We utilize Global Mapper GIS for much of the work that we do. We also utilize AutoCAD Civil 3D, Hec-HMS, Hec-Ras and a host of other software packages to get the job done.
Data Sources
Much of the information we utilize is provided by local, state and federal government agencies. We thought it would be useful to provide a list of map servers and other sources of essential geographic information which we commonly utilize in addition to field-surveyed information provided by land surveyors.
The FEMA Flood Map Service Center (MSC) is the official public source for flood hazard information produced in support of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Use the MSC to find your official flood map, access a range of other flood hazard products, and take advantage of tools for better understanding flood risk.
For those working in Texas, TNRIS is an invaluable resource. TNRIS is a reliable and unique state resource that provides high quality historic and current geospatial data products, education and training, while advancing the GIS Community through collaboration, expertise, cost-sharing initiatives and exceptional customer service.
Google List of U.S. State Plane Coordinate Systems – Click to Access
State Plane Coordinate System zones (ESRI) with EPSG numbers for associated projections
The EPSG spatial dataset list was originally created by European Petroleum Survey Group (EPSG) in 1985 and was made public in 1993. The following link enables you to look up the EPSG identifier for various coordinate systems. For instance, EPSG 2276 is “NAD83 Texas North Central US Foot”.
Note that the Global Mapper product allows entry of the coordinate system using the EPSG Code. You may also identify a projection using Projection, Zone, Datum, etc or open from a projection file.
The maps shown through topoView are from the USGS’s US Topo series and earlier Historical Topographic Map Collection (HTMC). The term “US Topo” refers specifically to quadrangle topographic maps published in 2009 and later. These maps are modeled on the familiar 7.5-minute quadrangle maps of the period 1947-1992, but are mass-produced from national GIS databases on a repeating cycle. US Topo maps repackage geographic information system (GIS) data in traditional map form. This benefits non-specialist map users, as well as applications that need traditional maps
The USGS National Hydrography Dataset (NHD) Downloadable Data Collection from The National Map (TNM) is a comprehensive set of digital spatial data that encodes information about naturally occurring and constructed bodies of surface water (lakes, ponds, and reservoirs), paths through which water flows (canals, ditches, streams, and rivers), and related entities such as point features (springs, wells, stream gages, and dams).
USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) – Click to Access
Web Soil Survey (WSS) provides soil data and information produced by the National Cooperative Soil Survey. It is operated by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and provides access to the largest natural resource information system in the world.
Multi-Resolution Land Characteristics (MRLC) – Click to Access
The National Land Cover Database (NLCD) provides nationwide data on land cover and land cover change at a 30m resolution with a 16-class legend based on a modified Anderson Level II classification system.
Click here – Amazing videos pertaining to flood damage.
Click Here – Floodplain 101 – Our short treatise which is custom-tailored for home owners, realtors and others who need to know the basics of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) as well as the terms and procedures pertaining to Flood Insurance.
