At 10:10 AM 01/21/1999 -0500, John Haynes wrote:
>
> MapInfo just announced the availability of FloodMap, a high quality up-to
> date digital version of the FEMA Q3 data produced by Transamerica Flood
> Hazard Certification. A couple of questions:
>
> We deal extensively with the engineering and surveying community. When I
> mentioned this to several of our clients in SC, they stated that even though
> these maps are probably much more accurate, they are constrained by law to
> use FEMA generated data so they would need to get a reading as to whether
> this would be legal data. I would assume the same conflict would arise from
> any other business that is betting money on FEMA certification.
>
> When I was dealing directly with Transamerica on this data, they were adamant
> that their name not be associated with any data resale. The litigation
> hazard of data of this nature being improperly used was tremendous. While
> they were willing to talk about sharing the data for sale, they made it very
> clear that any certifications or serious deliberations based on data with the
> transamerica name would only be made by their certification people.
Here's a callout from the Q3 FAQ at http://www.fema.gov/home/MSC/femafaq.htm :
Q: What are the limitations of the digital Q3 Flood Data?
A: The digital Q3 Flood Data are designed to provide guidance and a general
proximity of the location of Special Flood Hazard Areas. The digital Q3 Flood
Data cannot be used to determine absolute delineations of flood risk
boundaries, but instead should be seen as portraying zones of uncertainty and
possible risks associated with flood inundation. Users must apply considerable
care and judgment in the application of this product. Users of the digital Q3
Flood Data should refer to the "Users Guide" and "Specifications" for further
information.
FEMA itself is even saying they do not want you to use the Q3 data for
determining flood zones! And it is at 1:24k or better.
Steve Wallace
Florida Farm Bureau Insurance Companies
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
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