Mapping the Zone
de Committee on FEMA Flood Maps, Board on Earth Sciences and Resources, Mapping Science Committee, National Research Council Staff, Division on Earth and Life Studies Staff
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Flood Insurance Rate Maps portray the height and extent to which flooding is expected to occur, and they form the basis for setting flood insurance premiums and regulating development in the floodplain. As such, they are an important tool for individuals, businesses, communities, and government agencies to understand and deal with flood hazard and flood risk.