The National Flood Hazard Layer (NFHL) is a geospatial database that contains current effective flood hazard data. FEMA provides the flood hazard data to support the National Flood Insurance Program. You can use the information to better understand your level of flood risk and type of flooding.

The NFHL is made from effective flood maps and Letters of Map Change (LOMC) delivered to communities. NFHL digital data covers over 90 percent of the U.S. population. New and revised data is being added continuously. If you need information for areas not covered by the NFHL data, there may be other FEMA products which provide coverage for those areas.

FEMA provides access to the National Flood Hazards Layer (NFHL) through web mapping services. The maps depict effective flood hazard information and supporting data. The primary flood hazard classification is indicated in the Flood Hazard Zones layer.The NFHL layers include:Flood hazard zones and labelsRiver Miles MarkersCross-sections and coastal transects and their labelsLetter of Map Revision (LOMR) boundaries and case numbersFlood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) boundaries, labels and effective datesCoastal Barrier Resources System (CBRS) and Otherwise Protected Area (OPA) unitsCommunity boundaries and namesLeveesHydraulic and flood control structuresProfile and coastal transect baselinesLimit of Moderate Wave Action(LiMWA)Not all effective Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM) have GIS data available. To view a list of available county and single-jurisdiction flood study data in GIS format and check the status of the NFHL GIS services, please visit the NFHL Status Page.Preliminary & Pending National Flood Hazard LayersThe Preliminary and Pending NFHL dataset represents the current pre-effective flood data for the country. These layers are updated as new preliminary and pending data becomes available, and data is removed from these layers as it becomes effective.For more information, please visit FEMA's website.To download map panels or GIS Data, go to: NFHL on FEMA GeoPlatform.Preliminary & Pending DataPreliminary data are for review and guidance purposes only. By viewing preliminary data and maps, the user acknowledges that the information provided is preliminary and subject to change. Preliminary data are not final and are presented in this national layer as the best information available at this time. Additionally, preliminary data cannot be used to rate flood insurance policies or enforce the Federal mandatory purchase requirement. FEMA will remove preliminary data once pending data are available.Pending data are for early awareness of upcoming changes to regulatory flood map information. Until the data becomes effective, when it will appear in FEMA's National Flood Hazard Layer (NFHL), the data should not be used to rate flood insurance policies or enforce the Federal mandatory purchase requirement. FEMA will remove pending data once effective data are available.To better understand Preliminary data please see the View Your Community's Preliminary Flood Hazard Data webpage.FEMA GeoPlatformFEMA's GIS flood map services are available through FEMAs GeoPlatform, an ArcGIS Online portal containing a variety of FEMA-related data.To view the NFHL on the FEMA GeoPlatform go to NFHL on FEMA GeoPlatform.To view the Preliminary and Pending national layers on the FEMA Geoplatform go to FEMA's Preliminary & Pending National Flood Hazard Layer.Technical InformationFlood hazard and supporting data are developed using specifications for horizontal control consistent with 1:12,000–scale mapping. If you plan to display maps from the NFHL with other map data for official purposes, ensure that the other information meets FEMA’s standards for map accuracy.The minimum horizontal positional accuracy for base map hydrographic and transportation features used with the NFHL is the NSSDA radial accuracy of 38 feet. United States Geological Survey (USGS) imagery and map services that meet this standard can be found by visiting the Knowledge Sharing Site (KSS) for Base Map Standards (420). Other base map standards can be found at https://riskmapportal.msc.fema.gov/kss/MapChanges/default.aspx. You will need a username and password to access this information.The NFHL data are from FEMA’s FIRM databases. New data are added continually. The NFHL also contains map changes to FIRM data made by LOMRs.The NFHL is stored in North American Datum of 1983, Geodetic Reference System 80 coordinate system, though many of the NFHL GIS web services support the Web Mercator Sphere projection commonly used in web mapping applications.Organization & DisplayThe NFHL is organized into many data layers. The layers display information at map scales appropriate for the data. A layer indicating the availability of NFHL data is displayed at map scales smaller than 1:250,000, regional overviews at map scales between 1:250,000 and 1:50,000, and detailed flood hazard maps at map scales of 1:50,000 and larger. The "Scalehint" item in the Capabilities file for the Web Map Service encodes the scale range for a layer.In addition, there are non-NFHL datasets provided in the GIS web services, such as information about the availability of flood data and maps, the national map panel scheme, and point locations for LOMA and LOMR-Fs. The LOMA are positioned less accurately than are the NFHL data.Layers in the public NFHL GIS services:Use the numbers shown below when referencing layers by number.0. NFHL Availability1. LOMRs2. LOMAs3. FIRM Panels4. Base Index5. PLSS6. Toplogical Low Confidence Areas7. River Mile Markers8. Datum Conversion Points9. Coastal Gages10. Gages11. Nodes12. High Water Marks13. Station Start Points14. Cross-Sections15. Coastal Transects16. Base Flood Elevations17. Profile Baselines18. Transect Baselines19. Limit of Moderate Wave Action20. Water Lines21. Coastal Barrier Resources System Area22. Political Jurisdictions23. Levees24. General Structures25. Primary Frontal Dunes26. Hydrologic Reaches27. Flood Hazard Boundaries28. Flood Hazard Zones29. Submittal Information30. Alluvial Fans31. Subbasins32. Water Areas

The National Flood Hazard Layer (NFHL) is a compilation of GIS data that comprises a nationwide digital Flood Insurance Rate Map. The GIS data and services are designed to provide the user with the ability to determine the flood zone, base flood elevation, and floodway status for a particular location. It also has information about the NFIP communities, map panels, cross sections, hydraulic structures, Coastal Barrier Resource System, and base maps such as road, stream, and public land survey data. Through flood studies, FEMA produces Flood Insurance Study Reports, FIRM Panels, and FIRM Databases. FIRM Databases that become effective are incorporated into the NFHL. Updates to the NFHL are issued through Letters of Map Revision (LOMRs) and Letters of Map Amendment (LOMAs). Continuously updated, the NFHL serves as a Digital Flood Insurance Rate Map representing the current effective flood data for those communities where maps have been digitized. NFHL data can be viewed with widely available GIS software, including freely available programs that work with GIS shapefiles. For more information on the NFHL, see the online resources referenced herein. Using base maps: The minimum horizontal positional accuracy for base map hydrographic and transportation features used with the NFHL is the NSSDA radial accuracy of 38 feet. Letter of Map Amendment (LOMA) point locations are approximate. The location of the LOMA is referenced in the legal description of the letter itself. LOMA points can be viewed in the NFHL Interactive Map on the FEMA GeoPlatform.

The National Flood Hazard Layer (NFHL) data incorporates all Digital Flood Insurance Rate Map(DFIRM) databases published by FEMA, and any Letters Of Map Revision (LOMRs) that have been issued against those databases since their publication date. The DFIRM Database is the digital, geospatial version of the flood hazard information shown on the published paper Flood Insurance Rate Maps(FIRMs). The primary risk classifications used are the 1-percent-annual-chance flood event, the 0.2-percent-annual-chance flood event, and areas of minimal flood risk. The NFHL data are derived from Flood Insurance Studies (FISs), previously published Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs), flood hazard analyses performed in support of the FISs and FIRMs, and new mapping data where available. The FISs and FIRMs are published by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The specifications for the horizontal control of DFIRM data are consistent with those required for mapping at a scale of 1:12,000. The NFHL data contain layers in the Standard DFIRM datasets except for S_Label_Pt and S_Label_Ld. The NFHL is available as State or US Territory data sets. Each State or Territory data set consists of all DFIRMs and corresponding LOMRs available on the publication date of the data set.

National Flood Hazard Layer (NFHL) for development of the Parcel Inventory dataset for the Housing Element Site Selection (HESS) Pre-Screening Tool.

This NFHL data incorporates all Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) databases published by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and any Letters of Map Revision (LOMRs) that have been issued against those databases since their publication date. It is updated on a monthly basis. The FIRM Database is the digital, geospatial version of the flood hazard information shown on the published paper FIRMs.

The FIRM Database depicts flood risk information and supporting data used to develop the risk data. The primary risk classifications used are the 1-percent-annual-chance flood event, the 0.2-percent-annual-chance flood event, and areas of minimal flood risk. The FIRM Database is derived from Flood Insurance Studies (FISs), previously published FIRMs, flood hazard analyses performed in support of the FISs and FIRMs, and new mapping data, where available. The FISs and FIRMs are published by FEMA.

In addition to the identification of Special Flood Hazard Areas, the risk zones shown on the FIRMs are the basis for the establishment of premium rates for flood coverage offered through the National Flood Insurance Program. The FIRM Database presents the flood risk information depicted on the FIRM in a digital format suitable for use in electronic mapping applications. The FIRM Database serves to archive the information collected during the Flood Risk Project.

** This flood zone data should not be used for flood insurance purposes, but rather hazard mapping. FIRM data retrieved directly from the FEMA should be used for insurance programs.

Source data, by county, was downloaded from https://msc.fema.gov/portal/advanceSearch.

THIS LAYER IS HOSTED BY FEMA, not NAPSG Foundation. We are simply pointing to their layer with this ArcGIS Online item. The National Flood Hazard Layer (NFHL) dataset represents the current effective flood data for the country, where maps have been modernized. It is a compilation of effective Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) databases and Letters of Map Change (LOMCs). The NFHL is updated as studies go effective. For more information, visit FEMA's Map Service Center (MSC). You can view this information in a standalone viewer here: https://hazards-fema.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=8b0adb51996444d4879338b5529aa9cdREST URL: https://hazards.fema.gov/gis/nfhl/rest/services/public/NFHL/MapServerBase Map ConsiderationsThe default base map is from an ESRI service and conforms to FEMA's specification for horizontal accuracy. This base map is composed of the orthoimagery used when the Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) were initially created combined with standard imagery products managed by ESRI. This map should be considered the best online resource to use for official National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) purposes when determining locations in relation to regulatory flood hazard information. If a different base map is used with the NFHL, the accuracy specification may not be met and the resulting map should be used for general reference only, and not official NFIP purposes.Further InformationFor more flood map data, tool, and viewing options, visit the FEMA NFHL page.Several fact sheets are available to help you learn more about FEMA’s NFHL utility: National Flood Hazard Layer (NFHL) GIS Services Users GuideNational Flood Hazard Layer (NFHL): New Products and Services for FEMA's Flood Hazard Map DataNFHL GIS Data: Perform Spatial Analyses and Make Custom Maps and Reports

Compilations of digital GIS data representing the same information presented on the Flood Information Rate Map, and in the Flood Insurance Study Report.

Map service that provides a legend for the FEMA National Flood Hazard Layer. Display this along with the FEMA NFHL tiled map service at https://tiles.arcgis.com/tiles/hGdibHYSPO59RG1h/arcgis/rest/services/FEMA_National_Flood_Hazard_Layer/MapServer (metadata at https://massgis.maps.arcgis.com/home/item.html?id=630c74171705455592a8fa947c3f849f), which, being a tiled service hosted at ArcGIS Online, does not have a legend associated with it when displayed in ArcGIS Online or ArcGIS for Desktop.

The National Flood Hazard Layer (NFHL) data incorporates all Digital Flood Insurance Rate Map(DFIRM) databases published by FEMA, and any Letters Of Map Revision (LOMRs) that have been issued against those databases since their publication date. The DFIRM Database is the digital, geospatial version of the flood hazard information shown on the published paper Flood Insurance Rate Maps(FIRMs). The primary risk classifications used are the 1-percent-annual-chance flood event, the 0.2-percent-annual-chance flood event, and areas of minimal flood risk. The NFHL data are derived from Flood Insurance Studies (FISs), previously published Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs), flood hazard analyses performed in support of the FISs and FIRMs, and new mapping data where available. The FISs and FIRMs are published by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The specifications for the horizontal control of DFIRM data are consistent with those required for mapping at a scale of 1:12,000. The NFHL data contain layers in the Standard DFIRM datasets except for S_Label_Pt and S_Label_Ld. The NFHL is available as State or US Territory data sets. Each State or Territory data set consists of all DFIRMs and corresponding LOMRs available on the publication date of the data set.

Normally, any FIRM that has associated flood profiles has cross sections. The S_XS table contains information about cross section lines. These lines usually represent the locations of channel surveys performed for input into the hydraulic model used to calculate flood elevations. Sometimes cross sections are interpolated between surveyed cross sections using high accuracy elevation data. Depending on the zone designation (Zone AE, Zone A, etc.), these locations may be shown on Flood Profiles in the FIS report and can be used to cross reference the Flood Profiles to the planimetric depiction of the flood hazards. This information is used in the Floodway Data Tables in the FIS report, as well as on the FIRM panels.

The National Flood Hazard Layer (NFHL) data incorporates all Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) databases published by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and any Letters of Map Revision (LOMRs) that have been issued against those databases since their publication date. It is updated on a monthly basis. The FIRM Database is the digital, geospatial version of the flood hazard information shown on the published paper FIRMs.The FIRM Database depicts flood risk information and supporting data used to develop the risk data. The primary risk classifications used are the 1-percent-annual-chance flood event, the 0.2-percent-annual-chance flood event, and areas of minimal flood risk. The FIRM Database is derived from Flood Insurance Studies (FISs), previously published FIRMs, flood hazard analyses performed in support of the FISs and FIRMs, and new mapping data, where available. The FISs and FIRMs are published by FEMA.The NFHL is available as State or US Territory data sets. Each State or Territory data set consists of all FIRM Databases and corresponding LOMRs available on the publication date of the data set.The specification for the horizontal control of FIRM Databases is consistent with those required for mapping at a scale of 1:12,000. This file is georeferenced to the Earth's surface using the Geographic Coordinate System (GCS) and North American Datum of 1983.For more information, visit https://msc.fema.gov/portal/home.

This dataset displays the locations of flood hazard zones identified by FEMA. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) produces Flood Insurance Rate maps and identifies Special Flood Hazard Areas as part of the National Flood Insurance Program's floodplain management. Special Flood Hazard Areas have regulations that include the mandatory purchase of flood insurance. This layer is derived from the October 13, 2021 version of the National Flood Hazard Layer feature class S_Fld_Haz_Ar. The data were aggregated into eight classes to produce the Esri Symbology field based on symbology provided by FEMA. All other layer attributes are derived from the National Flood Hazard Layer.The layer was projected to Web Mercator Auxiliary Sphere, then the repair geometry geoprocessing tool was run on it. Its resolution was set to 0.0001 meter. To improve performance Flood Zone values "Area Not Included", "Open Water", "D", "NP", and No Data were removed from the layer. Areas with Flood Zone value "X" subtype "Area of Minimal Flood Hazard" were also removed. An imagery layer created from this dataset provides access to the full set of records in the National Flood Hazard Layer.View Dataset on the Gateway

The location of areas which are in FEMA's Flood Hazard Zone within and Surrounding Salinas, Ca. The Complete Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) National Flood Hazard Layer (NFHL), metadata, and data descriptions are available from FEMA's website.

This cached tiled map service, hosted at MassGIS' ArcGIS Online site, represents FEMA National Flood Hazard Layer (NFHL) data currently available for Massachusetts. At scales 1:80,000 and closer, flood zone abbreviation labels appear (from the FLD_ZONE field). The National Flood Hazard Layer (NFHL) dataset represents the current effective flood risk data for those parts of the country where maps have been modernized by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). It is a compilation of effective Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) databases and any Letters of Map Revision (LOMR) that have been issued against those databases since their publication date. The NFHL is updated as new data reaches its designated effective date and becomes valid for regulatory use under the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). See full metadata from MassGIS.

All data included in this layer are considered "final" by FEMA. Any preliminary data that appear on maps displayed at community meetings, etc., are not included here.

This map service includes data published by FEMA as of July 2, 2023.

To display a legend for this layer, add https://massgis.maps.arcgis.com/home/item.html?id=8455678914e64b03b565b97d07577279 to your map along with this service

This layer is a copy of relevant FEMA layers from the National Flood Hazard Layer (NFHL) database for Forsyth and surrounding counties. If you need GIS data from the NFHL database that is not included in this layer, please visit https://hazards.fema.gov/gis/nfhl/rest/services/public/NFHL/MapServer for the live feature services from FEMA.Layers included:FIRM PanelsLOMRsLOMAsPolitical JurisdictionsProfile BaselinesCross-SectionsBase Flood ElevationsGeneral StructuresRiver Mile MarkersWater AreasFlood Hazard BoundariesFlood Hazard Zones

This dataset displays the availability of FEMA's national flood hazard layer (NFHL) data by jurisdiction. This dataset contains data from the National Flood Hazard Layer, a GIS database of flood risks and regulatory flood determination data. Flood hazard and supporting data are developed using specifications for horizontal control consistent with 1:12,000–scale mapping. If you plan to display maps from the National Flood Hazard Layer with other map data for official purposes, ensure that the other information meets FEMA’s standards for map accuracy. The minimum horizontal positional accuracy for base map hydrographic and transportation features used with the NFHL is the NSSDA radial accuracy of 38 feet. USGS imagery and map services that meet this standard can be found by visiting the Knowledge Sharing Site (KSS) for Base Map Standards (420). Other base map standards can be found at http://pm.riskmapcds.com/kss/MapChanges/default.aspx. You will need a username and password to access this information. The NFHL data are from FEMA’s Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) databases. New data are added continually. The NFHL also contains map changes to FIRM data made by Letters of Map Revision (LOMRs). The NFHL is stored in North American Datum of 1983, Geodetic Reference System 80 coordinate system, though many of the NFHL GIS web services support the Web Mercator Sphere projection commonly used in web mapping applications.View Dataset on the Gateway

description:

The National Flood Hazard Layer (NFHL) dataset represents the current effective flood risk data for those parts of the country where maps have been modernized by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).Also see the Feature Service and Tile service.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) creates and provides authoritative data related to flood insurance. Using that data, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works has developed a public-facing web viewer for accessing flood zone information in the County of Los Angeles (Flood Zone Determination Website). Flood Zones are represented by letters for special flood hazard areas by FEMA. For example, Zone A areas have a 1 percent annual chance of flooding. This flood is also called the 100-year flood. Property owners with structures in Flood Zone A, which have a federally backed mortgage are required to obtain flood insurance.

Looking for more than just a current flood map? Visit Search All Products to access the FEMA website and obtain a full range of flood risk products for your community.

Purpose:

To provide flood zone information to the public.

Supplemental Information:

Data from Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs), where available digitally, can be found on the official FEMA’s National Flood Hazard Layer. The DFIRM Database is the digital, geospatial version of the flood hazard information shown on the published paper Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) FEMA Flood Maps can be obtained from the FEMA Flood Map Service Center (MSC) The National Flood Hazard Layer (NFHL) is a digital database that contains flood hazard mapping data from FEMAs National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). This map data is derived from Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) databases and Letters of Map Revision (LOMRs). The NFHL is for community officials and members looking to view effective regulatory flood hazard information in a Geographic Information Systems (GIS) application.

FEMA has additional information on the National Flood Insurance Program and Flood Hazard Mapping.