South Dakota OEM - Map Modernization

Map Modernization

1. What is Flood Map Modernization?

Flood Map Modernization (Map Mod) is FEMA’s approach to updating the Nation’s flood hazard maps. Map Mod will transform flood maps into a more reliable, easier-to-use, and readily available product. Updated, digital flood maps will become the platform for identifying multiple hazards—not just floods. Specifically, Map Mod will achieve the following goals:

Create a premier hazard map collection and technically advanced delivery system to support risk management.

Achieve effective program management by sharing responsibilities and aligning partner missions.

Build and maintain mutually beneficial partnerships by communicating hazard risk information.

Establish better understanding of where to obtain flood hazard data and how to use the information for sound mitigation decisions.

2. Why do flood maps need to be updated?

Reliable information about risks is the first step in preventing and reducing losses. In emergency management, risk information is key to mitigation. Flood maps are a powerful tool for mitigation and referenced an estimated 20 million times annually. Today, many of the Nation’s flood maps are outdated, severely limiting their usefulness.

3. Who benefits from Flood Map Modernization?

Everyone. An estimated 30 million Americans are at high risk from flooding, and almost every American is at some degree of flood risk. Communities and developers use flood maps to determine safe areas in which to build. Insurance agents and lenders use flood maps to determine which properties are floodprone. Home and business owners use flood maps to determine their flood risk and protect their property.

4. How is Flood Map Modernization funded?

As part of the Nation’s effort to reduce the damages and costs of flooding, Congress appropriated funding to update flood maps across the entire country. In some areas, State and local governments participate in the funding as well. Map Mod is not financed by flood insurance policies. By committing to this multi-year mapping effort, the Nation will save an estimated $45 billion dollars over the next 50 years.

5. Who will make Flood Map Modernization happen?

Map Mod is a collaborative process and a new way of doing business for government officials, cutting across all layers of government. Officials and other stakeholders will be active in the mapping process (e.g., collecting, updating, and adopting data). Local engineering companies are contracted to do the mapping and determine where the high, medium, and low flood risk zones are located. The maps are reviewed and adopted by the local government and FEMA. Leveraging partnerships will allow States and communities to choose their level of involvement. The State of South Dakota/Office of Emergency Management has partnered with the FEMA to produce maps for the state.

View a map showing the status of Map Modernization - the counties completed, ongoing, and scoped (preliminary meetings held).

View a map showing the Map Modernization schedule.

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