DRAFT
SILVER JACKETS HIGH WATER MARK (HWM)
REPORT & USER’S GUIDE
Florida High Water Mark (HWM) Mobile Application & Collection System
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Jacksonville District
FLORIDA SILVER JACKET TEAM
SILVER JACKETS HIGH WATER MARK (HWM) REPORT
USACE-FUNDED INTERAGENCY PROJECTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SILVER JACKETS HIGH WATER MARK (HWM) REPORT
AND USER’S GUIDE
Florida High Water Mark (HWM) Mobile Application and Collection
System
1.0: BACKGROUND
2.0: SYSTEM SUMMARY
3.0: GETTING STARTED
4.0: INPUTTING INFORMATION
5.0: ACCESSING INFORMATION
6.0: USES AND CAPABILITIES
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BACKGROUND
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1.0
BACKGROUND
The Florida Silver Jackets is a cooperative effort between the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the
Florida Department of Emergency Management and partner agencies interested in
coordinating responses to large-scale emergencies such as flooding from extreme weather
events and hurricanes. Flood risk management requires a lot of information about pre-storm
conditions (local water levels, water management capabilities and strategies, etc.), watershed
characteristics (drainage area, land slope and cover including % hard surface), forecast future
weather conditions (location, intensity and duration of rainfall and storm surge, if applicable),
plus anticipated or actual flooding depths and durations within the flood watch area. Data
from modern weather monitoring systems and computer models commonly help inform
emergency managers, regional planners and others about existing and future flood risks.
However, these computer models often operate at the regional watershed scale with limited
topographic detail, and may lack current updates regarding changes in local development and
drainage (i.e. % hard surfaces, etc.) which can significantly influence forecast rainfall runoff and
flood risks. Collection of High Water Mark (HWM) data during and after occurrence of a
significant flood event preserves data about ACTUAL field conditions for a known storm event,
and this data can be used, if needed, to improve future computer model outputs and flood risk
management decisions.
Presently in Florida, federal, state, and local governments, as well as non-governmental and
volunteer-based agencies collect HWM data during and after the occurrence of a significant
flood event but use multiple types of collection methods, tools, and forms. In addition, there is
not a common website specifically designed to collect, host, or share this HWM data. As a
result, this information is not readily accessible and/or usable by all who need it. With the
increasing interest in watershed and regional planning, the benefit of integrating the multiple
datasets/information into one shared database has become more apparent and important.
Florida is particularly vulnerable to flooding with 11,000 miles of rivers, stream and waterways,
more than 663 miles of coastline, and much of the state population living in coastal areas
vulnerable to hurricane storm surge and ongoing sea level change. Typical types of flooding
include:




Urban flooding: flooding due to increased runoff and a lack of stormwater drainage
improvements sufficient to keep pace with development and ongoing sea level change
Riverine flooding: flooding due to rising local river water levels during extended periods
of nearby rainfall sometimes including rainfall in upstream areas of the watershed
Flash flooding: rapid flooding due to periods of locally intense rainfall
Coastal flooding: ocean water flooding in coastal areas due to storm surge
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With the state’s ongoing rapid population growth coupled with demands for buildable lands,
the state’s vulnerability and exposure to problematic flooding continues to increase. Most
notably, increases in stormwater runoff from impervious surfaces, the loss of naturally
occurring flood storage areas, and increases in populations in coastal areas and floodplains
subject to sea level change have greatly exacerbated flooding problems in Florida.
The state needs a reliable HWM historical database to facilitate community planning in Florida
for long-term flood risk reduction and community resiliency benefits across numerous arenas.
All phases of emergency management and land use planning efforts, including the development
of related land use and building codes, will benefit from access to this data. Government
officials and emergency managers will benefit (when possible) from access to near real-time
information about flooding to facilitate effective decision making, especially during the rapidly
changing conditions before, during and after a flood event.
1.1
OVERVIEW - HIGH WATER MARK MOBILE APPLICATION AND COLLECTION SYSTEM
In response to this problem, the Florida Silver Jackets team formed a HWM Strike Team in 2013,
comprised of federal and state agencies tasked to develop a web-based HWM mobile
application and collection system that registered field personnel and volunteers can use to
electronically collect, file and process HWM data (peak flood elevation indicators), and ongoing
updates on flood status. The project consisted of the customization of an existing ArcGIS
mobile application for tablets and smartphones for use in collecting HWM data and, when
needed, near real time information about local flooding. The project also included
modifications to the Florida Department of Emergency Management (FDEM) website to allow
registered field personnel to submit field data (e.g., digital photos, aerial videos, report forms,
river gage data, etc., collected using the ArcGIS mobile app) directly to the FDEM website for
post-processing. After processing, the data is available for distribution to federal, state and
local agencies, and to the public.
The intent of the web-based mobile application and collection system is to collect and preserve
written and visual data on the location of residual HWM indicators soon after flood events.
This will help surveyors in the future find these locations and take actual professional survey
measurements to determine HWM flood elevations. It is important to note that information
collected using the HWM mobile application is not a survey grade record, but rather a digital
historical record, documenting in the field the relative location of high water events or settings
at the time of the event. At its most basic level, the initial HWM data is comprised of
addresses, dates, times, initial damage assessments, and some indication of water levels
referenced to established landmarks. The application does allow for the entry of more
sophisticated forms of data that can include digitized photographs of the HWM events
(including a date and time stamp) with the location coordinates where the event occurred. In
short, the Florida HWM Mobile Application and Collection System is the initial step in accurately
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documenting a significant flooding event resulting from a hurricane, tropical storm or severe
thunderstorm system. Finally, the results of this Florida Silver Jacket pilot project will improve
emergency managers’ and stakeholder’s ability to assess, manage and communicate
information regarding flooding situations and associated flood risks. Collecting, storing and
managing HWM information at a central site and assisting in the widest distribution of this
information for later consideration in developing appropriate risk management plans will help
generate flood damage reduction benefits for many years.
1.2
ORGANIZATION OF REPORT
Chapter 2 provides a description of the development of the Florida HWM Mobile Application
and Collection System, as well as a description of how the system functions.
Chapter 3 provides an overview of the Florida HWM Mobile Application and Collection System
from installation of the mobile app on a smart device (including minimal standards for mobile
devices) to accessing the FDEM website to select editable data layers and base map views
required for collecting data using a smart device.
Chapter 4 describes how to enter and upload field data to the FDEM website and data storage
system using the mobile app while in the field. This chapter also discusses the mobile app
offline feature that allows field use when cellular coverage connections are spotty or
unavailable.
Chapter 5 describes how to access processed HWM field data through the FDEM website.
Chapter 6 discusses some of the capabilities of the system and potential users of the HWM
data.
1.3
PROJECT AUTHORIZATION AND SPONSORS
On June 7, 2013, the National Silver Jacket Pilot Project Selection Committee selected the
Florida Silver Jackets interagency nonstructural proposal, "Florida High Water Mark (HWM)
Mobile Application" for funding. The non‐federal sponsor for the HWM pilot project is the
Florida Department of Emergency Management (FDEM).
The development of the Florida HWM Mobile Application and Collection System is the result of
a multi-level interagency effort leveraging resources from the Florida’s Water Management
Districts, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), Florida Department of Highway
Safety (FDHS), and local or contracted sources. The HWM Strike Team members included the
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Jacksonville District (USACE-SAJ); Florida Department of
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Emergency Management (FDEM); South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD);
Suwannee River Water Management District (SRWMD); Southwest Florida Water Management
District (SWFWMD), and Northwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD). Other
members of the Florida Silver Jacket team provided additional input, as well. For additional
information, contact:
USACE Contact:
David Apple
Chief, Watershed Planning Section
Planning Division
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Jacksonville District
701 San Marco Blvd., 5W
Jacksonville, FL 32207-8175
david.p.apple@USACE-SAJ.army.mil
Office Phone:
FDEM Contact:
(904) 232-1757
Richard Butgereit, GISP
GIS Administrator, Information Management
Florida Division of Emergency Management
2555 Shumard Oak Boulevard
Tallahassee, FL 32399
richard.butgereit@em.myflorida.com
Office Phone:
(850) 413-9907
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SYSTEM SUMMARY
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2.0
SYSTEM SUMMARY
2.1
Section Introduction: Development of Mobile Application and Data Base
Emergency Managers need immediate access to current, or near real time field data collected
during the response and recovery phases of a flood disaster to help determine/ predict impacts
to communities caused by out of bank flooding of streams and rivers, and to develop action
plans to minimize risks associated with flood events. To address this issue, the HWM Strike
Team developed a web-based system to facilitate the collection and processing of HWM data.
This web-based system, the Florida HWM Mobile Application and Collection System, will
provide the following functions:
•
•
•
•
A mobile, web-based GIS data collection app for use on cellular phones, laptops and
tablets
Can be easily configured and customized for specific field use needs
Data collection capabilities with and without cellular or internet connections
Ability to upload field data and photos to a shareable data base/website
It is anticipated that field data will be collected with a wide variety of mobile devices and
operating systems. Once field data has been uploaded successfully to the FDEM website, it can
be converted into a standard format that will make it easy for users to see all the available data
and to display it in ways that best meet individual user needs.
2.2
System Configuration Mobile Collection Devices
The first challenge was to develop a way for field personnel to collect field data using a mobile
device that could interact with available State of Florida software for processing and
disseminating the collected information. The solution was to use a downloadable collector app
on a mobile device allowing a user to collect field information, and then upload this information
to the FDEM website for current or future usage. To help define the functionality of the mobile
collector app, the HWM Strike Team surveyed federal, state and local agencies, as well as
community organizations, as to their information and data needs and format requirements.
The team examined various formats used by other Federal and State agencies to collect field
data, and their post-processing requirements to develop a standard format to best present the
processed data. The HWM Strike Team determined that the ArcGIS Mobile Collector
Application software and ArcGIS Online website developed by ESRI (Environmental Systems
Research Institute, www.esri.com) were the best platforms for developing the HWM mobile
collection system. The ArcGIS Mobile Collector Application would provide the necessary
features for collecting information in the field and the ArcGIS Online web software would easily
interact with FDEM’s web software for post-processing and posting this information to the
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FDEM website for viewing, since many State and Federal agencies have access to the FDEM
website.
The selection of the ESRI ArcGIS Mobile Collector Application (mobile collector app) as a
component of the HWM Mobile Application and Collection System was due to its capabilities to
include custom application features for field use and its ability to interact with ArcGIS software
on the FDEM website. Collected HWM field data can be very basic or detailed in nature.
Examples of the range of collected data using the mobile collector app include:
 Street address
 Date of event
 Time of day information was collected
 Weather conditions
 Surrounding water levels in the general vicinity (measured using field devices, readings
from river or stream gage stations, or by referencing a stain line on a tree or structure)
 Digitized photos of flood conditions
The mobile collector app includes functions for the following operations:
 Routing: Enables users to identify locations and retrieve directions to places of interest
 Measuring Tool: Enables users to measure distances and areas on the map
 Base Map Selector: Enables users to change the base map (i.e., reference map or
background map)
 Tracking Locator: Enables tracking of the collector’s location
 Damage Assessments: Users can quickly evaluate current field conditions, collect water
elevations, take photographs of flooding events, and conduct property damage
assessments
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Figure 2.1 – Appearance of Mobile Collector Applications Screens on a Smart Device
2.2
Website Development and Data Sharing
After modifying the ESRI ArcGIS Mobile Collector Application to meet the specific needs
determined by the HWM Strike Team for use in collection of HWM field data, it was now
necessary to have a way to link this data back to the FDEM website in order to make it available
for distribution. The ESRI ArcGIS Online website serves as the link for transferring data stored
on a mobile device to the FDEM Website. Using the upload function of the ArcGIS mobile
collector app, stored field data is transferred from the mobile device to the ArcGIS Online
website. The ArcGIS Online website then transfers field data to the FDEM website for
processing and distribution. Once information is transfer from the Arc GIS Online Website to
the FDEM Website, the various forms of field data collected needed to be in a format that
allows the post process this information into a common format for distribution. To accomplish
this, modification made to the EM Constellation software program used on the FDEM Website
for emergency management operations and communications, could now allow the transfer of
field data from the ArcGIS Online Website to the FDEM website for post-processing and
distribution. FDEM’s EM Constellation software is a web-based software platform used for
information management adopted by the State of Florida for emergency management
operations and communications. The software platform allows response teams to use the
same operating environment to conduct effective responses to, and recovery from,
emergencies while having the ability to document events for reimbursement and after-action
reporting. In order to present the information in a usable format, a Geospatial Assessment Tool
for Operations and Response (GATOR) provides a web-based map viewer showing latest
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available or near real time intelligence about flood condition occurring with rivers, streams,
coastal areas or flash flooding events.
Figure 2.3 provides a graphical representation of how field data is to be collected, transmitted,
processed and posted for distribution on the FDEM website using the EM Constellation
information management software and GATOR (G____ A____ T____ O____ R____) software.
Figure 2.2 - Field Data Processing via EM Constellation Information Management Software
and
GATOR Software
2.4
Contingencies and Alternate Modes of Operation
A major advantage of the collector app is its ability for use in the disconnected editing mode on
a smart device allowing emergency teams to enter and store data while in areas that are
without internet access or service. When flooding occurs in an area, there is a high probability
that there will be no available utilities (power, phone, etc.) and therefore no available internet
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connections. Before going into the field, base maps and other informational data can be down
loaded to the mobile device for field use prior to deployment. Collected field data is entered on
to the base map and then stored on the mobile device until an internet connection is available
to uploaded data to the ArcGIS Online Website and ultimately to the FDEM Website for
processing and posting. Of course, this is dependent on the availability of either cellular phone
service in the field or accessibility to a hard wire modem to access the internet to transmit the
field data to the FDEM Website.
Another advantage of using the mobile collection application is that it enables users to establish
field markers/locations that can be later used to identify specific areas where flooding was
reported. Information provided using the mobile application can help in establishing high
water elevations in previously flooded areas from recorded field observations while also
providing information on current field conditions.
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GETTING STARTED
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3.0
GETTING STARTED
3.1
Section Introduction –Accessing the HWM Collection System
The following sections describe how to access the HWM Mobile Application and Collection
System, as well as base maps, editable data layers, and base map views available on the ArcGIS
Online website. This chapter describes how to:




3.2
Install the ArcGIS Mobile Collector app on a mobile device or laptop computer
Access the ArcGIS Online website
Explore the different data layers and base maps available on the ArcGIS Online website
Save data to a mobile device and log out of the system
Downloading the Mobile Collector App to a Mobile Device or Laptop Computer
Listed below are mobile devices and operating systems that are compatible with the ArcGIS
Mobile Collector Application:

Mobile Devices:
o Android phone or tablet
o iPhone, iPad, iPod touch
o Laptop/desk top computer

Compatible Operating systems
o Windows 7.0 or higher operating system
o Android 4.0 or later operating system
o Apple iOS or iOS7 operating system
The ArcGIS Mobile Collector Application software is available to run on mobile devices (smart
cellular phone, tablet, or laptop) that use the Windows, Android and Apple iOS operating
systems and have sufficient capabilities to run graphics and GIS-oriented programs and tasks.
To get started:
1) For mobile devices with one of the icons shown in Figure 3.1, just click on the icon and
your device will automatically connect to one of the websites listed below. Then search
for and download the ArcGIS Mobile Collector application.
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 Apple ITunes App Store (https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/arcgis/id589674237), or
 Google Play (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.esri.arcgis.collector)
Figure 3.1 - Icons for Apple ITunes App Store and Google Play website
2) For mobile devices without the above icons, any internet browser program (such as
Windows Explorer, Chrome, Safari, Foxfire, or Cellular phone internet browser) can
open the appropriate internet site above, and users can then download the ArcGIS
Mobile Collector app on the mobile device or computer. Please note that the Mobile
Collector for ArcGIS app may have some slight differences in appearance depending on
the operating system used, but the functionality of the app is the same for all systems.
3) Once successfully downloaded, launch the application by clicking on the Mobile
Collector for ArcGIS app icon on the smart device or computer.
3.3
Accessing the ArcGIS Online Website System Menu
To access different app features and to select maps and data layers for use with the mobile
collector app, the user must either own or have access to an online ArcGIS organizational
account (in this case, it will be the FDEM ArcGIS Online account). Clicking on the mobile app
icon will connect the mobile device to the ArcGIS Online Website login home page. Figure 3.2
provides an initial view of the appearance of the log in page. Use the following procedures to
access the system using either a computer or mobile device:
1)
2)
Click on the mobile collector app icon on a mobile device or use the following link to access
the ArcGIS Online website: http://bit.ly/1baBi7p
On the ArcGIS account login page, type in the user name and password as indicated. For
this exercise, use the below user name & password to gain access to the FDEM ArcGIS
Online account:
o
User Name: highwater
o
Password: Striketeam!
Note: new users will receive a User Name & Password assigned by the State Account Manager
3)
Click on the sign in button to login to the account
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Figure 3.2 - Initial Login Page for the Online ArcGIS site
Once successfully logged in to the ArcGIS Online website, the home page will appear where the
user can access the different collector functions including selectable base map and data layers
for field use. The Content tab located on the Collector Map menu bar at the top of the home
page is where the user will select one or all of the four pre-established editable data layers for
entering field information collected at a specific location designated by the user on the
collector map. These four editable data layers are:

Flood Photos

Flooding Complaints

Historic Water Levels

Known Flooding Areas
*Note: See the left hand side of the home page to select the data layers to be displayed.
The HWM team identified and pre-establish these four data layers as necessary for collecting
HWM data and information. Additional GIS data layers (such as River Conditions, Storm Tide
Stations and Tide Monitoring Buoys) are available and can be edited as needed, but require
advance approval by submitting a request to the State ArcGIS account administrator, Mr.
Richard Butgereit (see address above) to have them added to the legend column. Figures 3.3,
3.4, 3.5, and 3.6 provide screen shot views of the ArcGIS Online home page menu screen and
the location of the content box (next to the legend box)as the page will appear on either a
laptop computer or smart phone.
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Figure 3.3 - High Water Data Map Collector Appearance on Desktop & Laptop Computer
Figure 3.4 - High Water Data Map Collector Appearance on Smart Device
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Figure 3.5 - Additional Data Layers Added Using Content Box - Desktop & Laptop Computer ‘View
Figure 3.6 - Additional Data Layers Added Using Content Box – Mobile Device View
3.4.
BASEMAP VIEWS
The default base map that appears on the home page is a topographic map view. Different
base map views are available on the ArcGIS Online website, and allow the user to choose from
nine different map views for locating structures and streets for the purpose of collecting field
information and conducting damage assessments (See Figure 3.7, examples of different base
map views).
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Topographic Map View
Imagery Map View
Figure 3.7 – Examples of Different Basemap Views: Topographic & Imagery Map Views
The Base Map tab located on the Collector Map Menu bar provides the user with access to nine
different base maps views from which to select from, allowing more latitude in providing a
context for identifying and describing flooding conditions occurring within an area. To change
the base map view, simply click the Base Map tab located on the Collector Map Menu bar to
bring up the map selection menu. To select a different base map background, simply click on
the appropriate basemap icon to select the type of base map to appear as the new background
map, save the selected map, and return to the home page (see Figure 3.8).
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Figure 3.8 - Location of GIS Basemap Icon on Collector Map Menu Bar and Basemap Menu
3.4
SAVING SET UP AND EXITING THE SYSTEM
Once a user has selected the editable data layers and base map on the ArcGIS Online website,
the information can be saved to the website using either a computer or mobile device by simply
clicking on the save button located in the Collector Map Menu bar. The last step is to log-out of
the system; the user logs-out of the web session by closing the internet browser on either their
computer or mobile device to end the session.
3.5
CHANGING USER ID AND PASSWORD
Only authorized users with a valid user ID and Password will have access to the FDEM ArcGIS
Online account. The State ArcGIS account administrator listed above assigns new user IDs and
can issue/change a password for an authorized user. Submit all requests to receive a new user
ID or to have a password issued or change to the State ArcGIS account administrator, Mr.
Richard Butgereit at richard.butgereit@em.myflorida.com to set up and establish a data folder
on the FDEM ArcGIS Online account website for a new or existing user.
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ENTERING FIELD INFORMATION
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4.0
ENTERING FIELD INFORMATION
4.1
Section Introduction – Using the System in the Field
Chapter 4 describes how a user will enter collected field data and information in to the ArcGIS
Online system using the ArcGIS Mobile Collector App. The instructions provided below explain
how users will collect, update, or ground truth data, and then attach information to a base map
for later viewing on the FDEM website. It is highly recommended that the user take the time to
become familiar with the Mobile Collector App, its available functions, applications, and
procedures for collecting and uploading data to the ArcGIS Online system prior to its use in the
field.
4.2
Getting Started - Using the Mobile Collector App in the Field
To begin a field session and enter information, the user will click on the mobile collector app
icon on either a portable computer or mobile device; login to the system using their user ID and
password, and click “Continue” to access the FDEM ArcGIS Online account (refer to Section 3.3
for FDEM ArcGIS Online account login procedure). When accessing the FDEM ArcGIS Online
account using a mobile device(s) equipped with Global Positioning System (GPS) software, the
basemap view will automatically default to the current physical location of the mobile device
(unless the “find my location” function is disabled). The user can also tap the “find my location”
icon located on the menu bar, which will also engage the GPS software to bring up the basemap
showing the current location of the mobile device (see Figure 4.1). On devices that are not GPS
equipped, the user can select the appropriate basemap view using the Base Map tab; then
using the scroll button, identify the location of the flood event under investigation on the
basemap.
Computer View of GPS Locator Icon
Mobile Device View of GPS Locator Icon
Figure 4.1 – Find the My Location Icon on the Map Menu Screen
The next step in documenting and cataloging a flood event is to add observed field information
and collected data directly on to the basemap layer at the location where the information was
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obtained. For purposes of this example, the “Flood Photos” icon (camera icon) shown in the
“Add Features” menu (see Figure 4.2) is used to show how to add information to the basemap
layer. To access the “Flood Photos” icon (camera icon), the user will click on the + button
located on the Collector Main Menu tab to pull up the “Add Features” menu, then select and
drag the “Flood Photos” icon (camera icon) to the location of the flood event on the basemap.
When using a laptop computer (instead of a smart phone or tablet), click the Control button on
the computer key board to attach the “Flood Photos” icon (camera icon) to the photograph
location on the base map. When using a mobile device, simply drag the “Flood Photos” icon
(camera icon) to the photograph location on the base map.
Laptop Computer View
Mobile Device View
Figure 4.2 – Add Features Display as Seen on a Laptop Computer and Mobile Device
The Attributes Screen associated with the “Flood Photos” icon (camera icon) is where users will
enter in actual flood photograph(s) and supporting information/data to describe field
conditions and is hyperlinked to the “Flood Photos” icon (camera icon). The user will click on
the “Flood Photos” icon (camera icon) to activate the hyperlink to bring up the Attribute Screen
(see Figures 4.3 for view of Attributes Screen). With the Attribute Screen open, the user can
add photograph(s) and input information to the basemap layer while using a laptop computer
or mobile device in the field. To access and edit stored data using either a laptop computer or
mobile device, simply click on the “Flood Photos” icon (camera icon) in the basemap view to
open the Attribute Screen and bring up the information (see Figure 4.4), then, click on the Edit
Button to add to or delete stored information or photographs. Once completed, save the
revised data and close out the screen.
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Laptop Computer View
Attributes Screen
Mobile Device View
Attributes Screen
Expanded view of Attributes Screen
Figure 4.3 – Attributes Screen for Entering Flood Photographs and Field Information/Data
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Figure 4.4 – View of Saved Flood Photograph Field Information
4.3
Working Off-Line Feature
Having no data connection in the field presents a problem to the user by not having access the
FDEM ArcGIS Online account to access basemaps and associated data layers for documenting
field conditions, or having the ability to transmit collected field information/data for processing
and distribution. To address this issue, the Collector for ArcGIS app provides a Sync feature that
allows a user to download basemaps and data layers directly on to a laptop computer or mobile
device prior to deploying out into the field where cellular coverage connections are spotty or
unavailable. The Sync feature allows a user to work offline (having no connection to the
internet) using the downloaded basemap and data layers to identify specific flood event
locations on the basemap and tie the data layers to those specific locations for entering in
collected field information/data. Once cellular service is again available and can re-establish an
internet connection to connect to the FDEM ArcGIS Online account, simply tapping the Sync
feature on the map card in the Map Gallery allows the user to upload saved information from
the mobile device or laptop computer to the FDEM ArcGIS Online account. With the
reestablishment of wireless connectivity, the Sync feature allows a user to check for new
updates to downloaded maps, or send information to other users on the system via the FDEM
ArcGIS Online account. The Sync feature allows the user to add current field information/data
to online maps on the FDEM ArcGIS Online account so that the information/data is processed
and made sharable with other users on the main FDEM website.
Before going out into the field, the user will need to login to the FDEM ArcGIS Online account
and select the basemap view and data layers for downloading to a laptop computer or mobile
device. Use the following procedure when downloading a basemap and data layers to a mobile
device or laptop computer:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Login to the FDEM ArcGIS Online account and go to the home page
Using the basemap tab located on the home page, click on the basemap menu
Locate the appropriate map on the basemap menu
Go to the item details of the map, and click the Edit button to edit item properties.
Select the data layers needed to collect field information
In the Properties section, select the “Enable offline mode”
Down load the information to either a laptop computer or mobile device
Once done, logout of the FDEM ArcGIS Online account
4.4
CAVEATS AND EXCEPTIONS
Users are advised that information captured in the field and recorded in the data layers’
attribute screen by the HWM Mobile Application is not intended as an all-encompassing record
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of a flooding event. The point locations shown on the basemap do NOT necessarily indicate the
exact locations or elevations of flooding reports captured in the field, but do provide a general
location of where the event occurred and the available information/data collected by a user at
that location. Point locations can be further geo-referenced in the field by a variety of
techniques including, but not limited to the following:



Address matching, heads-up digitizing,
Digitizing from a geo-referenced aerial image,
Geo-referencing from another-rectified aerial image, etc.
Therefore, point locations and measurements taken in the field using the ArcGIS mobile
collection app will need authentication through either existing available survey information or
using survey equipment and trained survey personal that can go out to the location in question
and use the collected field information/data to establish the flood event location in the field
using survey equipment.
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ACCESSING HWM FIELD INFORMATION
&
PROCESSED DATA
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5.0
ACCESSING HWM FIELD INFORMATION & PROCESSED DATA
5.1
Section Introduction – Reporting
Chapter 5 describes how a user will gain access to the processed HWM field data using the
State of Florida FDEM website. The FDEM website uses the EM Constellation mission-tracking
software to receive data posted to the ArcGIS Online website after using the mobile collector
app in the field to gather information. The FDEM EM Constellation software platform allows
post-processing of the various forms of uploaded collected field data into a common format for
distribution. EM Constellation then uses a GATOR to provide a web-based map viewer,
allowing a user to see in real time, collected intelligence on flood conditions occurring relative
to rivers, streams, coastal areas or flash flooding events.
5.2
Procedures for Accessing Processed HWM Data using GATOR
Access to interactive maps located on the FDEM website will require the user to have a
computer or smart device with internet connection capability, compatible web browser (see
Section 2 for a list of compatible browsers) and graphic capabilities. Use the following link
listed below to access the FDER SERT website using either a computer or mobile device:
http://www.floridadisaster.org/index.asp
Upon obtaining access to the FDEM’s website, the user should see the follow banner at the top
of the page (See Figure 5.1)
Figure 5.1 – Florida Disaster web page
Next, scroll down to the links section on the left side of the webpage and click on the GATOR
link (highlighted in yellow box) to access the interactive mapping tool (see Figure 5.2)
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Figure 5.5 – Link to Access FEDM SERT’s GATOR Interactive Map Page
Clicking on the GATOR icon under the links section will automatically take the user to the
main GATOR Map Page (see Figure 5.6). If there is a problem with the link, the user can also
access GATOR by using the following web address: http://map.floridadisaster.org/GATOR
Figure 5.6 – GATOR Map view Page
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Note the index column located on the left hand side of the webpage. The links listed on the left
side of the index menu allows a user to turn on and off the different map layers of information
displayed on the map. To display the HWM in the interactive map view, click on the link labeled
Flood and High Water Marks located in the index menu (see Figure 5.7).
Figuer 5.7 – Location of Flood and High Water Mark Tab on GATOR Map Webpage
By clicking on the Flood and High Water link, the user can access processed field data. If data or
photographs were collected in a specific area, one of the icons below (see Figure 5.8) will
appear in the map at the location(s) where the information was gathered (see Figure 5.9). Note
that the icons below are the same icons that appear in the Feature Menu on the ArcGIS Online
website and on the ArcGIS mobile collector app Feature Menu.
Figure 5.8 Flood Icons
While in map view, the user can navigate to other locations using the scroll bar located on the
left side of the map Using the zoom bar will expand or decrease the map view.
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Figure 5.9 – Locations of Flood and High Water Information Desginated by Icons in Map View
In this example, the camera incon appears at two specific locations in the map view where data
and photographs of a flood event were collected and uploaded to the website. For access to
the data and photographs, the user simply needs to click on a camera icon (see Figure 5.10).
Figure 5.10 - Accessing Flood Data, High Water Mark Data, and Flood Photographs
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By clicking on the camera icon, a pop-up window will appear containing the collected
information and photographs of the event that occurred at that given location. The user can
then scroll through the information presented in the pop-up box, or view attached photographs
of the event by clicking on each photograph. Information may be printed out by clicking on the
printer icon located on the tool bar menu at the top of the screen. Photographs can be printed
or saved to another location by first clicking on the photograph, then either saving the
photograph to the computer’s hard drive or printing the photograph by clicking on the printer
icon while the photograph is open. To close out a GATOR session, the user can log out of the
system by closing the internet browser on either their computer or mobile device.
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CAPABILITIES AND USES
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6.0
Capabilities and Uses
6.1
Section Introduction – HWM Collection System Capabilities and Uses
The HWM Collection System allows state emergency management response teams composed
of federal, state and local governments, volunteers, and mutual aid entities to all have access to
the same operating environment and information when responding to and recovering from a
major flooding event. The subsequent sections discuss the capabilities of having available
HWM data for communities to uses in preparing for future flood events by being able to assess
the performance of current flood protection measures through documentation of previous
flood events. Having all this information in one place allows for a better assessment of current
response and recovery efforts, in evaluating damage assessments to aid in quicker damage
reimbursements, and allows for the refinement in the effectiveness of future responses to and
recovery from flood events. Real time documentation of a flood event allows a more accurate
classification of the flood event, while helping communities to improve their responses and
resiliency in recovering from a flood event.
6.2
System Capabilities
For government officials and emergency managers, having one shareable database is now a
common practice allowing a greater sharing of information between many government
agencies and groups. In recent years, the increasing availability of digital data collected in
regards to significant flooding events and the cataloging of resulting damages caused by these
events has presented opportunities for a more enhanced understanding of these flood events
through:



Placing these flooding events in a historical context through documentation of the event
Assisting in response, recovery, and mitigation efforts during and after a flooding events
Improvements in disaster preparedness and prevention through knowledge gained
Rapid collection and timely processing of flood data will greatly assist and improve federal,
state, county and city emergency responses to flooding conditions by having access to real time
information critical to making effective decisions during rapidly changing conditions of a
flooding event.
6.3
System Users
During and after state emergencies and disasters, the FDEM website will receive and postprocess collected HWM data from storm events such as hurricanes, severe thunderstorms or
other significant weather events for distribution to federal, state, and local emergency
responders and planners. This information will aid first responders in assessing current events
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and later used as a planning tool to help in developing response plans for future events.
Collecting and storing HWM data at a single site location allows for the broadest possible
review by subject matter experts such as hydrologists, meteorologists, engineers and
technicians who’s reviews of the collected field data and information can provide critical
information to emergency responders, recovery operators and later mitigation planners and
state floodplain managers.
6.4
System Versatility for Field Collection done by Users with Limited Technical Skills
Further, future disaster events may challenge Federal and State emergency response agencies
capabilities in providing trained personnel to go out and collect field data during and
immediately after the occurrence of a significant flooding event. Volunteers with limited
technical skills may be a state, county or city agency’s only available resource to go out and
collect this information during a post-flooding situation, and therefore will require some
minimal level of training to conduct these tasks. The modifications made to the ArcGIS
Collector app for use on a mobile device allows a responder with limited technical skills and
minimal training the ability to easily use the mobile app to go into the field to collect field data
and information, then quickly uploaded this information and data for processing.
6.5
Other Uses for Collected High Water Mark Data
“The more we know about our communities, the better we can understand their real-life safety
and sustaining needs and their motivations to participate in emergency management-related
activities prior to an event” are the words FEMA uses to discuss flood resiliency that whole
communities must adopt as a practice, readily embrace, and promptly engage in. The ability of
a community to recover quickly from the adversity resulting from a devastating flooding event
will greatly depend on the affected community’s ability to plan and prepare for these types of
events prior to their occurrences. Information about flooding extracted from HWM data will
enhance a community’s factual decisions making abilities towards identifying areas prone to
flooding, and manage stainable growth through smart planning practices and updates to their
community flood maps. The results of these practices will avoid the potential for placing
residential and business developments in flood prone areas and in harm’s way. The
information and data collected resulting from HWM data collection will engaging and
empowering citizens by giving them the information and tools needed to work towards
understanding and dealing with flood hazards in their community while planning for their
future safety, stability and resiliency in surviving future floods. Using HWM information to
understand and address a community’s needs and vulnerabilities are the first steps towards
strengthening what works and insures the safety, stability and future growth of the community.
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