Project Goal
The Nebraska Real-time Flood Forecasting Map (NeRFF) is being provided by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources (NeDNR) and the Nebraska Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), with funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the State of Nebraska. The map allows users to view flood inundation boundaries in their area based on current and potential flood stages. Using a sliding scale, users can view the areas that would be inundated during a flood of the corresponding stage. The tool uses real-time stage data from stream gages across Nebraska, allowing for efficient flood stage monitoring. Floodplain administrators, emergency managers, community officials, and citizens alike will find this new visualization of flood risk to be crucial in the event of imminent flooding, as well as for mitigation and disaster planning.Business Problem Solved
NeRFF was designed to Intuitively display up to date weather and stream gage stage data while providing flood inundation boundaries at every half-foot gage stage across 46 gage sites in Nebraska. The tool allows Floodplain administrators, emergency managers, community officials, and citizens to quickly and accurately assess flood risk to make informed decisions during emergencies, and prevent and reduce the loss of lives and property due to flooding for Nebraska residents.
Technology Implemented
The Nebraska Real-time Flood Forecasting application was designed using the latest ArcGIS API for Javascript 4.X technology to build a customized web application for both desktop and mobile use. The application also utilizes ESRI Web Maps, Feature Services, and Raster Image Services through the State of Nebraska ArcGIS Enterprise Portal. A customized "Flood Simulation" slider allows users to adjust stream stage height and view modeled inundation boundaries at half foot intervals. A Tile Service provided by The Weather Company is also displayed to view current weather radar in Nebraska.
Development Team Biography
Stefan Schaepe, PE, CFM, Project Manager, Nebraska Department of Natural Resources
Jared Ashton, PE, CFM, Project Engineer, Nebraska Department of Natural Resources
Deanna Ringenberg, PE, CFM - Project Engineer, Nebraska Department of Natural Resources
Rebecca Podariu, EI, Project Engineer, Nebraska Department of Natural Resources
Elijah Kaufman, CFM, Outreach & CRS Coordinator, Nebraska Department of Natural Resources
Tyler Zinsmaster, IT Applications Developer Senior, Nebraska Department of Natural Resources
Ryan Werner, IT Applications Developer Lead, Nebraska Department of Natural Resources
Jeff Hogan, IT Supervisor, Nebraska Department of Natural Resources
Chelsea Wu, IT Applications Developer Senior, Nebraska Department of Transportation
Ashley Schroeder, Environmental IT Business Analyst, Senior Applications, EA Engineering, Science, and Technology, Inc.