Flood Information Tool User Manual 
Revision 7 
 
 
 
Developed for: 
NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF BUILDING SCIENCES 1090 Vermont Avenue, N.W., Suite 700 
Washington, D.C.  20005-4905 
1 April 2003 
 
 


 

Copyright Notice 
Funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) under agreements with 
the National Institute of Building Sciences (NIBS) supported the work that 
provided the basis for this publication.  The substance and findings of that work 
are dedicated to the public.  NIBS is solely responsible for the accuracy of the 
statements and interpretations contained in this publication.  Such 
interpretations do not necessarily reflect the views of the Federal Government. 
The National Institute of Building Sciences is a non-governmental, non-profit 
organization authorized by Congress to encourage a more rational building 
regulatory environment, to accelerate the introduction of existing and new 
technology into the building process and to disseminate technical information. 
Copies of this report are available through the Federal Emergency Management 
Agency.  For information contact FEMA at www.fema.gov/hazus or: 

FEMA Distribution Center 
P.O. Box 2012 
Jessup, Maryland 20794-2012 
Tel.: 1-800-480-2520 
Fax: 301-362-5335 
 
HAZUS(r) is a trademark of the Federal Emergency Management Agency 
This manual is copyrighted (c) 1995-2002 by the Federal Emergency Management 
Agency.  All Rights Reserved. 
 
The FIT operates as an extension to ESRI's Geographic Information Systems (GIS) 
software package ArcGIS.  The FIT user is subject to ESRI's ArcGIS' license and 
copyright agreements. 

Flood Information Tool User Manual Revision Record Sheet 
Date 
Revision 
Description of  Major Revisions 
Author(s) 
Reviewer(s) 
Software Version 
25 Feb 2002 
1.0 

Riverine Beta 
Linda Wrigley Eric Tate  Ed Mifflin 
Neil Blais Paul Flores 
1.0 Beta 
5 June 2002 
2.0 

Riverine Complete 
Linda Wrigley Eric Tate Ed Mifflin 
Neil Blais Paul Flores 
1.0 Riverine
13 June 2002 
3.0 

Coastal Revisions 
Linda Wrigley Eric Tate Chris Jones Fatih Dogan 
Neil Blais Paul Flores 
2.0 Beta 
8 July 2002 
4.0 

Riverine & Coastal minor edits & screen shot updates 
Linda Wrigley Eric Tate Fatih Dogan 
Neil Blais Paul Flores 
2.1.0 Beta 
23 July 2002 
5.0 

Riverine & Coastal minor edits & screen shot updates 
Linda Wrigley Eric Tate Fatih Dogan 
Neil Blais Paul Flores 
2.1.0  
16 October 2002 
6.0 

Minor edits to Appendix B & Appendix C 
Linda Wrigley Eric Tate 
Neil Blais 
2.2.0 
1 April 2003 
7.0 

Minor edits and screen updates 
Linda Wrigley Eric Tate Fatih Dogan 
Neil Blais 
3.0.0 

 


 1 Introduction 

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), under a cooperative agreement with 
the National Institute of Building Sciences (NIBS), has developed a standardized, 
nationally-applicable natural hazards loss estimation methodology.  This 
methodology is implemented through PC-based geographic information system (GIS) 
software called  HAZUS(r)MH.  HAZUS(r)MH applies a multi-hazard methodology, with 
models for estimating potential losses from earthquake, flood (riverine and 
coastal), and wind (hurricanes) hazards. 
The flood loss estimation methodology consists of two basic analytical processes:  
flood hazard analysis and flood loss estimation analysis.  Flood hazards in the 
FIT are divided into riverine and coastal.  In the riverine hazard module, 
characteristics such as frequency, discharge, and terrain elevation are used to 
model the spatial variation in flood elevation and flood depth.  In the coastal 
hazard module, characteristics such as frequency, stillwater elevations, wave 
conditions, and terrain information are used to model the spatial variation in 
flood-induced erosion, flood elevation, and flood depth. 
The Flood Information Tool (FIT) is an ArcGIS extension designed to process user-
supplied flood hazard data into the format required by the  HAZUS(r)MH Flood 
Model.  The FIT, when given user-supplied inputs (e.g., ground elevations, flood 
elevations, and floodplain boundary information), computes the extent, depth and 
elevation of flooding for riverine and coastal hazards.  
An overall schematic of the FIT is provided in Figure 1-1 showing some of the 
types of data input that users may have and the FIT output (depth of flooding).   
  
Figure 1-1:  FIT Schematic 
See Appendix A for information regarding conversion methods for the various types 
of input data. 
The FIT stores data in a format and file structure (Appendix B) readily accessible 
by the  HAZUS(r)MH Flood Model.  Use of the FIT ensures the projection and map 
units of the data meet the  HAZUS(r)MH Flood Model requirements and allows the 
user to import the data without additional manipulation. 
 1.1 Overview of Requirements 

The FIT is an ArcGIS extension that provides users with a system of analysis 
utilities and tutorials used to process user-supplied flood hazard data into the 
format required by the  HAZUS(r)MH Flood Model.  The FIT is designed for users 
with GIS experience.  Specifically, familiarity with ArcGIS is advantageous.  
Users should also have an understanding of riverine and/or coastal flooding 
mechanisms in order to properly create and interpret FIT output data. 
 1.1.1 System Requirements 

The FIT requires users to have ArcGIS 8.3 or higher, with the ArcGIS Spatial 
Analyst extension installed on their stand-alone PC.  The FIT functions as an 
extension in this environment.  The hardware requirements for the FIT are those of 
ArcGIS 8.3: 
 Processor:  450 MHz required, 650 MHz or greater recommended 
 RAM:  128 MB required, 256 MB or greater recommended 
 Operating System:  Windows 2000, Windows NT 4.0, Windows XP 

 
 1.1.2 Data Requirements 

Use of the FIT requires the users to provide input spatial data.  This includes 
terrain elevation information in the form of an ArcInfo grid, and flood elevation 
and floodplain boundary information as ESRI feature classes.  The feature classes 
can exist as a shapefile, ArcInfo coverage, or as part of a geodatabase.  All user 
supplied data must share a common map projection, datums, and units.  More 
detailed descriptions of the input data requirements are provided in Table 1-1 and 
Table 1-2. 
Table 1-1: Riverine Input Data Requirements 
Required Input 
Purpose 
Spatial Data Format 
Rules 
Digital elevation model (DEM) 
Describe terrain elevations and establish the cell size of all output grids 
ArcInfo grid 
Should represent bald-earth conditions (i.e., no buildings, trees, etc.) 
Flood elevation lines 
Contain populated fields for flood elevations and discharges (optional) for one or 
more return periods. 
ArcGIS polyline feature class 


*  Cannot intersect each other 

*  Should intersect the center of the floodplain 

*  No attribute fields named "Along", "Power", or "Skew" 

Floodplain boundary 
Define the centerline of flow and act as a guide for determining the floodplain 
width 
ArcGIS polyline feature class 
Represented by a single, continuous polygon feature 

 
 
Table 1-2: Coastal Input Data Requirements 

Required Input 
Purpose 
Spatial Data Format 
Rules 
Digital elevation model (DEM) 
Describe terrain elevations and establish the cell size of all output grids 

ArcInfo grid 
Should represent bald-earth conditions (i.e., no buildings, trees, etc.) 
Flood hazard polygons 
Contain populated fields for the flood elevations and FEMA flood hazard zones of 
the 100-yr flood 

ArcGIS polyline feature class 
If AO (sheet flow) zones exist, the depth should be stored in its own field 
Analysis boundary 
Define the boundary of analysis for all output data 

ArcGIS polyline feature class 
Represented by a single polygon feature that is completely contained with the DEM 
domain 

Local flood insurance study 
Provide stillwater elevations and wave setup at the shoreline 
-- 
At a minimum, the 100-yr stillwater elevation wave setup component should be 
available 

 
 1.2 Key Functionality 

The FIT allows users to input locally available terrain information and flood 
information (elevation and boundaries) to develop grids of flood depth and flood 
elevation.  This is accomplished through a series of user interface dialogs that 
guide the user through the process while gaining critical user input.  Key 
features of the FIT are: 


*  Multi-hazard analysis: able to process flood hazard data for both riverine and 
coastal settings. 

*  Accepts user-supplied data: flexible enough to accept a variety of user-
supplied terrain and flood hazard data. 

*  Flood surface interpolation: algorithms provide a means to interpolate flood 
elevations between cross-sections (riverine) and across base flood elevation 
polygons (coastal). 

*  Flood depth analysis: calculates flood depth grid(s) throughout the area of 
analysis. 

*  Flood frequency analysis: once the initial flood depth analyses are performed, 
depth grids for user-specified return periods can be interpolated. 

*  Flood-induced erosion analysis (coastal hazard only):  algorithms model 
potential failure of the frontal dune in order to calculate a grid of flood-
induced erosion depth.  The FIT procedure is similar to the procedure used in FEMA 
coastal flood studies. 

*  Guidance via help functions to help users transform their flood hazard data 
into the formats required by the FIT. 

It should be noted what functionality the FIT does not provide, namely hydrologic 
and hydraulic calculations.  These computations must be completed elsewhere, and 
the results provided to the FIT as input data (see Section 1.1.2). 
 1.3 Overview of the FIT Riverine Methodology 

The riverine portion of the FIT was developed to allow users of  HAZUS(r)MH to 
incorporate results of their own, stream-specific, hydraulic models.  The primary 
FIT output is a flood depth grid or a set of such grids formatted for use in  
HAZUS(r)MH.  The spatial data required to run the riverine portion of the FIT are 
a digital elevation model (DEM), a set of polylines (cross sections) attributed 
with flood elevations, and a polygon that defines a representative floodplain 
boundary.  The DEM is an ArcInfo grid; the polyline and polygon files are 
shapefiles. 

Input Floodplain Boundary 
The user is required to identify up- and downstream limits of study and the 
shapefile field(s) that contains the elevation data in the polyline shapefile. If 
the floodplains are represented by more than one polygon, the user is required to 
identify the polygon associated with the study area.  The floodplain boundary 
polygon need not be associated with any particular flood.  It is used by the FIT 
only to define a "smooth" line representing the general flow path of floodwater.  
Only one polygon can be associated with a study reach.  Floodplains that are 
disconnected (by a road crossing, for example) must be somehow connected (merged) 
or studied as two reaches.  
 
Centerline of Flow 
Once the stream limits have been chosen, the program will define a polyline from 
the upstream limit to the downstream limit.  That polyline is, in a sense, the 
centerline of the floodplain.  It is the aforementioned smooth line representing 
the general flow path of floodwater.  Note that the program uses centerline to 
identify cross sections within the reach.  Specifically, only cross section lines 
that cross the centerline are considered in subsequent analyses.  It is important 
to ensure that all cross sections within a reach cross the centerline.  Note that 
lines that cross the floodplain polygon necessarily cross the centerline. 

Bounding Polygon 
An initial buffer is computed around the centerline and the user is prompted to 
increase and/or decrease the buffer until satisfied that the conveyance area of 
the floodplain of interest is contained within the buffer.  The chosen buffer 
defines the extent to which flood depths will be calculated and, therefore, is 
referred to as the bounding polygon.   The extent of the floodplain boundary 
shapefile may help in guiding the decision on how large to make the bounding 
polygon.   

The lengths of the cross section lines and the limits do not restrict the size of 
bounding polygon.  If necessary, the program will extend cross-section lines to 
the bounding polygon.  If necessary, the cross-section lines are extended in a 
manner that preserves a sense of alignment perpendicular to flood flow.  The 
limits are extended in a straight line following the alignment at the ends of each 
respective limit.  Users should try to avoid drawing stream limits that cross each 
other, intersect cross sections, or otherwise cut off portions of the bounding 
polygon pertinent to describing the floodplain.  

Non-Conveyance Areas 
Certain low-lying areas adjacent to the floodplain, such as tributary streams, 
that do not convey but, rather, retain floodwater (pond) at the flood elevation in 
the conveyance part of the floodplain, need not be included within the bounding 
polygon.  The FIT provides an analysis option for including such areas inside and 
outside of the bounding polygon.   The ideal bounding polygon contains all 
portions of (different frequency) floodplains being analyzed and, also, minimizes 
the areas subject to ponding.  

Interpolation of Additional Hazard Grids 
If the cross sections are attributed with multiple flood elevations, the FIT uses 
the information supplied for the initial analyses to develop subsequent flood 
depth grids.  That is, subsequent flood depth grids can be developed without re-
entering reach limits and choosing bounding polygons.  If cross sections are 
attributed with at least three flood elevations and corresponding discharge 
values, the FIT offers an option to interpolate other flood depth grids. 

Modeling Tips 
The study reach is defined by the choice of up- and downstream limits.  In some 
situations, subdividing a reach into shorter reaches can improve the efficiency 
(run time) of the FIT.  Subdividing a reach into reaches covered by bounding 
polygons of different sizes will yield results quicker than using the largest 
bounding polygon for the entire reach.  In general, reaches should be chosen to 
include relatively homogeneous floodplain widths.  Reaches should overlap enough 
to ensure that there are no gaps in coverage of the floodplain.    
Highly meandering floodplain configurations may warrant special attention.  If the 
flow centerline (not the stream) has a horseshoe-shaped meander, increasing the 
buffer will, at some distance, create a discontinuity in the bounding polygon.  An 
"island" will form within the bounding polygon somewhere within the meander 
(inside the horseshoe).  The interpolation algorithm in the FIT does not operate 
properly in such situations.  Increasing the bounding polygon beyond that limiting 
size will result in error messages.   If the bounding polygon must be increased 
beyond that limit, the meander should be analyzed piece-wise, thereby removing the 
"horseshoe" shape within any reach.  

In order to analyze a stream network piece-wise, each partial analysis should 
begin by specifying a new working directory in the Project Setup and Validation 
dialog.  After each individual analysis is complete, the results can be combined 
using the Merge FIT Projects menu item. 




 1.4 Overview of the FIT Coastal Methodology 

The coastal portion of the FIT was developed to allow users of  HAZUS(r)MH to 
incorporate data from coastal flood hazard maps produced by FEMA or produced by 
other sources.  The result of using the FIT is a flood depth grid or a set of such 
grids formatted for use in  HAZUS(r)MH.   The data required to run the coastal 
portion of the FIT are a digital elevation model (DEM), a set of polygons (areas 
subject to flooding) attributed with base flood elevations (BFE) and FEMA flood 
hazard zones (e.g., zone VE, zone AE, etc.) and a polygon representing the 
analysis boundary.  The DEM is a grid; the polygon files are Shapefiles.  The 
flood elevation polygons used by the coastal FIT must be associated with the base 
flood (100-year flood).  They are used by the FIT to generate a 100-year flood 
elevation grid, and form the basis for all other return period flood surfaces 
calculated by the FIT. 

Shoreline Characterization 
The user is required to identify all coastal flood sources that will be considered 
by  HAZUS(r)MH, and to draw a shoreline associated with each flood source. The 
shoreline drawn by the user should be a general depiction of the shoreline, and 
should not be a detailed rendering.  In tidal areas, the shoreline drawn should 
represent the approximate mean sea level shoreline; in the Great Lakes the 
shoreline should be drawn at approximately the International Great Lakes Datum 
(IGLD) chart datum.  If the user has a local map layers depicting the water line, 
this can be used as a guide when drawing the generalized shoreline. 

The user must then divide each shoreline into segments of common physical 
characteristics and wave exposure. The shoreline types available for user 
selection include: rocky bluff; sandy bluff, little beach; sandy beach, small 
dune; sandy beach, large dune; open wetland; erosion protection structure. If the 
user selects an erosion protection structure (e.g., seawall or revetment) for a 
shoreline segment, the user must assign a level of protection afforded by the 
structure (i.e., a flood return period, below which the structure will not fail, 
and below which the structure will protect the uplands from flooding and erosion). 
The user must provide the 100-year stillwater elevation at each shoreline segment, 
along with any contribution from wave setup (the stillwater elevation and wave 
setup information are published by FEMA in the Flood Insurance Study report -- 
FIS-- for each coastal community). The FIT relies upon the 100-year stillwater 
elevation (without setup) to calculate 10-year, 50-year and 500-year stillwater 
elevations.  The user can edit or replace these elevations with values taken 
directly from the FIS, if available; otherwise, the FIT will use the calculated 
values, which are based on nationwide default data. Ultimately, the FIT can use 
the stillwater elevation values -- calculated or input by the user -- to calculate 
10-year, 50-year, 500-year and interpolated flood elevation grids. 

The FIT relies upon the user segmentation to differentiate between those segments 
that will be subject to flood-induced erosion and those that won't.  The FIT will 
generate shore-perpendicular transects from each shoreline segment.  The transects 
are located at a pre-determined spacing and extend inland from the shoreline.  The 
user is free to add and delete new transects if so desired. 

Frontal Dune Erosion 
The FIT will create a profile (of ground elevation versus distance inland from the 
shoreline) for each transect crossing an erodable shoreline segment, and with 
sufficient wave action to cause erosion of dunes and bluffs or failure of erosion 
protection devices during the base flood.  The user may select the peak and toe of 
the dune/bluff, or accept the FIT selections.  The FIT will then calculate an 
eroded ground profile along each transect, and interpolate an eroded ground 
elevation grid.  

Output Hazard Grids 
The FIT will calculate the flood depth grid (i.e., the difference between the 
flood elevation grid and the eroded ground elevation grid) for the 100-year flood 
and for other return periods selected by the user.  This information will be 
passed to  HAZUS(r)MH, along with other data (shoreline characteristics, transect 
data, stillwater elevations, flood hazard zone information, etc.).  
The flood depth grids created by the FIT will be used by  HAZUS(r)MH with a suite 
of flood depth-damage functions to calculate flood damage. The vertical erosion 
grid calculated by the FIT (i.e., the vertical difference between the original 
ground elevation grid and the eroded ground elevation grid) will also be passed to 
HAZUS(r)MH, for use with an erosion depth-damage function to calculate erosion 
damage.  

Modeling Tips 
The study areas are subject to flooding from more than one coastal flood source.  
For example, a barrier island may be exposed to flooding from the open ocean and a 
bay.  In such cases, FIT coastal analyses should be completed separately for each 
flood source.  In order to analyze an area with multiple flood sources, each 
partial analysis should begin by specifying a new working directory in the Project 
Setup and Validation dialog and delineating and characterizing a new shoreline 
with the Shoreline Wizard.  After each individual analysis is complete, the 
results can be combined using the Merge FIT Projects menu item. 

 2 Using FIT 
 2.1 Getting Started 

 Start the ArcMap application. 

To access the FIT and the Spatial Analyst extensions: 
 Select Extensions... from the ArcMap's Tool menu. 
 Click on the check boxes for Spatial Analyst and the Flood Information Tool as 
shown in Figure 2-1. 

 
Figure 2-1:  ArcMap's Extensions Dialog 
The Flood Information Tool that contains the menu items HAZUS_FIT, Riverine and 
Coastal is added to ArcMap's menu.  All of FIT's functionality is accessed through 
the Flood Information Tool toolbar. 
 
Figure 2-2:  Flood Information Tool Toolbar 
 If the FIT toolbar is not displayed, select Toolbars from the View menu. 
 Click on Flood Information Tool. 
 Repeat to display the Spatial Analyst toolbar but select Spatial Analyst instead 
of Flood Information Tool. 
 Adjust the placement of the toolbars by dragging and dropping them to a 
convenient place on the screen.  The Flood Information Tool may be placed on the 
menu bar if desired. 
 2.2 Menu Options 
 2.2.1 HAZUS-FIT Menu 

Table 2-1: HAZUS-FIT Menu Options 
HAZUS-FIT Menu Options 
Purpose 
Availability 
Project Setup and Validation 
Allows the user to select the map layers to be used for flood hazard analysis, 
identify characteristics of them and view their projection.  The FIT verifies that 
the input map layers share common vertical units, vertical datums, and map 
projections.  See Section 2.3. 
Available at all times. 
Merge FIT Projects 
Allows users to merge output depth and elevation grids as well as output 
shapefiles from separate FIT analyses.  See Section 2.6. 
Available at all times. 
FIT Help 
Gives the user access to the online help for the FIT. 
Available at all times. 
About FIT 
Provides access to the version number of FIT and copyright information.  
Available at all times. 

 
 2.2.2 Riverine Menu 

If the riverine hazard has been selected and validated on the Project Setup and 
Validation dialog, the Riverine menu options are enabled.  (Shown in Figure 2-3.)  
The following is a brief description of each Riverine menu option and when it is 
available on the Riverine menu. 

Table 2-2: Riverine Menu Options 
Riverine Menu Options 
Purpose 
Availability 

Depth Grid Wizard 
Allows the user to establish the analysis bounding polygon and produce flood 
elevation and depth grids.  See Section 2.4.1. 
Available after a project has been selected, defined as a Riverine hazard and 
validated using the Project Setup and Validation option on the HAZUS-FIT menu. 

Backwater Analysis 
Performs map operations to identify and establish flood elevations for areas of 
potential backwater.  See Section 2.4.2. 

Available after the initial depth grids have been produced using the Depth Grid 
Wizard option on the Riverine menu. 

Interpolate New Depth Grid 
Allows the user to specify additional return periods to be interpolated and a new 
depth grid created for each.  The user can select flood return periods between 2 
years and 1000 years.  See Section 2.4.3 

Available when at least 3 return periods with elevation and discharge values are 
added on the Depth Grid Wizard's Flood Elevation and Discharge Fields dialog.   

 
 2.2.3 Coastal Menu 

The Coastal menu options on the Flood Information Tool toolbar are available when 
a coastal hazard project has been selected and validated on the Project Setup and 
Validation dialog  shown in Figure 2-4.  The following identifies the Coastal menu 
options and when each is enabled on the Coastal menu. 

Table 2-3: Coastal Menu Options 
Coastal Menu Options 
Purpose 
Availability 

Build 100-Yr Elevation Grid 
Calculates and builds a 100-yr. elevation grid.  See Section 2.5.1. 
Available after a project has been selected, defined as Coastal and validated 
using the Project Setup and Validation option on the HAZUS-FIT menu.
 
Shoreline Wizard 
Selection of the Shoreline Wizard launches a series of dialogs designed to help 
the user identify and characterize the shoreline of interest.  See Section 2.5.2. 
Available when a 100-yr. elevation grid has been created using the Build 100-Yr 
Elevation Grid option on the Coastal menu. 

Edit Transects 
Selection of Edit Transects allows the user to create new transects, select and 
delete new transects or apply the transects proposed by the FIT along their 
shoreline. See Section 2.5.3.  (Optional.) 
Available after the Shoreline Wizard has been completed using the Shoreline Wizard 
option on the Coastal menu.   

Frontal Dune Analysis 
The Frontal Dune Analysis option allows the user to select the dune toe and peak 
for each erodable transect.  See Section 2.5.4.  (Optional) 
Available after the Shoreline Wizard has been completed using the Shoreline Wizard 
option on the Coastal menu.  
 
Calculate Hazard Grid 
 The Calculate Hazard Grid option allows the user to specify additional return 
periods to be interpolated and new depth grid created for each.  The user can 
select flood return periods between 10-year and 500-year.  See Section 2.5.5. 
Available after the Shoreline Wizard has been completed using the Shoreline Wizard 
option on the Coastal menu.   

 
 2.3 Project Setup and Validation 

The Project Setup and Validation dialog allows the user to identify the input map 
layers to be used in the flood hazard analysis.  Users can also review the 
projection of their map layers and ensure that they share a projection, units, and 
datum as required for the analysis. 
 
The Project Setup and Validation dialog itself will not allow the modification or 
the manipulation of the data.  To manipulate existing data units, projection or 
datum, you will need to use the functionality in ArcCatalog and/or ArcToolbox. 

 Click on ArcMap's File / New menu option to start a new ESRI ArcMap document 
(.mxd). 
 Add the required input data layers to the map by clicking File/Add Data menu 
option and browsing to the location of the files. (See Section 1.1.2.) 

To open the Project Setup and Validation dialog: 
 Select Project Setup and Validation from the HAZUS_FIT menu on the Flood 
Information Tool toolbar. 

The Project Setup and Validation dialog appears over the active map window.  By 
default, the General Tab with Riverine Hazard  radio button selected is displayed.  
With Riverine selected as the hazard on the General Tab, the Project Setup and 
Validation Dialog consists of four tabs:  General, Ground Surface, Flood Surface 
and Floodplain Boundary as shown in Figure 2-3.  If Coastal (Coastal radio button) 
is selected as the hazard on the General Tab, the Project Setup and Validation 
Dialog consists of four tabs:  General, Ground Surface, Flood Surface, and 
Analysis Boundary as shown in Figure 2-4. 
 
If an area is subject to both riverine and coastal flooding, separate analyses 
must be conducted with the Riverine and Coastal FIT; the results are combined 
later in the HAZUS(r)MH flood model itself. 

Project Setup and Validation -Riverine: 
 General Tab:    Allows the user to select the hazard and define the working 
directory.  See Figure 2-3. 

 Ground Surface Tab:  Allows the user to specify the map layer for their digital 
terrain information, select the source, elevation units, vertical datum, and enter 
other descriptive parameters.  The projection, horizontal units and cell size are 
also displayed  See Figure 2-5 and Figure 2-6. 

 Flood Surface Tab:   Displays the flood elevation map layer information for the 
user to check and select the map layer, source, elevation units, vertical datum, 
and other descriptive parameters.  See Figure 2-7. 

 Floodplain Boundary Tab:  Displays the floodplain boundary map layer information 
for the user to select the map layer and source, and other descriptive parameters.  
See Figure 2-9. 

Project Setup and Validation - Coastal: 
 General Tab:    Allows the user to select a hazard.  It also allows the user to 
define the study area geographic location (i.e, Great Lakes, Atlantic Coast, 
etc.), and working directory.  See Figure 2-4. 

 Ground Surface Tab:   Allows the user to specify the map layer for their digital 
terrain information, select the source, elevation units, vertical datum, and enter 
other descriptive parameters.  The projection, horizontal units and cell size are 
also displayed  See Figure 2-5 and Figure 2-6. 

 Flood Surface Tab:   Displays the flood elevation map layer information for the 
user to check and select the map layer, source, elevation units and vertical 
datum.  See Figure 2-7 through Figure 2-8. 

 Analysis Boundary:  Displays the analysis boundary map layer information for the 
user to select the map layer and source, and other descriptive parameters.  See 
Figure 2-10. 


 2.3.1 General Tab  

The General Tab allows the user to select a hazard, and define the project name 
and working directory. 
 If not already displayed, click on the General Tab. 

The General Tab is displayed as shown in Figure 2-3. 
 
Figure 2-3:  Project Setup and Validation - General Tab Dialog for Riverine Hazard 
 
 Labels of required fields are displayed in Red. 

 Select the desired hazard by clicking on the appropriate radio button in the 
Select Hazard group box. 

Riverine Hazard 
Complete the project information as follows: 
 Click on the Open Directory icon for Working directory to browse to the working 
directory. Single click on the appropriate directory to highlight and click 
Select.  Do not double click.  (Required)  A new folder can be created by clicking 
the New Folder button within the Select Working Directory dialog. 
 Type in the Basin name.  (Optional) 
 Type in the Reach name.  (Optional) 
 Enter your name and the analysis date.  (Optional) 

Coastal Hazard 
If Coastal is selected, the Study area location list box is enabled as shown in 
Figure 2-4. 
 
Figure 2-4:  Project Setup and Validation - General Tab Dialog for Coastal Hazard 
 Select the study area from the Study area location list box. (Required) 

If Great Lakes is selected from the Study area location dropdown list, the Great 
Lake Name dropdown list box is enabled as a required field. 
 If needed, select the Great Lake name from the Great Lake Name dropdown list box. 

The user must select one of six choices:  Lake Erie, Lake Huron, Lake Michigan, 
Lake Ontario, Lake Superior, or Other.  A choice of "Other" indicates the study 
shoreline does not lie on one of the main lakes, and when the ordinary low water 
level at the study shoreline is substantially different (i.e., more than 5 feet) 
than the ordinary low water level on the nearest main lake.  This situation may 
arise along hydraulic connections between the main lakes, or Lake St. Clair.  If 
"Other" is selected, the Reference Elevation field on the flood Surface Tab is 
enabled and a value must be entered (Figure 2-8). 
Complete the project information as follows: 
 Click on the Open Directory icon for Working directory to browse to the working 
directory. Single click on the appropriate directory to highlight and click 
Select.  Do not double click.  (Required)  A new folder can be created by clicking 
the New Folder button within the Select Working Directory dialog. 
 Type in the Study area.  (Optional) 
 Type in the Beach name.  (Optional) 
 Enter your name and the analysis date.  (Optional) 


 2.3.2 Ground Surface Tab  

The Ground Surface Tab allows the user to specify the map layer for their digital 
terrain information, and select the source, elevation units and vertical datum.  
The projection, horizontal units and the cell size of the grid are also displayed.  
The Ground Surface Tab is the same for a riverine hazard and a coastal hazard. 
 Click on the Ground Surface Tab. 

The Ground Surface Tab is displayed as shown in Figure 2-5. 
 
Figure 2-5:  Project Setup and Validation - Ground Surface Tab Dialog 
 
 Labels of required fields are displayed in Red. 

 Select the appropriate map layer from the Map layer dropdown list which displays 
all raster layers in the active data frame. 
 Select the elevation units from the Elevation units dropdown list.  (Required) 
 Select the vertical datum from the Vertical datum dropdown list.  (Required) 

If Other is selected for Vertical datum, the Other datum name is enabled as shown 
in Figure 2-6. 
 
Figure 2-6:  Project Setup and Validation - Ground Surface Tab Dialog with 
Vertical Datum as Other 
 Enter the Other datum name as required. (Required if Vertical datum is Other) 

 
The Elevation units, Vertical datum and Other datum name must be the same on the 
Ground Surface Tab and the Flood Surface Tab. 

 Select the source from the Source dropdown list.  (Optional) 
 Enter the description in the Description text box.  (Optional) 
 Enter the layer date in the Date text box. (Optional) 

The remaining boxes display the following map layer information from the raster 
projection file: cell size and map projection. 
 
Coastal users should keep in mind that every shore-normal transect, that would be 
automatically drawn in later stages on the user drawn shoreline, needs at least 
500 ft. of length landward of the shoreline.  If there are narrow islands in the 
area of interest, the DEM should NOT be clipped to islands and extend towards sea 
with elevation values other than "No data". 

 2.3.3 Flood Surface Tab 

The Flood Surface Tab allows the user to identify characteristics of the flood 
elevation map layer, including the name, source, elevation units and vertical 
datum.  The projection of the selected flood elevation map layer is also 
displayed. 
 Click on the Flood Surface Tab. 

The Flood Surface Tab is displayed as shown in Figure 2-7.   
 
Figure 2-7:  Project Setup and Validation - Flood Surface Tab Dialog 
 
 Labels of required fields are displayed in Red. 

 Select the appropriate map layer from the Map layer dropdown list which displays 
all polyline (riverine) or polygon (coastal) map layers in the active data frame. 
 Riverine users should select their Cross Sections layer, and Coastal users should 
select their BFE polygons layer. 
 Select the elevation units from the Elevation units dropdown list.  (Required) 
 Select the vertical datum from the Vertical datum dropdown list.  (Required) 

If Other is selected for Vertical datum, the Other datum name is enabled. 
 Enter the Other datum name as required. (Required if Vertical datum is Other) 

 
The Elevation units, Vertical datum and Other datum name must be the same on the 
Ground Surface Tab and the Flood Surface Tab. 

When setting up a Coastal hazard and Great lakes is selected as the Study area 
location and "Other" is selected from the dropdown list box on the General Tab, 
the Reference elev: field appears and becomes a required field as shown in Figure 
2-8. 
 
Figure 2-8:  Project Setup and Validation - Flood Surface Tab Dialog for Coastal - 
"Great Lakes" Study Area and "Other" Great Lake Name 
 Select the source from the Source dropdown list.  (Optional) 
 Enter the description in the Description text box.  (Optional) 
 Enter the shapefile creation date in the Date text box. (Optional) 
 Enter the FIRM Panel no in the FIRM Panel no. text box. (Optional) 
 Enter the community name in the Community name text box. (Optional) 
 Enter the reference elevation in the Reference elev: text box.  (Enabled and 
required for Great Lakes study area and "Other" great lake).  Note that reference 
elevation should be entered in feet and be between 0 and 601 feet.  The reference 
elevation input by the user should be the ordinary low water elevation (similar to 
IGLD Chart Datum) relative to NGVD29.  The chart datums in Table 2-4 may be of 
assistance if a specific chart datum for the study shoreline cannot be found. 

Table 2-4: Default Reference Elevations for the Great Lakes 
Lake 
Elevation 
Eric 
570 ft. 
Huron 
578 ft. 
Michigan 
578 ft. 
Ontario 
244 ft. 
St. Clair 
573 ft. 
Superior 
601 ft. 

 
 
The FIT user reference elevations along with the 100-yr. Stillwater elevation to 
calculate the 10 yr, 50-yr, and 500-yr Stillwater and flood elevations 

The remaining box displays the Projection map layer information . 
 
Coastal users should note that each valid BFE polygon they provide, should have a 
BFE greater than the reference elevation. 

 2.3.4 Floodplain Boundary Tab (Riverine Only) 

The Floodplain Boundary Tab allows the user to identify the characteristics of 
their flood elevation information.  The projection of the selected flood boundary 
map layer is also displayed.  To access the Floodplain Boundary Tab: 
 Click on the Floodplain Boundary Tab. 

The Floodplain Boundary Tab as shown in Figure 2-9 is displayed.  This dialog is 
applicable for the Riverine Hazard only.  
 
Figure 2-9:  Project Setup and Validation - Floodplain Boundary Tab 
 Select the appropriate map layer from the combo box labeled Map layer.  This 
combo box displays all polygon layers in the active data frame. 
 Select the source from the Source combo box dropdown list.  (Optional) 
 Enter the description in the Description text box.  (Optional) 
 Enter the date in the Date text box.  (Optional) 
 The text box labeled FIRM panel no. allows the community to input their FIRM 
panel number.  (Optional) 
 As needed, enter the community name from the FIRM panel in the text box labeled 
Community name.  (Optional) 


 2.3.5 Analysis Boundary Tab (Coastal Only) 

The Analysis Boundary polygon is used to specify where the hazard should be 
calculated by FIT.  It should be a single feature in a polygon shapefile which 
consists of one single ring (doughnut shaped polygon, or polygons with multiple 
disjointed pieces are not allowed).  In general the Analysis Boundary polygon 
should not be too narrow and should allow 1500 ft. long transects to be built 
inside it.  Also it should not be much greater than the area that the user plans 
to draw the shoreline. 
The Analysis Boundary Tab allows the user to set the analysis boundary map layer 
and provide descriptive information about it.  To access the Analysis Boundary 
Tab: 
 Click on the Analysis Boundary Tab. 

The Analysis Boundary Tab as shown in Figure 2-10 is displayed.  This dialog is 
applicable for the Coastal Hazard only.  
 
Figure 2-10:  Project Setup and Validation - Analysis Boundary Tab 
 Select the appropriate map layer from a combo box labeled Map layer.  This combo 
box displays all polygon layers in the active data frame. 
 Select the source from the Source combo box dropdown list.  (Optional) 
 Enter the description in the Description text box.  (Optional) 
 Enter the date in the Date text box.  (Optional) 



 2.3.6 Completion of the Project Setup and Validation Process - Riverine and 
Coastal 
 Click Cancel to close the Project Setup and Validation dialog and discard any 
changes made or click Clear to remove all user input from all of the Project Setup 
and Validation tabs.  When Clear is used the Project Setup and Validation dialog 
remains open. 
 Click OK to save edits and close the Project Setup and Validation dialog. 

The critical map layer information is checked by the FIT to determine if there are 
any data conflicts with different map units or if any required data missing.   
If conflicts or missing data are found, an error message is displayed to notify 
the user of the problem and which fields or key parameters need to be reviewed.   
 
Figure 2-11:  Data Conflict Error Message 
 
Figure 2-12:  Vertical Units Missing Error Message 
Once the project has been set up and validated, additional user input is required 
for the analysis.  The information needed for a riverine hazard is different from 
the information required for a coastal hazard. 
 
 It is recommended that the user save the file before proceeding to the next menu 
option. 
 Click the Save toolbar icon or select Save from the ArcMap File menu. 


 
 Riverine Hazard:  Proceed to Section 2.4. 
 Coastal Hazard:   Proceed to Section 2.5. 






 2.4 Riverine Analysis 

 
 It is recommended that the user review the Riverine FIT methodology discussion in 
Section 1.3 above.  This review will help the user anticipate the actions 
requested by the FIT and the resulting action taken by the FIT. 

If the riverine hazard was selected on the General Tab on the Project Setup and 
Validation dialog, the Riverine menu options are available.  See Section 2.2.2 for 
a brief description of each Riverine menu option and when it is available. 
 
The FIT's title bar offers updates to the user on which process is currently being 
handled during periods of data review, analyses, etc.   

 2.4.1 Depth Grid Wizard 

The Depth Grid Wizard provides the interface necessary for the user to manipulate 
their data and produce the initial depth grids by identifying the upstream and 
down stream limits of the study area, defining the flow centerline buffer and 
mapping the elevation field and discharge field with the appropriate return 
period. 
 
The floodplain boundary layer (polygon), the cross-section/elevation layer 
(attributed polylines), and the DEM (grid) identified in the Project Setup and 
Validation dialog must be in the active dataframe. 

 Click on Riverine on the Flood Information Tool and select Depth Grid Wizard.... 

The Stream Limits dialog is displayed as shown in Figure 2-13.   
 
Figure 2-13:  Stream Limits Dialog 
The Stream Limits dialog is used to identify the upstream and downstream limits of 
the study area. 
 Select the Upstream limit radio button for the Upstream limit. 

The Draw Polyline tool in the Draw limits group box is enabled. 
 Click on the Draw button. 

The cursor changes from an arrow to a crosshair when held over the active map, 
indicating that the draw polyline tool is active.  This tool is used to cut the 
floodplain polygon into a subset used for subsequent analyses. 
 To draw the stream limits on the active map, single click to add a vertex and 
finish by double clicking on the map. 

When drawing the stream limits, there are several issues to keep in mind: 
 Each stream limit line should cross the floodplain boundary, intersecting its 
perimeter exactly twice. 
 No stream limit line should intersect a flood elevation line. 
 The shape of the limit should mimic that of the adjacent flood elevation line to 
be included in the analysis.  For example, the orientation of the upstream limit 
line should parallel that of the flood elevation line just downstream. 
 The end points of the stream limits should extend at least two cell sizes beyond 
the floodplain boundary. 
 Avoid drawing Stream Limits that look like the ones shown in Figure 2-14.   

These Stream Limits are incorrect since they have segments at the end(s) that are 
perpendicular or that reverse direction. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Figure 2-14:  Unacceptable Stream Limits 
The FIT checks to ensure that lines drawn by the user cross the floodplain polygon 
exactly twice before saving the polyline.  This prevents the user from stopping 
the line within the floodplain and from crossing the polygon in several places. 
 
The upstream limit is OK in this example since the upstream limit extended to the 
outer edge of the flow centerline buffer does not intersect the flood elevation 
line just downstream.  However, if the flow centerline buffer had been larger, the 
upstream limit may have intersected the flood elevation line and caused an error. 
 
 
The error, similar to the one shown in Figure 2-16, occurred since the downstream 
limit, extended to the edge of the flow centerline buffer, has intersected the 
flood elevation line just upstream. 
Figure 2-17 shows stream limits drawn correctly to avoid an error regardless of 
the size of the flow centerline buffer. 

Figure 2-15:  Incorrect Stream Limits 
 
Figure 2-16:  Incorrect Stream Limits Error Message 
 
 
The orientation of the upstream limit line parallels that of the flood elevation 
line just downstream, which eliminates the possibility of the two intersecting 
regardless of the size of the flow centerline buffer. 
 
 
 
 
 
The orientation of the downstream limit line parallels that of the flood elevation 
line just upstream, which eliminates the possibility of the two intersecting 
regardless of the size of the flow centerline buffer. 
 

Figure 2-17:  Stream Limits Drawn Correctly 
 Repeat this process for Downstream limits. 
 Click Next. 

The FIT uses the Upstream limit and the Downstream limit to cut the polygon into 
two polylines representing the left and right sides of the floodplain boundary.  
The midpoint between the two sides of the floodplain boundary trace out the 
centerline of general flow. The centerline of the floodplain boundary and a buffer 
of the centerline are displayed on the DEM (grid).  Also, the flood elevation 
lines that intersect the centerline are highlighted, indicating which lines will 
be used in the depth grid computations.  The Flow Centerline Buffer dialog is 
displayed on top of the active window as shown in Figure 2-18.   
 
The processing time required to determine the flow centerline can markedly 
increase for input floodplain polygons with very narrow sections between the 
upstream and downstream limits.  This is because the midpoint of the floodplain 
boundary cannot be calculated if the floodplain width is less than twice the DEM 
cell size.  As a remedy, the FIT buffers the floodplain boundary polygon, a 
process that can consume several minutes depending on the size of the polygon and 
number of vertices. 

 
 
Figure 2-18:  Flow Centerline Buffer Dialog 
The centerline buffer is used to define the universe in which flood hazard 
computations will take place.  The buffer controls are used to adjust the 
estimated floodplain width of the lowest frequency flood to be analyzed.  Ideally, 
the centerline buffer should include all areas through which floodwaters are 
conveyed.  Within the conveyance boundary, the FIT will calculate flood elevations 
by interpolating between adjacent sets of cross-sections.  In non-conveyance areas 
(backwater), flood elevations should be based on the elevation at which water 
backs up from the channel rather than through interpolation between cross-
sections.  As such, non-conveyance areas should not be included in the flow 
centerline buffer.  Instead non-conveyance areas (ponding) can be added later in 
the FIT through backwater analysis. 
 Click the Increase buffer button to increase the buffer by one step.  Continue as 
needed. 
 Click the Decrease buffer button to decrease the buffer by one step.  Continue as 
needed. 
 Use the Reset button to return to the buffer size that existed upon entering this 
dialog.   
 If you need to return to the Stream Limits dialog, click the Back button.   
 Click Next. 

 
If necessary, the upstream and downstream limit lines are extended to the edges of 
the centerline buffer.  The limits are extended with the orientation at their 
endpoints.  An error message is posted if the extended limits intersect a flood 
elevation line.  If this occurs, the limit geometry and/or buffer size will need 
to be altered. 

The Flood Elevation and Discharge Fields dialog is displayed on top of the active 
map as shown in the Figure 2-19.  The FIT cannot predict which attribute fields of 
the user supplied flood elevation polyline shapefile are used to store the flood 
elevation and discharge data.  This dialog allows you to point the FIT to the 
attribute fields holding the flood elevation and discharge information for your 
flood return periods. 
 
In most cases, specifying an incorrect field will not cause the analysis to stop, 
but will definitely produce inaccurate results. 

 
Figure 2-19:  Flood Elevation and Discharge Fields Dialog  
 Type the return period to be mapped in the Return period (2-1000 yrs) text box.  
This is the return period that you would like to map to the elevation field from 
your attribute database.   
 Select the flood elevation field from the Elevation field list box to link the 
return period to a particular elevation field.  This list box contains the numeric 
fields from the attribute table of the flood elevation lines shapefile. 
 Select the discharge field from the Discharge field list box to link the return 
period to a particular discharge field.  This list box also contains the numeric 
fields from the attribute table of the flood elevation lines shapefile.  
Associating a discharge field with the return period and flood elevation field is 
optional. 

When a return period has been entered and a flood elevation field have been 
selected, the Add button is enabled. 
 Click Add to link the return period with the selected Elevation field and 
Discharge field. 

The Return period, Elevation field name, and Discharge field name, if selected are 
added to the Output field mapping text box in the lower portion of the dialog.  
The selected elevation field and discharge field are removed from the Elevation 
field and Discharge field list boxes in the Input field mapping parameters group 
box. 
 Repeat as needed to analyze additional return periods. 

 
At least 3 return periods with elevation AND discharge values are required for the 
interpolation of additional depth grids and to enable the Riverine menu item, 
Interpolate New Depth Grid. 

 To remove a return period and its associated elevation and discharge fields from 
the display text box, select a line and click Remove. 

The selected record is deleted from the defined return period list box in the 
lower portion of the dialog and the elevation and discharge fields used for the 
deleted record are once again available in the Elevation field and the Discharge 
field list boxes. 
 To return to the Flow Centerline Buffer dialog, click Back. 

When at least one field-mapping record is added to the lower text display box, the 
Calculate button is enabled. 
 Click Calculate. 

Calculation of the flood elevation and depth grids for all return periods entered 
now begins. 
The duration of analysis depends primarily upon the size of the final buffer, the 
cell size of the DEM, and the computer hardware configuration.  As with other 
dialogs in the FIT, computation progress is displayed in the title bar in the 
upper left-hand corner of the screen.  Upon completion of the computations, the 
Flood Elevation and Discharge Fields dialog is closed.  The Backwater Analysis 
option on the Riverine menu is enabled. 
At this point, up to 2 additional layers are added to the map. 
1 
Depth X 
This map layer shows the depth grid for return period X, where X represents the 
lowest frequency flood analyzed.  If multiple return periods were analyzed, the 
associated depth grids are saved to the working directory but only the grid for 
return period X is added to the map.     
2 
Boundary X 
This map layer shows the floodplain boundary for return period X, where X 
represents the lowest frequency flood analyzed.  If multiple return periods were 
analyzed, the associated floodplain boundaries are saved to the working directory, 
but only the boundary for return period X is added to the map.   

The term "backlines"  in the FIT refers to locations along the final buffer at 
which the depth of flooding exceeds zero.  If the analysis determines that there 
are more than 10 backlines, the Set Threshold? dialog, shown in Figure 2-20, is 
displayed.   
 
Figure 2-20:  Set Threshold? Dialog 
At this point, you may want to consider the following options: 
Increase the centerline buffer. 
 Click No on the Set Threshold? dialog. 

If backlines occur where flow is conveyed, then the final buffer was too narrow. 
 Increase the centerline buffer by rerunning the Depth Wizard as described in this 
section and increase the centerline buffer. 

 

 When the Depth Wizard is repeated for an area, the data is overwritten. 
 Increasing the centerline buffer can actually increase the number of backlines.  
This can occur when a long backline is broken up into several backlines. 


 
Increase the depth threshold.  
 Click Yes on the Set Threshold? dialog. 

The Set Threshold dialog, shown in Figure 2-21, is displayed for a new threshold 
value to be entered. 
 
Figure 2-21:  Set Threshold Dialog 
 Click OK. 

The backlines are recalculated. 
 
Setting a new value for the threshold does not change the flood elevation, flood 
depth grid or the floodplain boundary. 

 
Leave as is and continue. 
If the backlines occur where flow is not conveyed, then they indicate potential 
backwater (non-conveyance) areas of flooding. 
 Click No and continue to Backwater Analysis Menu, Section 2.4.2. 

 
It is recommended that the user save the file before proceeding to the next menu 
option. 
 Click the Save toolbar icon or select Save from the ArcMap File menu. 


 
 2.4.2 Backwater Analysis Menu 

The Backwater Analysis option on the Riverine menu allows the user to perform map 
operations to identify and establish flood elevations for non-conveyance areas 
(ponds) of flooding.  Lines along the edge of the bounding polygon where the flood 
depths are greater than zero have been identified by the FIT and are shown on the 
display in magenta as a shapefile called "Backlines". (See magnified item on 
Figure 2-22.) 
 Click Riverine on the Flood Information Tool toolbar and select Backwater 
Analysis from the Riverine menu. 

The Backwater Analysis dialog, shown in Figure 2-22, is displayed. 
 
Figure 2-22:  Backwater Polygons Dialog - Initial 
 Click on the Draw Polygon button to activate the backwater polygon drawing tool.  
 Draw a polygon on the active map layer delineating an area of ponded water.  The 
polygon should extend into the depth grid far enough to capture non-conveyance 
areas, and outside the grid to a sufficient degree to capture the extent of 
flooding.  The backwater polygon must intersect the floodplain boundary of the 
lowest frequency flood analyzed.  Click to add each vertex and double click to 
finish drawing the polygon. 

 
Values from the flood elevation grid will be superceded wherever the backwater 
polygon(s) exist. 

With a Backwater Polygon drawn, you have the option to accept the polygon or to 
clear the just drawn polygon. 
 
Figure 2-23:  Backwater Polygon Dialog - Clear or Accept 
 Upon completion of your backwater polygon, click on the Accept button.  Use Clear 
to erase the polygon and start again. 

An algorithm is launched to identify the maximum and minimum flood elevations  
along the intersection of the backwater polygon boundary and the flood elevation 
grid of the lowest frequency flood analyzed.  The length of intersection is 
featured on the map in black. 
Upon completion of the algorithms, the Backwater Polygons dialog as seen in Figure 
2-24 is displayed with the Maximum (flood elevation) and the Minimum (flood 
elevation) displayed in un-editable text boxes.  The average of those flood 
elevations is displayed as a default suggestion in the Suggested text box. 
 Use the suggested elevation or enter a value.   
 Click the Save button to commit the backwater shape and elevation to disk. 

 
Figure 2-24:  Backwater Polygons Dialog - With Backwater Flood Elevation 
Information 
 
 Once the input values have been saved, they cannot be removed by clicking Cancel. 

The polygon coverage representing the flood extent is created.  The Backwater 
Polygons dialog is redisplayed as shown in Figure 2-25.  (Note:  The backwater 
polygon which is normally displayed in light blue is shown as red due to print 
considerations.) 
 To create another backwater polygon on the map layer repeat the above steps. 

 
Figure 2-25:  Backwater Polygons Dialog - Finish  
 Select OK to close the Backwater Polygon dialog. 

Upon completion of the calculations, the flood depth grid has been expanded to 
include the defined backwater polygons and is displayed as shown in Figure 2-26. 
 
Figure 2-26:  Study Area after Backwater Analysis 
 
It is recommended that the user save the file before proceeding to the next menu 
option. 
 Click the Save toolbar icon or select Save from the ArcMap File menu. 


 2.4.3 Interpolate New Depth Grid 

The Interpolate a New Depth Grid option on the Riverine menu interpolates and 
creates additional depth grids for user defined return periods between 2 years and 
1000 years.  This option is enabled after the Depth Grid Wizard has been 
completed.   
 Click Riverine on the Flood Information Tool toolbar and select Interpolate a New 
Depth Grid from the Riverine menu. 

 
At least 3 return periods with elevation AND discharge values must be added on the 
Flood Elevation and Discharge Fields dialog, Figure 2-19, for the interpolation of 
additional depth grids. 

The Interpolate a New Depth Grid dialog, shown in Figure 2-27, is displayed. 
 
Figure 2-27:  Interpolate a New Depth Grid Dialog 
The dialog displays existing depth grids in the Existing depth grids group text 
box.  These values are not editable. 
 Enter a new return period for the new depth grid in the New depth grid group text 
box.  
 Click OK. 
 Repeat these steps for each return period for which to interpolate flood hazard 
grids. 

 
It is recommended that the user save the file before proceeding to the next menu 
option. 
 Click the Save toolbar icon or select Save from the ArcMap File menu. 


 
 2.5 Coastal Analysis  

The Coastal menu options on the Flood Information Tool toolbar are available when 
a coastal hazard project has been selected and validated on the Project Setup and 
Validation dialog  shown in Figure 2-4.  See Section 2.2.3 for a brief description 
of each Coastal menu option and when it is available. 
 
It is recommended that the user review the Coastal FIT Methodology discussion in 
Section 1.4.  This review will help the user anticipate the actions requested by 
the FIT and the resulting actions taken by the FIT. 

 
 
In coastal analyses, unlike riverine, flooding can occur in areas where pre-flood 
ground elevations lie above the flood surface.  Erosion of the frontal dune caused 
by the flood can lower ground elevations below the flood surface. The flood-
induced erosion analysis accounts for erosion caused by the flood.  Functionality 
to analyze long-term shoreline erosion is not included in the FIT, but is included 
in HAZUS(r)MH. 

 
 
The FIT's title bar offers updates to the user on which process is currently being 
handled during periods of data review, analyses, etc.   

 
 
 2.5.1 Build 100-Yr Elevation Grid 

The FIT cannot predict which attribute fields of the user supplied flood elevation 
polygon shapefile are used to store the base flood elevations and FEMA flood 
hazard zones of the 100-year flood. 
FEMA flood hazard zone names recognized by the FIT are: 
Table 2-5: FEMA Flood Hazard Zone Names and Descriptions Recognized by the FIT 
Flood Hazard Zone Name 
 
Description 
A 
Flood Insurance rate zone that corresponds to the 100-year floodplains that are 
determined in the Flood Insurance Study (FIS) by approximate methods.  No Base 
Flood Elevations (BFE) are provided. 
AE 
Flood Insurance rate zone that corresponds to the 100-year floodplains that are 
determined in the Flood Insurance Study (FIS) by detailed methods.  Base Flood 
Elevations (BFE) are provided. 
AO 
Flood insurance rate zone that corresponds to the areas at 100-year shallow 
flooding (usually sheet flow or sloping terrain) where average depths are between 
1 and 3 feet.  BFEs are not provided but base flood depths are provided. 
V 
Flood insurance rate zone that corresponds to the 100-year coastal floodplains 
that have additional hazards associated with waves.  Approximate methods are used 
so no BFEs are provided. 
VE 
Flood insurance rate zone that corresponds to the 100-year coastal floodplains 
that have additional hazards associated with waves.  Detailed methods are used and 
BFEs are provided. 
VO 
Flood insurance rate zones that correspond to the areas of 100-year coastal 
shallow flooding (usually sheet flow on sloping terrain) where average depths are 
between 1 and 3 feet, and that have additional hazards associated with waves.  
BFEs are not provided but base flood depths are provided. 
X 
Flood insurance rate zones that correspond to areas outside 100-year floodplains, 
areas of 100-year sheet flow flooding where average depths are less than 1 foot.  
No BFEs are provided. 

 
 
Users must attribute numbered A zones (e.g., A1 through A30, A99, etc.) as AE 
zones for the FIT to recognize and use them.  Similarly, there is a requirement to 
attribute numbered V zones (e.g., V1 through V30, V99, etc.) as VE zones.  B and C 
zones should be attributed as Zone X 

The Build 100-Yr Elevation Grid menu option on the Coastal menu asks the user to 
define the attribute fields for flood elevation and hazard zone of the 100 year 
flood and creates the 100-year elevation grid based on the selected fields. 
 
In some cases specifying incorrect fields will not cause the analysis to stop but 
will definitely produce inaccurate results. 

 Click on Coastal on the Flood Information Tool toolbar and select the Build 100-
Yr Elevation Grid... menu option. 

The Flood Elevation and Zone Fields dialog is displayed as shown in Figure 2-28. 
 
Figure 2-28:  Flood Elevation and Zone Fields Dialog 
 Select the attribute field which has the flood elevation data from the Elevation 
field list box.  (Required) 
 Select the attribute field which has the flood zone data from the Flood zone 
field list box.  (Required) 
 If the data contains AO/VO zones, you should select the attribute field which has 
the depth data from the Sheet flow (AO/VO zone) depth field list box.  (Optional) 

The FIT reviews the information in the selected fields.  The FIT notifies the user 
if problematic data is found as shown in Figure 2-29 when a field has been 
selected in the Sheet flow (AO/VO zone) depth grid field group box and the data 
does not contain any AO or VO zones. 
 
Figure 2-29:  AO/VO Zone Depth Field 
 Click OK to dismiss the error message. 
 Review the data and correct the problem. 
 Click OK. 

An analysis is performed based upon the selected flood elevation and zone 
information and a 100 year elevation grid is created.  A message box is displayed 
to notify the user that the grid calculations are complete. 
 
Figure 2-30:  Build 100-Yr Elevation Grid Message Box 
 Click OK. 

The Shoreline Wizard... option is enabled on the Coastal menu. 
 
It is recommended that the user save the ArcMap document before proceeding to the 
next menu option. 
 Click the Save toolbar icon or select Save from the ArcMap File menu. 


 
 2.5.2 Shoreline Wizard 

The Shoreline Wizard option on the Coastal menu launches a series of dialogs 
designed to help the user identify and characterize the shoreline of interest, the 
specific shoreline reach of interest, and input shoreline descriptive information. 
 
Some areas are subject to flooding from more than one coastal flood source.  For 
example, a barrier island may be exposed to flooding from the open ocean and a 
bay.  In such cases, the FIT Coastal Hazard Process must be completed for each 
flood source and its associated shoreline. 

 Select the Shoreline Wizard on the Coastal menu.  

The Shoreline Wizard displays the Shoreline Definition dialog designed to allow 
the user to define the shoreline and the limits of the analysis.  See Figure 2-31. 
 
Figure 2-31:  Shoreline Definition 
 
 
The user should draw the shoreline as a polyline following the general shoreline 
shape, entirely within the limits of the study area polygon.  Also there is a 
minimum length requirement of 100 feet. On average, the polyline should be drawn 
at approximately Mean Sea Level in tidal areas and near the IGLD chart datum along 
the Great Lakes.  It is not necessary to follow small-scale changes in shoreline 
orientation -- in fact, doing so can cause problems during the subsequent transect 
creation and grid interpolations.  

 
 
If the shoreline is drawn too far landward, the frontal dune analysis routine may 
not work; if the shoreline is drawn too far seaward, some or all of the transects 
that FIT constructs on this shoreline will be completely submerged in to the water 
and an error message will result in the further stages of the Shoreline Wizard 
(specifically at the end of the Shoreline Segment Characteristics dialog, when 
Finish is clicked).  Another check that will be performed at this mentioned 
further stage is making sure each transect has at least 500 ft. of length on the 
land (above reference elevation).  It is a good idea for the user to keep these in 
mind when drawing the shoreline so that these checks will not fail. 
Both the shape of the study area and the relative location of the drawn shoreline 
can cause these checks to fail.  Possible error messages are shown below. 

 
Error message #1: 
 
Figure 2-32:  Error Message - Shoreline Occurs Too Far Seaward  
The error message shown in Figure 2-32 has multiple ways of being generated. 
 The user drawn shoreline is too far offshore as shown in Figure 2-33. 
 Some of the transects can never reach land because of the way they are oriented.  
See Figure 2-34. 
 The user drawn shoreline is very close to the boundary of the study area as shown 
in Figure 2-35. 

 

Figure 2-33:  Shoreline - Too Far Offshore 
 
Figure 2-34:  Some Transects Can Never Reach Land 
 
Figure 2-35:  User Drawn Shoreline - Very Close to the Study Area Boundary 
Error message #2: 
 
Figure 2-36:  Error Message - Shoreline Very Close to the Study Area Boundary 
When the perpendicular distance from the shoreline to the study area boundary is 
insufficient as shown in Figure 2-37, the error message shown in Figure 2-36 will 
be displayed.  FIT needs at least 500 ft. long transects to perform analysis. 
 
 
Figure 2-37:  Shoreline Too Close to the Study Area Boundary 
 
Error message #3: 
 
Figure 2-38:  Error Message - Shoreline Too Far On Land 
The error message shown in Figure 2-38 will appear when the user drawn shoreline 
is drawn too far landward.  See Figure 2-39. 
 

Figure 2-39:  Shoreline Occurs Too Far Landward 
An example of a correctly drawn shoreline is shown in Figure 2-40.  See Figure 2-
41 for an example of an shoreline incorrectly drawn because the user attempted to 
include every small-scale change in the shoreline.  The shoreline shown in Figure 
2-41 presents problems because the analysis transects constructed perpendicular to 
it will vary greatly in orientation, and will likely not be perpendicular to the 
general shoreline and any dune features.  Frontal dune analysis and eroded ground 
interpolations will be compromised by the resulting transect orientations.  It is 
for this reason why the FIT requires users to draw the shoreline instead of 
accepting input of the locally-available shoreline/water line map layer. 
 
Figure 2-40:  Shoreline Correctly Drawn 
 
Figure 2-41:  Shoreline Incorrectly Drawn 
 Click Draw. 

The cursor changes from an arrow to a crosshair when held over the active map, 
indicating that the Draw Polyline tool is active. 
 To draw the desired shoreline polyline, single click to add a vertex and double 
click to finish drawing. 
 To delete the shoreline polyline, click Clear. 

The Next button is activated once the shoreline has been defined. 
 Click Next >. 

The FIT uses this map layer as the starting point for transects. 
The Shoreline Segments dialog is displayed as shown in Figure 2-42.   
The Shoreline Segments dialog allows the user to split the shoreline into segments 
of shared physical characteristics, wave conditions or stillwater elevations.  The 
user can then enter descriptive information regarding each segment.   
 
Figure 2-42:  Shoreline Segments Dialog 
 Click Draw shoreline breakline to visually create polyline segments on the map to 
represent the various shore segments. 
 Draw the polyline segments that demark changes in the shoreline.  Single click to 
add a vertex and double click to finish drawing. 

 
Shoreline segments should be divided according to one or more of the following 
criteria:  shared physical characteristics, same stillwater elevations or wave 
conditions.  FIT accepted shoreline types are rocky bluff; sand/sediment bluff, 
little beach; sandy beach, small dunes; sandy beach, large dunes; open wetlands; 
erosion protection structure.  See Figure 2-46. 

In some cases, Stillwater elevations and shoreline types may be uniform along a 
study shoreline, but segments should still be created.  One such instance will 
occur along bluff of steeply sloped shorelines where wave runup elevations control 
base flood conditions, and where BFEs shown on the FIRM step up or down several 
feet in the longshore direction (despite similar Stillwater elevations and 
shoreline types).  The user should draw breaklines corresponding to divisions 
between different BFE zones along the shoreline. 

The segments created should not be shorter than 100 ft.  The FIT will display an 
error message in those cases. 

 
Figure 2-43:  Shoreline Segments Dialog with Multiple Shoreline Segments Displayed 
 Click on Clear all breaklines to delete all of the user defined shoreline 
segments. 

The endlines of the shoreline are displayed with arrows indicating the direction 
from flood source to land. 
 As needed, click on Switch direction to reverse the direction of the arrowheads. 

The map redisplays the shoreline with the arrowheads on the start and end 
shoreline points in the reverse direction as shown in Figure 2-44. 
 
Figure 2-44:  Shoreline Segments Dialog with Wave Direction Reversed 
 If you need to return to the Shoreline Definition dialog, click < Back.  All 
changes will be preserved unless any of the previous dialogs are changed. 
 Click Next >. 

The Shoreline Segments dialog closes and the Shoreline Segment Characteristics 
dialog is displayed.  See Figure 2-45. 
The Shoreline Segment Characteristics dialog requires the user to define the type 
of shoreline along each segment and identify flood parameters.  In the upper 
portion of the Shoreline Segment Characteristics dialog is a box labeled Current 
segment: which shows the user the current shoreline segment upon which they are 
working.   
The Shoreline Segment Characteristics dialog consists of two tabs:   
 Shoreline Type:  Allows the user to select a shoreline segment, identify the 
shoreline type and indicate if damaging waves (i.e., those capable of eroding 
dunes and bluffs, or damaging shore protection structures) occur at the shoreline 
during 100-year flood conditions. 
 Stillwater Elevations:  Allows the user to input stillwater elevations for a 
select range of return periods. 

Shoreline Type Tab 
 
Figure 2-45:  Shoreline Segment Characteristics Dialog - Type Tab 
 Select the desired shoreline segment by clicking on either the left or the right 
Current Segment action buttons.  The current shoreline segment is displayed in the 
text box in the middle. 

The selected shoreline segment is highlighted on the map. 
 Select the appropriate shoreline type from the dropdown list box labeled 
Shoreline type (Required).  See Figure 2-46. 

 
Figure 2-46:  Shoreline Type 
If the Erosion protection option is selected, the Level of Protection (years) text 
box is enabled, and the user must add a protection level between 10 and 500 years.   
 
Level of Protection refers to upland protection against both flooding and flood-
induced erosion.  The crest elevation of an erosion protection structure should be 
several feet higher than the stillwater level coinciding with the level of 
protection entered in the dialog.  Otherwise, wave runup and overtopping will 
affect the area landward of the structure.  The erosion protection structure must 
be able to withstand wave and flood effects, including scour at the base and 
sides, during the return period entered in the Level of Protection dialog. 

 Enter a name for the segment in the Segment Name text box.  (Optional) 
 Indicate if damaging waves occur at the shoreline during 100-yr flood conditions 
by clicking on the Yes or No radio button. 

The default response is yes.  If the user selects "No" the FIT assumes stillwater 
flooding occurs along the shoreline segment, and that no flood-induced erosion 
will occur.  
 Repeat the above steps for each segment. (Required) 

Stillwater Elevations Tab  
 Click on the Stillwater Elevations Tab to input Stillwater elevations for a 100 
year return period.   

The Stillwater Elevations Tab dialog is displayed on the Shoreline Segment 
Characteristics dialog as shown in Figure 2-47. 
 
Figure 2-47:  Shoreline Segment Characteristics Dialog - Stillwater Elevations Tab  
 Enter the 100-year stillwater elevation in effect in the Elevation text box.  
Numeric values with decimals are accepted 

 
The user can obtain the 100-year stillwater elevation  (and the 10-year, 50-year 
and 500-year stillwater elevations) from the Flood Insurance Study (FIS) report, 
which accompanies the Flood Insurance Rate Maps for the community.  The elevations 
are contained in the "Summary of Stillwater Elevations" table in the FIS. 
The user should make sure that 100-yr BFEs corresponding to a particular segment 
are greater than the 100-yr SWEL of that segment, but less than or equal to the  
100-yr SWEL + 25 ft. 

 Enter the name of the source in the Source text box. (Optional) 
 Indicate if the 100-yr elevation includes wave setup, by clicking on the Yes or 
No radio button. 

 
The 100-year stillwater elevation from FIS should be input into the FIT.  If the 
100-year stillwater elevation includes wave setup, this value should still be 
input, the option button Yes selected, and the wave setup (feet) put in the 
appropriate box.  The FIT will remove the wave setup from the 100-year stillwater 
elevation prior to calculating the 10-year, 50-year, and 500-year elevations.  If 
wave setup is included in the 100-yr. stillwater elevation, but the Yes option 
button is not selected and the setup value is not input by the user, the effect 
will be to overestimate the 10-yr, 50-yr, 500-yr and interpolated flood elevations 
surfaces. 

 
 
The user can determine whether wave setup is included in the 100-year stillwater 
elevation by reading the FIS carefully.  If the user is uncertain or if the FIS is 
not clear on this point, the user can plot the stillwater elevations (linear 
scale) versus return period (log scale).  The points should fall on approximately 
a straight line on the plot.  If the 100-year point lies above a line drawn 
through the other points, the distance from the line to the 100-year point can be 
approximated as the wave setup. 

When the Yes radio button is selected, the Wave Setup (ft) text box is enabled as 
a required field. 
 Enter a value for the wave setup between 0 and 3 ft. in the Wave Setup (ft) text 
box.  Numeric values with decimals are accepted. 

Once the 100-year stillwater elevation and wave setup data have been entered, 
values are displayed in the text boxes in the Other SWEL group box. 
 Edit the stillwater elevation information for each return period in the Other 
stillwater elevations group text boxes as needed.  Numeric values with decimals 
are accepted.   

 
The user can replace the values calculated by the FIT using data from the "Summary 
of Stillwater Elevations" table in the FIS.  If the table in the FIS does not 
contain an elevation for a particular return period, use the value calculated by 
the FIT.  

 Select the vertical datum from the Vertical Datum list box. (Required) 

If Other is selected in the Vertical Datum list box, the Other Vertical Datum text 
box is enabled.   
 Enter the vertical datum name in the Other Vertical Datum text box as required.  
This datum should match the one selected in the Project Setup and Validation 
dialog. 
 If the stillwater elevation information for all segments is the same or very 
similar, click Apply to All Segments and edit the stillwater elevation for each 
segment as needed.  Otherwise repeat the above steps for each segment. 

When all of the required information for each segment is defined, the Finish 
button is enabled. 
 Click Finish. 

The Shoreline Segment Characteristics dialog closes and the Main Window appears. 
The Edit Transects, Frontal Dune Analysis, and Calculate 100-Yr Depth Grid options 
on the Coastal menu are enabled. 
Upon selection of Finish, an algorithm is launched to create a series of shore-
normal transects.  The Transects are numbered in ascending fashion starting with 1 
at the start of the shoreline through x at the end point of the shoreline.  The 
shore-normal transects are developed as polylines, to the shoreline defined by the 
user, and will not extend beyond the user's Analysis Boundary.  The polylines will 
appear on the active map layer for the users visualization and editing.  The 
transects are constructed in the same direction as the shoreline endlines 
previously displayed with the Shoreline Segments dialog, and should point toward 
land.  If the direction of the transects is incorrect, it is important to re-run 
the shoreline wizard to correct the error.  During the process of creating the 
shore-normal transects, a series of checks are performed to make sure that the 
transects are not completely submerged and each has at least 500 ft. of length on 
the land (above reference elevation).  If one of these checks fails the user will 
be shown the appropriate error message (see Figure 2-32 through Figure 2-39).  The 
user can find out at which transect the process was stopped by opening the 
attribute table of transects feature class and looking at the column named 
"Complete".  The transects that passed the checks will have the word "YES" on that 
column. 
 
It is recommended that the user save the file before proceeding to the next menu 
option. 
 Click the Save toolbar icon or select Save from the ArcMap File menu. 


 
 
 2.5.3 Edit Transects (Optional) 

Once the Shoreline Wizard has been completed, the Edit Transects option is 
available on the Coastal menu.  Selection of Edit Transects allows the user to add 
new transects, or delete any added transects.  The location of FIT generated 
transects cannot be altered. 
 
Transects are used by the Coastal FIT to model flood-induced erosion of the 
frontal dune (the eroded ground surface affects the flood surface and flood 
depths). Transects are drawn by the FIT, perpendicular to and extending landward 
from the shoreline. 
The user must have completed the Shoreline Wizard to activate the Edit Transects 
option on the Coastal menu, but use of the editing functionality is optional.  
Users may wish to add transects to achieve a tighter transect spacing or to place 
transects at selected locations. 

 Select Edit Transects from the Coastal menu located on the Flood Information Tool 
toolbar. 

The Transect Editor dialog is displayed as shown in Figure 2-48.  The map zooms 
into the selected segment and displays the selected segment in a highlighted mode 
with the existing transects.  
 
Figure 2-48:  Transect Editor Dialog  
 
For non-erodable shore segments (rocky bluffs, high levels of erosion protection, 
or open wetlands), the Transect Editor dialog displays the shore segment 
information but the Transect Layout options are disabled as shown in Figure 2-49. 

 
Figure 2-49:  Transect Editor for Non-Erodible Shoreline Segment 
 Select the desired shoreline segment by clicking on the previous or next button 
labeled Number. 

The information for the selected shore segment is displayed. 
 To add a new transect, click on the Add a new transect button to activate the 
Draw line tool. 

The FIT transect draw tool is activated. 
 Draw a line that intersects the current segment at the point where the new 
transect will be added.  Clicking on the map will add a vertex and double clicking 
will finish drawing.   

The added transect is perpendicular to the shoreline and is shown in red.  It may 
extend beyond the Analysis Boundary, but will be clipped once OK is clicked. 
 To delete a transect, select the transects to be deleted by using the Select an 
added transect tool.  When the Select tool is activated, dragging a box around the 
transect or clicking on it will select it.  Once you have selected a transect, 
click on the Selected radio button and click Clear to delete it. 

Alternately, clicking on the All radio button and clicking the Clear button will 
delete all of the user defined transects on the current segment. 
 
The user is not allowed to delete transects developed automatically by the FIT.  
This enables the FIT to maintain the minimum transect spacing.  Users are allowed 
to add transects to enhance the FIT's accuracy.  Users are also able to delete 
transects they have added before they click OK and make them permanent. 

 Repeat as needed for the remainder of the shoreline segments. 
 Click Cancel to discard edits. 
 Click OK to accept the edits and make them permanent. 

 
After added transects are made permanent, the only way to go back to the original 
transect layout is to restart the Shoreline Wizard. 

The Transect Editor dialog is closed and transects are renumbered based on the 
newly added transects. The FIT will clip them if necessary to make sure that they 
do not extend beyond the user's Analysis Boundary. 
 
It is recommended that the user save the ArcMap document before proceeding to the 
next menu option. 
 Click the Save toolbar icon or select Save from the ArcMap File menu. 


 
 
 2.5.4 Frontal Dune Analysis (Optional) 

Once the Shoreline Wizard has been completed, the Frontal Dune Analysis menu item 
is enabled on the Coastal menu.   
 
 The FIT will perform a frontal dune analysis (flood-induced erosion analysis) for 
transects lying in shoreline segments classified as erodible and with damaging 
waves present. 

The Frontal Dune Analysis option allows the user to change the location of the 
frontal dune toe and peak for each transect, but does not allow the user to 
forsake the analysis itself.   
 Select Frontal Dune Analysis from the Coastal menu to access the Flood-Induced 
Erosion dialog. 

The Frontal Dune Analysis dialog is displayed, shown in Figure 2-51, and a new 
data frame within ArcGIS is launched and displayed as shown in Figure 2-50.  The 
data frame has an x- and y-axis with the x-axis representing the distance inland 
from the actual shoreline.  In the cross-sectional profile, the shoreline 
represents the (0,0) point.  Those transects identified on the Shoreline Segment 
Characteristics dialog (Figure 2-45) as lying in a shoreline segment exposed to 
damaging waves and with a shoreline type capable of being eroded, can be edited   
Flood-induced erosion of the frontal dune  is only considered within 500 ft of the 
shoreline. 
 
Figure 2-50:  Data Frame for Erosion Analysis 
 
Figure 2-51:  Flood-Induced Erosion 
 Select the transect to be defined by either clicking on the arrow to the right or 
the left of the Transect number text box displaying the current transect. 

The FIT will assign the dune toe to the intersection of the transect profile and 
the 10-year SWEL.  The user has the option to use this toe, or select another 
using the Select button. 
 In the Dune toe group box, elect to use the 10-yr stillwater elevation by leaving 
the Use 10-yr SWEL radio button selected or select Draw to draw the toe on the 
dune profile. 

 
The toe should lie at the transition between the horizontal beach and the steep 
slope of the dune/bluff -- at the base of the slope.  If the default 10-yr SWEL 
elevation intersects the transect on the beach or lies too high on the slope, the 
flood-induced erosion assessment results may be incorrect and the user should 
select the correct toe location. 

The FIT will select and display a peak for the user.  The user has the option to 
use this peak or draw another using the Draw button. 
 In the Dune Peak group box, select Draw. 
 Using the Draw Tool that is enabled, draw the dune peak on the dune profile by 
clicking on the appropriate place on the displayed map. 

 
The dune peak should lie at or near the top of the dune, close to the upper limit 
of the steep slope on the dune's landward side (see Figure 2-52). 

 
Figure 2-52:  Guidance for User Selection of Dune Peak 
The dune peak is repositioned and the Apply button is enabled on the Frontal Dune 
Analysis dialog as shown in Figure 2-53. 
 
Figure 2-53:  Frontal Dune Analysis with Apply Enabled 
 Click Apply. 

 
The peak should lie at the maximum elevation of a single dune profile, or at the 
top of the slope on the landward side of a profile with multiple peaks.  If the 
profile contains a bluff (nearly horizontal ground surface lying atop a steep 
slope), select the landward-most point on the bluff). 

 Repeat for each transect. (Optional) 
 Click OK. 

A polygon coverage representing the flood extent is created.   
 Click OK. 

 
It is recommended that the user save the ArcMap document before proceeding to the 
next menu option. 
 Click the Save toolbar icon or select Save from the ArcMap File menu. 


 
 
 2.5.5 Calculate Hazard Grids 

Once the Shoreline Wizard has been completed, the Calculate Hazard Grids option 
appears on the Coastal menu.  The Calculate Hazard Grids option on the Coastal 
menu, activates the Analysis Return Periods dialog which allows the user to 
specify additional return periods to be interpolated and new depth grid created 
for each.  The user can select flood return periods between 10-year and 500-year. 
 Select Calculate Hazard Grids on the Coastal menu. 

The Analysis Return Periods dialog is displayed as shown in Figure 2-54. 
 
Figure 2-54:  Analysis Return Periods Dialog 
 Enter a return period in the Return period (10-500 years) text box. 
 Click Add>. 

The value entered in the Return Period (yr) text box is transferred to the list 
box on the right. 
 Repeat for additional return periods. 
 To remove a return period from the list box on the right, select the return 
period in the text box on the right and click Remove. 

The selected return period is removed from the list box on the right. 
 Click Calculate to start the analysis. 

The Analysis Return Periods dialog is closed.  A depth grid for each of the 
defined return periods is produced.  An eroded profile is created at each transect 
where flood-induced erosion occurs, and the flood depth along each transect is 
computed.  Once the calculations have been completed for each transect, the model 
will start interpolating eroded ground elevations and flood depths between 
transects.  Once the analysis is complete, a figure similar to Figure 2-55 is 
displayed. 
 
Figure 2-55:  Analysis of Return Periods Complete 
 
It is recommended that the user save the ArcMap document before proceeding to the 
next menu option. 
 Click the Save toolbar icon or select Save from the ArcMap File menu. 


 2.6 Merge FIT Projects 

Users are able to merge the depth and elevation grids (hazard, and flood-induced 
erosion) as well as output shapefiles of multiple projects into a single project 
so that they can be sent to the  HAZUS(r)MH Flood Model together instead of 
separately.  This capability is provided in the Merge FIT Projects option on the 
HAZUS_FIT menu located on the Flood Information Tool toolbar. 
 Select Merge FIT Projects from the HAZUS_FIT menu. 

The Merge FIT Projects dialog is displayed as shown in Figure 2-56.  This dialog 
allows the user to select the projects to be merged. 
 
Figure 2-56:  Merge FIT Projects Dialog 
 
Merging Coastal and Riverine projects is not allowed.  The grids and output 
shapefiles will be sent separately to the HAZUS(r)MH Flood Model where the 
individual damage functions will determine the controlling flood source for each 
occupancy classification.  In other words, losses will be estimated for both grids 
and the flood model will select the highest damage value for each occupancy and 
census block. 

Merging Grids: 
To select the FIT's projects to be merged: 
 Click on the Open File icon of the Directory in the Select FIT projects to be 
merged group box; navigate to the location of the project folder to be merged, 
single click the project folder and click Select.  Do not double click. 
 Click Add. 

The name of the selected FIT project folder is displayed in the list box. 
 Repeat for each FIT project to be merged. 
 To remove a FIT project from the list box, select the project and click Remove. 

The selected FIT project is removed from the list of projects to be merged. 
To define the FIT project: 
 Click on the Open File icon of the Directory in the Output project group box; 
navigate to the location of the project folder for the output project, select the 
project folder and click Select.  (Required) 
 Click OK. 

All of the FIT projects that were listed in the list box are merged into one and 
saved under the output project directory.   
 
At least two FIT projects have to be added to the list box and the output project 
defined for the OK button to become enabled.  There is no limit on the number of 
projects to be merged at one time but it should be noted that increasing the 
number will increase the processing time. 

 

Appendix A - Input Data and Conversion Methods 
 A.1 ESRI GIS Data Formats 
 A.1.1 ArcInfo Grid 

This is the input data format required by the FIT for both riverine and coastal 
analysis.  No conversion is required. 
 A.1.2 Polyline Flood Elevations 

This is the input data format required by the FIT for riverine flood elevations.  
No conversion is required if in the polyline feature class format.  Examples of 
flood elevation polylines are DFIRM BFE lines, digitized BFE lines, and digitized 
hydraulic model cross-sections.  Each polyline should be attributed with one or 
more flood elevation(s) and the polylines should not intersect one another. 
 A.1.3 Polygon Floodplain Boundaries 

This is the input data format required by the FIT for both riverine and coastal 
analysis.  No conversion is required if in the polygon feature class format.  
Examples of floodplain boundary polygons include the FEMA Q3 and digitized 
floodplain polygons. 
 A.1.4 Polygon Flood Elevations 

This is the input data format required by the FIT for coastal flood elevations and 
flood hazard zones.  No conversion is required if in the polygon feature class 
format.  Examples of coastal flood elevation polygons include the FEMA DFIRM and 
digitized flood elevation polygon.  Each polygon should be attributed with a flood 
elevation, FEMA flood hazard zone, and sheet flow (AO/VO zone) depth (if 
applicable). 
 
 A.1.5 Mass Points 

The conversion of Mass Points requires the use of one of Spatial Analyst's 
interpolation methods (e.g. Spline, Inverse Distance Weighted) to interpolate 
points to raster.  See Spatial Analyst documentation for further information on 
different methods of point interpolation. 
 
 
 
LIDAR data must be preprocessed to represent bare earth conditions before 
performing the conversion to the FIT format. 

 A.1.6 Polyline Contours 

The ArcGIS Spatial Analyst extension provides vector-to-raster conversion 
functionality through the menu item Convert Features to Raster.  However, if used 
on polyline contour data, the resulting raster contains grid cells at the line 
locations, but not elsewhere.  As such, this method is inadequate for developing a 
terrain elevation surface across the entire floodplain.  Such a surface must be 
developed through interpolation.  However, the ArcGIS raster interpolation 
routines accept only points as input.  As a remedy, the FIT includes a standalone 
utility to convert line contours in a shapefile format, to mass points.  The 
points can then be interpolated to a raster surface as described in Section A.1.2. 
To add the Contour Converter to the ArcToolbox: 
 
 
 
 Start ArcToolbox. 
 Expand the My Tools folder. 
 Select Add Custom EXE Wizard 

 
 

 Select the ContourConverter.exe. from the FIT installation directory. 
 Complete the remaining Add Custom EXE Wizard steps. 

 

To convert Contour data to Mass Points: 
 
 
 Start ArcToolbox. 
 Expand the My Tools folder. 
 Select ContourConverter 

 

 
 Select the Input Shapefile by using the browse button, drag and drop from Windows 
Explorer, or drag and drop from ArcCatalog. 
 Select the correct Elevation Field from the contour shapefile attribute table. 
 Enter the desired Point Interval. 

 
Along each contour line, elevation points will be created using this point 
spacing.  The lower the point interval, the greater the number of resulting points 
and required processing time.  The desired point interval should be determined 
keeping in mind the trade off between point resolution and processing time.  The 
processing time is dependent upon the following variables: 
 Computer hardware configuration 
 Point interval 
 Length of contour lines 
 Number of contour lines 


 Select the Output directory and define the name of the output file. 
 Click OK. 

 
 Click OK. 
 Using the output file, follow the steps for Mass Points.  See Section A.1.4. 

 
The text strings of the input shapefile and output shapefile boxes may be cut off 
if the file path is long and contains a space. 

 A.1.7 TIN 

Conversion of a TIN to raster requires 3D Analyst Extension of ArcView (available 
with a separate license). 
From 3D Analyst menu: 
 Select Convert from the 3D Analyst menu. 
 TIN to Raster... from the Convert menu. 
 Follow the on-screen instructions. 

  
 
 A.1.8 ArcInfo Region 

Need to be converted into the ArcGIS polygon feature class format by user.  This 
will require the use of ArcInfo. 
 A.1.9 Generate File 

This item has been deferred from this release of the FIT.  Users with ArcInfo can 
convert Generate Files into shapefiles. 
 
 A.2 Non-ESRI GIS Data 
 A.2.1 USGS DEM 

To convert USGS DEM ground elevation data into ArcInfo Grid format: 
 
 
 Start ArcToolbox. 
 Expand the Conversion Tools folder. 
 Expand the Import to Raster folder. 
 Select DEM to Grid 

 

 
 
There are reports that this will not work unless: 
 a. ArcMap is running and have a project already loaded (not a new one but one 
that has been saved before and loaded now) 
 b. Spatial Analyst is loaded in ArcMap.  See Section 2.1. 


 A.2.2 USGS SDTS DEM 

To convert USGS SDTS DEM ground elevation data into ArcInfo Grid format: 
 
 
 Start ArcToolbox. 
 Expand the Conversion Tools folder. 
 Expand the Import to Raster folder. 
 Select SDTS Raster to Grid 

 

 A.2.3 USGS DLG 

The U.S. Geological Survey digital line graph (DLG) data format is used to store 
digital vector representations of cartographic information, such as topography, 
hydrography, and transportation features.  Conversion of USGS DLG data to an 
ArcGIS feature class requires an ArcInfo license: 
 
 
 Start ArcToolbox. 
 Expand the Conversion Tools folder. 
 Expand the Import to Coverage folder. 
 Select DLG to Coverage Wizard 

 

 A.2.4 USGS SDTS DLG 

 Convert to a data format readable by the ArcView version of ArcGIS vector by 
using one of the data translators commercially available 
 Follow the steps for contours.  See Section A.1.6. 

Examples of commercially available data translators are: 
 DLG2SHP at http://www.gistools.com/  (~$100) 
 FME at http://www.safe.com/fme_desktop.htm (15 days free trial, after that ~$500) 
 Also at http://www.fws.gov/data/gisconv/sdtsovr.html detailed steps for 
conversion in ArcView 3.x can be found. 
 A.2.5 MapINFO MIF 

To convert MapInfo MIF vector data into the ArcGIS shapefile format: 
 
 
 Start ArcToolbox. 
 Expand the Conversion Tools folder. 
 Expand the Import to Shapefile folder. 
 Select MIF to Shapefile. 


 A.2.6 Microstation DGN 

Same as AutoCAD DWG.  See Section A.2.7. 
 A.2.7 AutoCAD DWG 

To convert AutoCAD DWG ground elevation data into ArcGIS feature class format: 
 
 
 Start ArcToolbox. 
 Expand the Conversion Tools folder. 
 Expand the Export from CAD folder. 
 Select CAD to Geodatabase. 

 
 
 The geodatabase should be created before beginning the conversion process.  To 
create a new geodatabase, select New/Personal Geodatabase from ArcCatalog's File 
menu. 
  
 

 A.2.8 ASCII Grid 

To convert ASCII Grid ground elevation data into ArcGIS Grid format: 
 
 
 Start ArcToolbox. 
 Expand the Conversion Tools folder. 
 Expand the Import to Raster folder. 
 Select ASCII to Grid. 


 A.2.9 DXF 

 Use steps described for AutoCAD DWG in Section A.2.7. 
 A.2.10 Binary 

This item has been deferred from this release of the FIT. 
 A.2.11 DTED DEM 

To convert DTED DEM ground elevation data into ArcGIS Grid format: 
 
 
 Start ArcToolbox. 
 Expand the Conversion Tools folder. 
 Expand the Import to Raster folder. 
 Select DTED to Grid. 


 A.2.12 dBASE Table 

Tabular data containing geographic coordinates can be added to ArcMap if the table 
contains at least two fields:  one for the x-coordinate and one for the y-
coordinate.  To convert a dBASE table into the ArcGIS shapefile format: 
 
 
 Start ArcMap. 
 From the Tools menu, select Add XY Data. 
 Browse to the table. 
 Specify the x and y fields. 
 Click the Edit button to specify the spatial reference. 
 Click OK to close the Add XY Data dialog. 
 Convert the layer to a shapefile by right-clicking the layer in the ArcMap table 
of contents, and selecting Data/Export Data. 


 
 A.2.13 Digital Hydraulic Model Cross-Sections (Georeferenced) 

Need to be converted into a GIS by user 
 A.2.14 Digitized Streamline and Point Elevations 

This item has been deferred from this release of the FIT. 
 A.2.15 Digitized Stream Baseline 

This item has been deferred from this release of the FIT. 
 
 A.3 Non-GIS Data 
 A.3.1 Hardcopy FIRM Polygons 

Need to be digitized by user (e.g.: see http://www.ncgia.ucsb.edu/cctp/ for help). 
 A.3.2 Hardcopy BFE Lines 

Need to be digitized by user (e.g.: see http://www.ncgia.ucsb.edu/cctp/ for help) 
 A.3.3 Hardcopy Hydraulic Model Cross-Sections 

Need to be digitized by user (e.g.: see http://www.ncgia.ucsb.edu/cctp/ for help) 
 A.3.4 Digital Hydraulic Model Cross-Sections (Non-georeferenced) 

This item has been deferred from this release of the FIT. 
 

Appendix B - FIT File Structure 
The location of the output data from the FIT is the working directory specified by 
the user in the Project Setup and Validation - General Tab dialog.  (See Figure 2-
3 for Riverine and Figure 2-4 for Coastal.)  
 
 It is important not to alter these files in any way, if the FIT is to function 
properly. 

 
Riverine 
Name 
Type 
Description 
Depth 
Folder 
Contains raster datasets for all flood depth grids created.  Follows the naming 
convention "DepthX", where X = an integer return period between 2 - 1000 years.  
Elev 
Folder 
Contains raster datasets for all flood elevation grids created.  Follows the 
naming convention "ElevX", where X = an integer return period between 2 - 1000 
years.   
Misc 
Folder 
Contains a raster datasets of upstream cross-section (when applicable) 
FITResults 
Personal geodatabase 
All feature classes will be stored under "FITResults" feature dataset in the 
FITResults.mdb 
Backlines 
Polyline feature class 
Indicates areas along the floodplain (buffer) boundary where flood depths exceed 
zero for the lowest frequency flood analyzed. 
Backwater 
Polygon feature class 
Backwater polygons. 
BoundaryX 
Polygon feature class 
Floodplain boundary for return period "X". 
Centerline 
Polyline feature class 
General centerline of flow. 
EucXSecs 
Polyline feature class 
The set of flood elevation lines used in the depth grid analysis. 
FloodPts 
Point feature class 
Flood elevation points used to interpolate the flood elevation grid(s). 
Mask 
Polygon feature class 
Defines the analysis boundary. 
Input 
INI file 
Project descriptive and analysis parameters. 

 
Coastal 
Name 
Type 
Description 
Depth 
Folder 
Contains raster datasets for all flood depth grids created.  Follows the naming 
convention "DepthX", where X = an integer return period between 10 - 500 years.  
Elev 
Folder 
Contains raster datasets for all flood elevation grids created.  Follows the 
naming convention "ElevX", where X = an integer return period between 10 - 500 
years.  Also stores grids of shoreline segments, a sheet flow and hazard zone. 
Misc 
Folder 
Contains raster datasets of shoreline segments, BFEs, and sheet flow depths. 
Erosion 
Folder 
Contains raster datasets for erosion elevation and depth grids.  Follows the 
naming convention "ErElevX" or "ErDepthX", where X = an integer return period 
between 10 - 500 years.  
Zone 
Folder 
Contains raster datasets for flood hazard zone.  Follows the naming convention 
"ZoneX" where X = an integer return period between 10 - 500 years. 
FITResults 
Personal geodatabase 
All feature classes will be stored under "FITResults" feature dataset in the 
FITResults.mdb 
Shoreline 
Polyline feature class 
Generalized shoreline drawn by the user.  
Transects 
Polyline feature class 
Shore normal transects used for frontal dune analyses.  
BoundaryX 
Polygon feature class 
Floodplain boundary for return period "X" 
Mask 
Polygon feature class 
Defines the Analysis Boundary 
Erosion Pts 
Point feature class 
Eroded ground elevation points used to interpolate the eroded ground deviation 
grid. 
Input 
INI file 
Project descriptive and analysis parameters. 

 

Appendix C - Troubleshooting Guide 
1 
Issue: 
 
 
Cause: 
There are two potential causes and both are related to bugs in ArcMap: 
 a. There is a file sharing error.  The FIT is attempting to save a grid dataset, 
but another application (ArcCatalog or Windows Explorer) is claiming ownership or 
the grid has read-only permission. 
 b. ArcMap will not allow a grid dataset to be overwritten because ArcMap 
erroneously believes there is an active map layer referencing the grid. 

 
Solution: 

 Note the file path to the grid dataset displayed in the error message. 
 Save the ArcMap document and close ArcMap. 
 If a grid dataset with the same name and path already exists, ensure the grid and 
associated information folder and contents have write permission. 
 In Windows Explorer, ensure that the folder indicated in the error message is not 
open. 
 In ArcCatalog, ensure that the folder indicated in the error message is not open. 
 Open the Windows Task Manager and click on the Processes tab.  Click on the 
"Image Name" field twice so that the application names are sorted in ascending 
order.  If ArcMap.exe appears in the list, select it and click the "End Process" 
button. 
 Open the ArcMap document and re-start the process that generated the error 
message. 

2 
Issue: 
The FIT dialogs that allow drawing stay on top even when switching to other 
Windows applications. 
 
Cause: 
There is an incompatibility between ArcMap and Visual Basic regarding modeless 
dialogs. 
 
Solution: 
None.  This is an ArcMap limitation. 
3 
Issue: 
After saving a new ArcMap document or using Save As to change the name of an 
existing document, the new name is not updated in the ArcMap title bar. 
 
Cause: 
The FIT often uses the ArcMap title bar to post status messages.  When not 
processing, the title bar will show the name of the current ArcMap document.  But 
due to an ArcMap limitation, the title bar is not updated in certain 
circumstances. 
 
Solution: 
Click on the ArcMap Save button. 
4 
Issue: 
A "Catastrophic Error" has occurred. 
 
Cause: 
If an "Edit Session" is open when FIT is running, it will cause a conflict. 
 
Solution: 
Close the "Edit Session" by selecting Stop Editing from the ArcMap Editor toolbar 
before running FIT. 
5 
Issue: 
Some of the layers disappear from view during a FIT analysis. 
 
Cause: 
ArcMap is interrupted by clicking some button before it finishes refreshing. 
 
Solution: 
Click the Refresh View button in ArcMap. 
6 
Issue: 
 
 
Cause: 
There is a file sharing error.  The FIT is attempting to save a grid dataset, but 
another application is claiming ownership or the grid has read-only permission. 
 
Solution: 

 Close ArcMap. 
 In Windows Explorer and ArcCatalog, ensure that no folders are open within the 
FIT working directory. 
 Open the Windows Task Manager and click on the Processes tab.  Click on the 
"Image Name" field twice so that the application names are sorted in ascending 
order.  If ArcMap.exe appears in the list, select it and click the "End Process" 
button. 
 Open the ArcMap document and re-start the process that generated the error 
message. 

7 
Issue: 
 
This message appears when the shoreline is definitely not seaward of mean sea 
level. 
 
Cause: 
Bug with ArcMap's identify tool. 
 
Solution: 
Save and close ArcMap.  Re-open ArcMap and continue with the Shoreline Wizard. 
8 
Issue: 
The flood depth grid exists only along the stream centerline and cross-sections. 

 
Cause: 
Unknown. 
 
Solution: 
Re-run the Depth Grid Wizard.