GIS Application for Floodplain Analysis and Mapping

Michael Baker Jr., Inc. (Baker) is using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology and fundamental three-dimensional modeling techniques to automate the floodplain analysis and mapping process. Through the use of the technology, the digital terrain model of the river corridor is linked with an analysis package that permits the hydraulic engineer to select the locations of cross sections and code them into the HEC-2 step-backwater computer program. The output of the hydraulic analysis is then provided interactively to an analysis routine that develops the floodplain mapping and determines the appropriate parameters needed to comply with the mapping standards of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).