Model Builder

Floodplain and Floodzone Analysis Tool

This tool was designed using ModelBuilder within ArcMap 10.2.1. and provides useful information for planning future development sites, determining areas currently exposed to flooding, and might also aid in mitigating the impact of future flood damage.

This tool analyzes parcels through a select by location process: selecting all parcels that intersect with an existing floodplain. A table (parcelfloodplain_stats) will be created for this analysis, showing the statistics of parcels within the floodplain and their landuse designation. The next analysis process involves selecting parcels that are not within the existing floodplain, but rather fall within a specified buffer (ft.) from the existing floodplain; this represents a floodzone area which could be susceptible to flooding during periods of heavy rainfall. This analysis results in another table (ParcelFloodZone_Stats) that displays the statistics of parcels within this newly created floodzone area, as well as groups parcels based on their landuse designation.

Inorder to run this model two spatial datasets are needed: Floodplain (polygon shapefile) and Parcels (polygon shapefile), it is also important to know which field pertains to the Parcel landuse designation as well as the buffer distance of interests for the specific application. (500ft might be a common distance to establish a floodzone). This tool will also require an output directory and an input coordinate system.

ArcGIS Tools + Methods

ArcGIS ModelBuilder
Add Variables and set Parameters and Preconditions within model
Meta Data Editor to provide a model interface with detailed explanation of tool processes and requirements