HDM Launches Online Mapping Portal to Support FEMA's Multi-hazard Mapping Initiative

For Immediate Release

Cambridge, MA ... Harvard Design and Mapping (HDM) announced the launch of www.HazardMaps.gov, an interactive mapping resource for multi-hazard planning and management efforts. This web-based national repository of multi-hazard data, sponsored by the US Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), provides the first online, nationwide view of digitally available natural hazard maps and data.

HazardMaps.gov combines data archive and exchange capabilities plus an interactive mapping portal. Through custom software "connectors" developed and enhanced by HDM and others, the system can integrate any format GIS or mapping data anywhere on the web in real time. It also provides a mechanism for cataloging and searching specific areas of interest. To accommodate the expected high volume of daily users, HDM-developed V-BIZ™ Visual Business Intelligence Tools were used to enhance the system's performance.

These system's components combine to provide the user with powerful tools for collecting, synthesizing, analyzing and accessing natural hazards data to enhance risk management, hazard identification and delineation, mitigation and disaster related activities. Maps created using this resource are meant for advisory purposes only.

HazardMaps.gov was developed as part of an effort to support the US Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) Multi-hazard Mapping Initiative (MMI) in response to a recent revision of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act. The Act provides for a comprehensive emergency management system and requires the development of multi-hazard advisory maps as a collaborative process of state and local government, and appropriate federal agencies. A goal of MMI is to provide the public with web-based natural hazards data using interoperability standards so that remote data in different formats and locations can be accessed and shown on one map.

HDM developed HazardMaps.gov in partnership with Open GIS Consortium (OGC), an international industry consortium of more than 240 companies, government agencies and universities participating in the development of publicly available geoprocessing specifications. OpenGIS Specifications support interoperable solutions that "geo-enable" the Web, wireless and location-based services, and mainstream IT, and empower technology developers to make complex spatial information and services accessible and useful with all kinds of applications. HazardMaps.gov is one of the first web-based GIS systems in the world to incorporate OGC interoperability functionality.

By implementing interoperable geospatial services based on OGC interfaces, HazardMaps.gov will enable FEMA to operationally demonstrate the value of a "common thread of interoperability" across federal, state, and local agencies and with other organizations supporting mitigation efforts. It provides an excellent example of a site that can serve federal agencies for nation-wide mapping.

"HDM is very excited to have had to opportunity to participate in this ground breaking project. As an OGC member, and a FEMA contractor since 1992, this was an excellent opportunity to bring our technical capabilities and FEMA knowledge together to better serve our client," said HDM President Kija Kim.

Contact HDM: Email jim@hdm.com or call 800.878-1HDM.