FEMA logo

Digital FIRM Index Tool (DFIT)

User Guide

FEMA DFIRM Production Tools

Sample DFIT index image

Table of Contents:

What is the Digital FIRM Index Tool (DFIT)?
DFIT Overview
Tool Controls
DFIT Toolbar
DFIT Tools
Digital FIRM Index Tool  Digital FIRM Index Tool (DFIT)
Save to PDF  Save to PDF
Clear Graphics  Clear Graphics
PDF Export Toolbar
PDF Export  PDF Export
Trouble–Shooting
Contacts


What is the Digital FIRM Index Tool (DFIT)?

DFIT is a tool that automates production of the FIRM panel index map.  There are several options that are available to users, allowing for the customization of the layout according to the characteristics of the index.  The panel index map elements meet FEMA’s standards, which are described in FEMA’s April 2003 Guidelines and Specifications for Flood Hazard Mapping Partners Appendix K: Format and Specifications for Flood Insurance Rate Maps.

The title block, map repository addresses, and PNP description list are generated automatically, based on information included in look-up tables and feature classes.  In addition, the features shown on the map are labeled.

FIRM Panel Index map
FIRM Panel Index map



DFIT Overview

The DFIT user guide contains useful information that will help guide you through using the tool.  The key sections of this guide are:



Quick Reference Guide

The following is a quick reference guide to all of the components of the Digital FIRM Index Tool (DFIT).  You can use the tool to prepare a panel index map for printing.




Choose the printed page size

Select the orientation of the page

Specify which logo should appear in the title block		 Digital FIRM Index Tool dialog window



Tool Controls

Now that you are ready to print the FIRM panel index map, you can prepare the layout and produce a PDF using DFIT.

DFIT Toolbar

DFIT Toolbar

Digital FIRM Index Tool Digital FIRM Index Tool Prepares the FIRM panel index map for printing.
Save to PDF button Save to PDF Prints the FIRM panel index map to PDF.
Clear Graphics button Clear Graphics Clears the graphics from the layout view.


DFIT Tools

Digital FIRM Index Tool  Digital FIRM Index Tool (DFIT)

View the DFIRM panel index map and modify the elements on the layout.

  1. Click on the DFIT tool.
  2. Specify the properties of the FIRM panel index map layout.

    Digital FIRM Index Tool dialog window
    1. Choose either ANSI A (8½ X 11 inches) or ANSI E (34 X 44 inches) for your panel index map.
    2. Choose the page orientation.  Note that if you choose ANSI E as your page size, you will be able to print only in landscape orientation.
    3. Choose to display the DHS or FEMA logo in the Title Block.
      1. If the entire DFIRM is being republished, use the DHS logo.
      2. If part of the DFIRM is being republished, use the same logo on the new map that appears on the old map.
      3. If this is a new DFIRM, use the DHS logo.
  3. Click Finish and you will see the index generated in layout view, with all required elements.
  4. Modify the layout and text placement, as needed.  You can move and resize text blocks as well as the panel index map.  Note that you cannot edit the text in the text blocks.
  5. If you need to modify the placement or font size of labels in the panel index map, go into data view and make the necessary changes.

Save to PDF button  Save to PDF

Once you are satisfied with the arrangement of the layout elements, print your FIRM panel index map to PDF using the Save to PDF tool.  The PDF generated will have the following naming convention:

  1. Click on the Save to PDF tool.
  2. The following dialog will open, prompting you to select the project number:

    DFIRM Reference Loader dialog window
  3. Use the PDF Export tool to download the PDF to your local drive for printing or archiving.  The INDEX will have the following name: (CID)_IND0Apdf = 06063C_IND0A.pdf

Clear Graphics button  Clear Graphics

After previewing an index, you can remove the graphics of the index.  This will be necessary if you need to regenerate the index.

PDF Export Toolbar

PDF Export Toolbar

Once you have printed your selected panels to PDF, you can retrieve them and save them to a local drive or server using the PDF Export Tool.  You can print the PDF work maps to your local plotter, share them electronically, or store them in an archive.

PDF Export button  PDF Export

Allows users to download single or multiple PDF files.  Use this tool after printing panels to PDF using DFIT’s Save to PDF feature.



Trouble–Shooting

Problem:  The following message box appears after running DFIT:

"There is no BASE MAP SOURCE note associate with 51163C" sample error message

Solution:  Run Map Production Pro and enter a Base Map Note in the appropriate section Refer to page 9 of the Map Production Pro user guide.



Contacts

If you need assistance with this tool, please contact the representative at your local RMC.

REGIONAL - NSP MOD TEAM CONTACT LIST


NAME ROLE E-MAIL PHONE
REGION I
Brent McCarthy Lead Brent.McCarthy@mapmodteam.com (336) 240-7339
Jeffrey Burm GIS/Mapping JeffBurm@mapmodteam.com (517) 482-4930 x4752
REGION II
Rich Cassin Operations Manager Rich.Cassin@mapmodteam.com (914) 333-5366
Michael Crino GIS/Mapping mcrino@mbakercorp.com (718) 482-9945
REGION III
Mike Conaboy Operations Manager mconaboy@mbakercorp.com (609) 734-7922
Lee Brancheau Senior GIS Manager lbrancheau@mbakercorp.com (609) 734-7912
REGION IV
Stephen King Operations Manager Stephen.King@mapmodteam.com (678) 459-1010
Kagan Kuyu GIS/Mapping Kagan.Kuyu@mapmodteam.com (678) 459-1041
REGION V
Sujata Banerjee Business Manager Sujata.Banerjee@mapmodteam.com (312) 575-3902
Pam Coye GIS/Mapping Pam.Coye@mapmodteam.com (312) 575-3913
REGION VI
Dan Hoecker Operations Manager Dan.Hoecker@mapmodteam.com (940) 783-4155
Phil Nguyen GIS/Mapping pxnguyen@mbakercorp.com (940) 783-4121
REGION VII
Matthew Koch Operations Manager mkoch@watershedconcepts.com (816) 502-9420 x4952
Rod Odom GIS/Mapping rodom@watershedconcepts.com (816) 502-9420 x4957
REGION VIII
David Jula Operations Manager David.Jula@mapmodteam.com (720) 514-1100
Mike Garner GIS/Mapping Mike.Garner@mapmodteam.com (720) 514-1105
REGION IX
Travis Clark Business Manager Travis.Clark@mapmodteam.com (510) 879-0950
Michael Skowronek GIS/Mapping Michael.Skowronek@mapmodteam.com (510) 879-0958
REGION X
Michael Morgan Business Manager Mike.Morgan@mapmodteam.com (206) 344-3891
Timothy Witten GIS/Mapping wittentd@bv.com (206) 344-3891