DFIRM Tools FAQs: General Questions

  1. Who should use these tools?
  2. What is the criteria for getting user name and password to use MIP tools?
  3. How long will it take to get access to DFIRM Tools?
  4. How do I obtain training?
  5. How do I configure my browser?
  6. How do users create their own folders?
  7. I have ArcGIS 9.0.  Will the MIP accommodate the data submitted in this version?
  8. How do I upload local files and download tools to my local machine?
  9. How do I submit data?
  10. In what format can I submit my data?
  11. Can I map a local drive in Citrix?
  12. The following message appeared when ArcMap was launched…
  13. The following message appears when I try to access certain tools…
  14. Who should I contact if I need additional help with DFIRM Tools?

1.  Who should use these tools?

The DFIRM Tools should be used by the GIS Analysts assigned to the DFIRM development tasks associated with a Re-Study.  It is assumed that the user understands the fundamentals of their profession as they are related to the functionality of the various tools.  For instance, the DFIRM Tools users must be familiar with GIS fundamentals, and the ESRI ArcGIS desktop GIS suite.

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2.  What is the criteria for getting user name and password to use MIP tools?

Everyone requesting access to DFIRM tools must be a valid FEMA mapping partner (CTP or CTP contractor, or an IDIQ contractor).

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3.  How long will it take to get access to DFIRM Tools?

5-10 business days, if the requester has training.

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4.  How do I obtain training?

For all training needs, please contact your RMC.  They will facilitate training.

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5.  How do I configure my browser?

The browser setting “Do not save encrypted pages to disk” must be unchecked to allow the Citrix client software to access the MIP.

Tools » Internet Options…
Advanced Tab
Scroll down to Security
Uncheck “Do not save encrypted pages to disk.”
Click Apply

Uncheck the box next to Do not save encrypted pages to disk.

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6.  How do users create their own folders?

Unlike WISE users, DFIRM users will not be able to create their own folders or add their own data—all data must be submitted to the MOD team DFIRM Data Depot before work in the environment can begin.  (Please reference MOD team DFIRM Data Depot address below).

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7.  I have ArcGIS 9.0. Will the MIP accommodate the data submitted in this version?

Yes, as long as the data is submitted in one of the three acceptable formats.  The acceptable formats are .shp, .e00, and .mif.

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8.  How do I upload local files and download tools to my local machine?

Tools and data can only be accessed through the JTX workflow in the Citrix environment.

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9.  How do I submit data?

DFIRM data can be sent via mail on a CD, DVD, or external hard drive.  Registered users, please send data to:

Data Depot
6730 Santa Barbara Court
Elkridge, MD 21075

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10.  In what format can I submit my data?

Whenever possible, data should comply with FEMA Risk Mapping Guide ( Guidance for FEMA's Risk Mapping, Assessment and Planning) and should include a readme.txt file containing contact information.  However, additional reference data can be included with the submission that has no Appendix L specifications (e.g. DRGs, topo data, ortho photos, other GIS data, etc.).  All data that will be used for final FIRM production must be referenced in the same projection.

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11.  Can I map a local drive in Citrix?

Citrix will recognize your local drive(s) so that you can save text files and PDF files generated by DFIRM Tools.  Local drive letters are succeeded by a $, as in the following image:

Save as window - Local Drives

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12.  The following message appeared when ArcMap was launched:

Information dialog - Missing Project Information

When ArcMap opens, the coordinate system for the data frame is set according to the Projection Zone field’s domain value in the Study_Info table.  If this field is empty or erroneously populated, the coordinate system cannot be set, and it will default to Geographic.  Use GeoPop to correctly attribute this field, close your ArcMap session, and relaunch your step.  When ArcMap opens, the error will have been resolved.

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13.  The following message appears when I try to access certain tools:

Error message - Action Disabled Window

Tools that should not be used in conjunction with DFIRM Tools have been disabled.  Refer to the user guides to make sure that you are using the correct tools for each step.

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14.  Who should I contact if I need additional help with DFIRM Tools?

E-mail all your questions and/or description and screen captures of your problem to FEMA-RiskMAP-ITHelp@fema.dhs.gov or call 1-877-FEMA-MAP, option 2.

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