The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) develops multimedia tutorials to provide in-depth training on different facets of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and to support public education and outreach efforts as part of the Risk Mapping, Assessment and Planning (MAP) strategy. This page is intended for the general public (home,property, business owners), mapping professionals, mitigation planners and community officials interested in learning about available NFIP tools, including how to read a Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) and Flood Insurance Study (FIS) Report and how to use FEMA flood hazard mapping software applications utlized in the NFIP.
Links to the online multimedia tutorials are provided below along with more detailed information about each tutorial and information concerning how to sign up for email updates.
Your device must meet the Online Tutorial System Requirements to successfully play the Flash tutorial. If you have questions about any of these resources, please contact the FEMA Map Information eXchange (FMIX) through the following methods:
- Call (1-877) FEMA MAP (1-877-336-2627) Monday through Friday, 8:00 am through 6:30 pm (EST)
- Email FEMAMapSpecialist@riskmapcds.com
- Chat with a Map Specialist Monday through Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm (EST)
You may also register to receive updates on FEMA Flood Hazard Mapping activities via e-mail.
Software
Several software programs utilized in the NFIP are available for download, free of charge, from the software page. The following are software programs with online tutorials:
CHECK-RAS Tutorial
CHECK-RAS is a program designed to verify the validity of an assortment of parameters found in the HEC-RAS hydraulics program. The CHECK-RAS tutorial will demonstrate the many functions of the program, including basic information about the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers HEC-RAS program.
Coastal Tutorial featuring CHAMP
The Coastal Hazard Analysis Modeling Program (CHAMP) is a software program designed to enable the user to perform storm-induced erosion treatments, wave height analyses and wave runup analyses associated with coastal flood hazard assessments. The tutorial will demonstrate the many functions of the program including entering, visualizing, tabulating and charting data and performing coastal engineering analyses within a user-friendly environment.
National Flood Frequency (NFF) Tutorial
NFF is a widely used and accepted program, developed by the U.S. Geological Survey, that is used to estimate approximate peak discharges for ungaged basins. The NFF tutorial will help the user understand how the software is used in the NFIP to estimate peak discharges.
QUICK-2, Version 2.0 Tutorial
Quick-2, Version 2.0, is the latest version of a hydraulic analysis program used to compute water-surface elevations in open channels of all types. The Quick-2 Tutorial exposes the user to single-lot and multiple-lot case studies, demonstrating much of the program's functionality along the way.
RASPLOT, Version 2.1.0 Tutorial
RASPLOT Version 2.1.0 replaces FEMA's FISPLOT program, which was previously used to develop flood profiles. The RASPLOT tutorial demonstrates the use of the software to generate flood profiles from HEC-2 and HEC-RAS models.
NFIP Revisions and Amendments
Letter of Map Amendment (LOMA)/Letter of Map Revision Based on Fill (LOMR-F) Tutorial Series
The LOMA/LOMR-F Tutorial Series explains these map change application processes, including all required forms and information. The LOMA/LOMR-F Tutorial series also provides users with an online tool to complete portions of the required forms.
Online Letter of Map Change (LOMC) Training Tutorial
The Online LOMC is a convenient way to request a LOMA from FEMA. Applicants may easily upload all information, supporting documentation and check the status of their LOMA application online. In this PowerPoint presentation, you will find information about LOMCs and a step-by-step guide through the online request submission process.
Geographic Information System (GIS) and Advanced Mapping Technology Tutorial Series
FEMA has developed three tutorials to provide information on GIS technology and how that technology is used for NFIP purposes.
Introduction to GIS
This tutorial provides an overview of GIS technology, including what a GIS is, what is needed for a GIS, basic mapping terminology and how a GIS is used to produce maps and other information. This tutorial leads into a second, more advanced tutorial about FEMA's use of GIS technology to create Digital Flood Insurance Rate Maps (DFIRMs). Your device must meet the Online Tutorial System Requirements to play the tutorial. (Text Equivalent)
Using GIS to Create DFIRMs
The second in the GIS and Advanced Mapping Technology tutorial series, this tutorial provides information on FEMA's use of GIS technology to create DFIRMs. Topics to be addressed include DFIRM components; graphic, base map and metadata specifications and database design. (Text Equivalent)
Using GIS, DFIRM, and Other Data for Sample Community Applications
The third in the GIS and Advanced Mapping Tutorial Series, this tutorial provides information on the use of DFIRM and other GIS data to produce sample community applications within the context of FEMA flood hazard mapping and mitigation efforts. (Text Equivalent)
Other Tutorials
Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) Tutorial
This tutorial educates users on the use and application of FIRMs produced by FEMA in support of the NFIP. Each component of the FIRM is explored. The tutorial includes a section that contains examples of how to get specific information from FIRMs. (Text Equivalent)
Flood Insurance Study (FIS) Tutorial
This tutorial educates users on the use and application of FIS reports produced by FEMA in support of the NFIP. Each component of the FIS report, including the data tables and Flood Profiles, is explored and explained. (Text Equivalent)
Is the FEMA Cooperating Technical Partners Program Right for You?
The self-assessment tool provides information about the Cooperating Technical Partners (CTP) Program to potential participants. The informative and easy-to-follow series of screens allows users to assess whether the CTP Program is a good fit for them and the organization they represent. (Tutorial Text Equivalent)
Get Assistance
Answers to the most Frequently Asked Questions are provided for the following user groups: homeowners, engineers, surveyors and architects, insurance professionals and lenders and floodplain managers.
For additional information or assistance, contact a Map Specialist in the FEMA Map Information eXchange (FMIX) through the following methods:
- Call (1-877) FEMA MAP (1-877-336-2627) Monday through Friday, 8:00 am through 6:30 pm (EST)
- Email the FMIX
- Chat with a Map Specialist Monday through Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm (EST)
Subscribe to receive flood hazard mapping updates via email.