2021 320 and 440 Northampton FIRM map maintenanceMay 3, 2021
Eugene Kohls
ISO/CRS Specialist
Insurance Services Office, Inc.
38 Sunflower Drive
Raynham, MA 02767
RE:Flood Insurance Rate Maps
Dear Mr. Kohls:
I want to share our process for updating our Flood Insurance Rate Maps. Our base map is the FIRM originally created by FEMA. That layer is changed only as follows:
1. If we have accurate topography (from detailed LiDAR topography or survey quality work) we adjust these only in so far as the original lines were unclear to match the actual elevation
shown on the maps.
2. As we receive Letter of Map Changes from FEMA we so change our base maps.
3. Massachusetts does not have annexations, so that is not applicable to us.
4. We maintain the Assessors map layer, showing parcel (cadastral) information in the same projection as the FIRM so that they can be overlain. We update those maps continually, as
new surveys are filed with us.
5. Both our FIRM layer and all other data layers are continuously updated as new information is available. When updated information is available, that data is always incorporated within
one year.
The maps are available in paper and electronic forms in the Office of Planning and Sustainability. We also maintain copies on our website available for 24/7 public download in both
GIS shapefiles (ESRI) and Google Earth files (KMZ).
Sincerely,
Wayne Feiden, FAICP
Director of Planning and Sustainability