interface of land and sea, the dominant physical factors 
responsible for shaping coastal land forms are tidal range, wave energy, and 
sediment supply from rivers and older, pre-existing coastal sand bodies. Relative 
changes in local sea level also profoundly affect coastal barrier diversity. Coastal 
barriers: * Consist primarily of unconsolidated sediments (sand, gravel, etc.); * are 
subject to wind, wave, and tidal energies; * are subject to the impacts of coastal 
storms and sea-level rise; * buffer the mainland from the impact of storms; * include 
associated landward aquatic habitats that are protected from direct wave attack by 
the fastland (non-wetland) portion of the coastal barrier; and * protect and maintain 
productive estuarine systems which support the Nation's fishing and shellfishing 
industries; Types of Coastal Barriers Coastal barriers may be described by their 
relationships to the mainland as bay barriers, tombolos, barrier spits, and barrier 
islands. Additional areas which function as coastal barriers include dune and beach
barriers, and fringing mangroves. The term "mainland" includes the continental land 
mass as well as large  islands such as Long Island, New York and the Hawaiian 
Islands. Definitions of the various kinds of coastal barriers follow. * Bay barriers - 
coastal barriers that connect two headlands, and enclose a pond, marsh, or other 
aquatic habitat. The terms bay mount bar and bay bar are synonymous. * Tombolos 
- sand or gravel beaches which connect one or more offshore islands to each other 
or to the mainland. The terms connecting bar, tie bar, and tying bar are 
synonymous. * Barrier spits - coastal barriers that extend into open water and are 
attached to the mainland at only one end. They can develop into a bay barrier if 
they grow completely across a bay or other aquatic habitat. On the other hand, bay 
barriers can become spits if an inlet is created. * Barrier islands - coastal barriers 
completely detached from the mainland. Barrier spits may become barrier islands if 
their connection to the mainland is severed by creation of a permanent inlet. The 
barrier island represents a broad barrier beach, commonly sufficiently above high 
tide to have dunes, vegetated zones, and wetland areas. * Dune or beach barriers -
broad sandy barrier beaches, with hills or ridges of sand formed by winds, which 
protect landward aquatic habitats. * Fringing mangroves - bands of mangrove along 
subtropical or tropical mainland shores in areas of low wave energy. Many of these 
areas are located behind coral reefs, which together with the mangroves 
themselves, provide significant protection for the mainland from storm impact. 
Location of Coastal Barriers Coastal barriers occur on all the coastlines of the United
States. One of the longest and best defined chains of coastal barriers in the world 
occurs along the United States shoreline bordering the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf 
of Mexico. This chain contains over 400 barriers and totals about 2,700 miles of 
shoreline. The coastal barriers from Maine to Texas show a high degree of regional 
diversity, controlled by differences in climate and in the physical processes shaping 
barrier shorelines. Long, continuous barriers with small ebb-tidal deltas are produced 
by longshore currents along wave-dominated coasts. These barriers are typified by 
the coastal barrier islands along the south Texas coast which are long, generally 
narrow, and cut by widely separated tidal inlets with large sand accumulations in the
back-barrier bays, and small or nonexistent seaward shoals. Similar barrier islands 
are also found in parts of Louisiana, the Florida panhandle, southeast Florida, North 
Carolina's Outer Banks, the south shore of Long Island, and the Cape Cod segment 
of the Massachusetts coast. Tide-dominated coastlines support large ebb-tidal 
deltas. The Georgia coastal barrier islands typify a tide-dominated coastline: they are
relatively short and stubby and are separated by stable tidal inlets with an average 
spacing of 9 miles. Tide-dominated barriers also occur in northeast Florida, most of 
South Carolina's coast, along the Delmarva Peninsula, Massachusetts, and in some
areas of Louisiana and Texas. Secondary Barriers If a suitable sediment source and 
sufficient wind, waves, and tidal energy exist, a secondary barrier may occasionally 
form behind the seaward coastal barrier. Secondary barriers are located in large, 
well-defined bays or in lagoons on the mainland side of coastal barrier systems. 
These barriers are maintained primarily by internally generated wind waves rather 
than open ocean waves. Consequently, secondary barriers are generally smaller 
and more ephemeral than barriers along the open coast. Nonetheless, these barriers
are formed of unconsolidated sediments just like most oceanic barriers and, more 
importantly, they also protect vital fish and wildlife habitat and provide substantial 
protection for the mainland during major storms. Value of Coastal Barriers Coastal 
barriers provide invaluable services that are the foundations of a strong economy 
and healthy environment. They offer habitats that support a variety of fish and 
wildlife, protect mainland communities from severe storms, serve as popular 
vacation destinations, and support local economies. Coastal Barriers and Natural 
Resources Coastal barriers protect the aquatic habitats between the barrier and the 
mainland which contain resources of extraordinary scenic, scientific, recreational, 
natural, historic, and economic value. Together with their adjacent wetland, marsh, 
estuarine, inlet, and nearshore water habitats, coastal barriers support a tremendous
variety of organisms. Millions of fish, shellfish, birds, mammals, and other wildlife 
depend on barriers and their associated wetlands for vital feeding, spawning, 
nesting, nursery, and resting habitat. These habitats are also critically important for 
many species harvested in the Nation's commercial fish and shellfish industries. The
barrier and its associated habitats are one ecological system, and the health and 
productivity of the entire system depend on the rational use of all the component 
parts. Coastal Barriers and Severe Storms Under normal weather conditions, only 
aquatic habitats immediately adjacent to coastal barriers are exposed to direct wave
attack. However, major coastal storms routinely affect the entire landward aquatic 
habitat. This habitat survives major storms because coastal barriers receive the 
brunt of the ocean's energies. Storm waves break on the barrier beach, leaving a 
diminished wave to travel into the wetland. At the same time, the wetland stores 
storm flood waters, easing the flood pressure on the mainland. Without extensive 
sand beaches protecting many bluffs and terraces, damages from violent storms 
would be much greater. Sand acts as a brake or drag on waves. Where there are 
barrier beaches fronting embayments, the sand absorbs the energy much as it does 
at the base of cliffs. The principal danger to beaches and barriers is not intense 
storms but a steady reduction in the sand supply caused by dams on tributary 
streams and the diversion or interruption of littoral transport along the seaward edge 
of beaches and barriers by bulkheads, groins, and jetties. In some situations, mining 
of beach sand has contributed to the problem. Spits and low-lying barrier beaches 
survive severe storms with relatively slight effects as long as there is a supply of 
sand available to restore the beach. A severe storm is a short-term phenomenon, 
repeating the annual cycle of changing width and slope of the beach within a few 
hours. Sometimes a spit is eroded back or shortened and the dunes reduced or 
moved, but the sand begins to build up again towards its equilibrium condition 
almost as soon as the storm ends. The entrance to a bay and/or river mouth may be
relocated or shoaled, but this sometimes also happens without storms. Shoaling of 
harbor entrances may be dangerous to navigation and require dredging to restore 
an entrance channel. Development of Coastal Barriers Besides bearing the brunt of 
impacts from storms and erosion, most coastal barriers are made of unconsolidated 
sediments (sand, gravel, etc.). This geological composition alone makes them highly
unstable areas on which to build. Despite their instability, many coastal barriers have
been developed. In the past, this development was encouraged by the availability 
of Federal flood insurance and other types of Federal financial assistance. Through 
its unique free-market approach to conservation, the Coastal Barrier Resources Act 
has been instrumental in ensuring that the Federal government does not encourage 
the development of these coastal barrier habitats.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

NFHL Resources
http://www.fema.gov/national-flood-insurance-program-flood-hazard-mapping/national-flood-hazard-layer-nfhl

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

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

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

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

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

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

Guidance for Flood Risk Analysis and Mapping:
Coastal Barrier Resources System Mapping on Flood Insurance Rate Maps
http://www.fema.gov/media-library-data/1407364114961-5744ea0b5beaf0293e1cc846602b1bae/CBRS_Guidance_May_2014.pdf

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: 20150130

The GeoPlan Center downloaded the Statewide National Flood Hazard Layer from the following FEMA website on February 26th, 2015. 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_20150223 09/26/2014 02/23/2015 1400MB NFHL_12_20150223.zip NFHL_12_20150223.gdb Feature Layer: S_CBRS The S_CBRS 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_cbrs_feb15. Next the following fields were added and populated: PRODUCT_ID = "NFHL_12_20150223" DESCRIPT = CBRS_TYP FGDLAQDATE = "2/26/2015" AUTOID = OBJECTID It was noted that sliver polygons existed (primarily in Charlotte County). However, no methodology was performed by GeoPlan to correct for these 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. Process Date: 20150226
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
FEMA
500 C Street SW
Washington, DC
20472
1-800-358-9616

http://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