© Amec Foster Wheeler 2015.

Leveraging Mobile Technology to Streamline Data Collection for CRS Communities and Beyond

David Stroud, CFM & Brent Slone, PMP, GISP, CFM

AGENDA

1. Time Management2. Community Rating System – Data Collection Requirements3. Repetitive Loss Area Analysis (RLAA) Criteria4. Case Study – City of Savannah, GA5. Implement a Mobile/Web Solution to Streamline Data Collection

and Report Generation6. Other Mobile Application Uses7. Questions

2 © Amec Foster Wheeler 2015.

► The Act or process of planning and exercising conscious control over the amount of time spent on specific activities, especially to increase effectiveness, efficiency, or productivity

► Advances in technologies have helped to make us more efficient and productive

► ...But the ability to increase efficiency and productivity for certain jobs or tasks may require innovation and development of data management tools and technologies

© Amec Foster Wheeler 2015.3

TIME MANAGEMENT

310 – Elevation Certificates320 – Map Information Service360 – Flood Protection Information420 – Open Space Preservation450 - Stormwater Management510 – Floodplain Management

Planning (Repetitive Loss)540 – Drainage System Maintenance

© Amec Foster Wheeler 2015.4

COMMUNITY RATING SYSTEM (CRS)

►Several CRS activities require data collection and/ordata maintenance

© Amec Foster Wheeler 2015.5

Project Problem – City of Savannah, GA

► 185 Unmitigated Repetitive LossProperties► 87 Repetitive Loss Areas identified► 83 historic repetitive loss properties (only 1

claim against the NFIP)► 585 properties with the same or similar

flood conditions► 851 Repetitive Loss Properties were

included in the areas

Repetitive Loss Area Analysis (RLAA)

► History of Repetitive Flooding► 53% of city in SFHA► Flat topography► Inadequate drainage system► Pre-FIRM non-elevated structures► Tidal influences► Combined storm and sanitary sewers

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CASE STUDY - CITY OF SAVANNAH, GA

Flooded street after 1999 thunderstorm

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CASE STUDY - CITY OF SAVANNAH, GA

Location FIRM Zones

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CASE STUDY - CITY OF SAVANNAH, GA

TYPICAL FLOODING IN SAVANNAH

Midtown/Historic South Savanah

► 5 Step Planning Process► Advise all property owners in repetitive loss

areas► Contact other organizations/agencies► Visit each building to collect data► Review alternative approaches► Document to findings

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CASE STUDY - CITY OF SAVANNAH, GA

Repetitive Loss Area Analysis (RLAA)

► Defining Repetitive Loss Area(s)► Plot the updated list of RL properties on a map► Plot nearby properties that have received one

flood insurance claim► Overlay a GIS or topographic map if you have

capability► Draw lines around those areas with similar

situated properties► Check the area in the field to confirm the

boundary

© Amec Foster Wheeler 2015.10

CASE STUDY - CITY OF SAVANNAH, GA

Repetitive Loss Area Analysis (RLAA)

► Repetitive Loss Area #1► 16 total properties► 2 repetitive loss properties► 0 severe repetitive loss properties► 1 historical property

► Problem► Swale in back yards filled in with dirt

and fences. No clear drainage path and egress of water from area.

© Amec Foster Wheeler 2015.11

CASE STUDY - CITY OF SAVANNAH, GA

Repetitive Loss Area Analysis (RLAA)

Slab on grade – Diagram 1

► 185 Unmitigated Repetitive LossProperties► 87 Repetitive Loss Areas identified► 83 historic repetitive loss properties (only 1

claim against the NFIP)► 585 properties with the same or similar flood

conditions► 851 Repetitive Loss Properties were

included in the areas

© Amec Foster Wheeler 2015.12

CASE STUDY - CITY OF SAVANNAH, GA

Repetitive Loss Area Analysis (RLAA)

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CASE STUDY - CITY OF SAVANNAH, GA

Notification of Property Owners

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CASE STUDY - CITY OF SAVANNAH, GA

Responses to Flood Protection Questionnaire

801 mailed questionnaires and 171 responses received = 21% response rate

© Amec Foster Wheeler 2015.15

CASE STUDY - CITY OF SAVANNAH, GA

Repetitive Loss Area & FIRM Zones

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CASE STUDY - CITY OF SAVANNAH, GA

Data Collection on 801 Buildings

Data on each building Supporting photos

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CASE STUDY - CITY OF SAVANNAH, GA

Field Survey Work

© Amec Foster Wheeler 2015.18

CASE STUDY - CITY OF SAVANNAH, GA

Field Survey Work

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CASE STUDY - CITY OF SAVANNAH, GA

Field Survey Work

Homeowner Mitigation

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CASE STUDY - CITY OF SAVANNAH, GA

Field Survey Work

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CASE STUDY - CITY OF SAVANNAH, GA

How Can You Complete This Field Work Efficiently??

► FEMA’s National Flood MitigationData Collection Tool► Print out data collection sheets► Put them on clipboard► Use your camera to take pictures► Make sure you connect to the right picture(s)

with the right hard copy form

© Amec Foster Wheeler 2015.22

ENTERPRISE GEOSPATIAL SOLUTIONS

► Implementing an Enterprise Geospatial Solution► Develop a Mobile Application for Data Collection► Design a Web Application (aka Geoportal) for Data Review and Report

Generation ► Design an Enterprise Database that Serves as a Centralized Repository

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No Project Too Big or Too Small…

► With the advancements in technology we have successfully implemented a diverse set of Enterprise GIS Solutions with a number of clients…

ENTERPRISE GEOSPATIAL SOLUTIONS

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Savannah RLAA Mobile Application

► Modified FEMA Data Collection Report► Enable the Ability to Capture Photo► Quickly Use Google Maps for Directions► Implemented “Disconnected Editing”

Technology

ENTERPRISE GEOSPATIAL SOLUTIONS

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Savannah RLAA GeoPortal► Identify Repetitive Loss Property Features Interactively► Hyperlink Elevation Certificate Information to Properties► User/Password Protection► Report Generator Widget► Search Functionality

ENTERPRISE GEOSPATIAL SOLUTIONS

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Enterprise Geospatial Solution Benefits► Simplifies Field Collection Efforts► Information “Now”► Instant QA/QC► Scalable► Tailored to Your Needs► Cost Effective

ENTERPRISE GEOSPATIAL SOLUTIONS

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► Stormwater Inventory► Stormwater Asset collection and verification ► Inventory of components

► Calculation of linear distances► Community area

► Private area► State area

► Easily modified to meet specific needs► Photographs (and other multimedia) of components

OTHER APPLICATIONS…

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► Community Data► Field Data (survey of floodplain)► Building/Elevation Data► FIRM Information

► Damage Assessments► High water marks► Substantial Damage

OTHER APPLICATIONS…

Collecting Data for CAVS and Damage Assessments

Q&A

David Stroud, CFMBrent Slone, PMP, GISP, CFM

29 © Amec Foster Wheeler 2015.