U.S. patent application number 09/821171 was filed with the patent office on 2001-10-25 for system and method for performing flood zone certifications.
Invention is credited to Higgins, Darin Wayne, Howard, John Willard, Scott, Dan Martin.
Application Number | 20010034579 09/821171 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 24141470 |
Filed Date | 2001-10-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20010034579 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Howard, John Willard ; et
al. |
October 25, 2001 |
System and method for performing flood zone certifications
Abstract
A system and method for performing flood zone determinations
using scanned, georeferenced, digital raster map images. The user,
to determine the flood zone classification of a particular
property, first enters the street address, or full legal address,
into a data processing system. The system determines, from the
address, which raster map includes that particular property. The
system retrieves that map, and utilizes georeferencing information
to locate the property on the raster map. The user can visually
verify the location of the property as marked on the displayed
raster map, and can at that point examine the flood zone
indications on the raster map. Further, the system can compare the
geographic coordinates of the property against a data base of flood
zone boundaries for an automated flood zone determination. The
system can also generate, store, and produce flood zone
certificates according to the flood zone determination.
Inventors: |
Howard, John Willard; (North
Richland Hills, TX) ; Scott, Dan Martin; (Irving,
TX) ; Higgins, Darin Wayne; (Fort Worth, TX) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Steven W. Thrasher
Jackson Walker, LLP
2435 North Central Expressway, #600
Richardson
TX
75080
US
|
Family ID: |
24141470 |
Appl. No.: |
09/821171 |
Filed: |
March 29, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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09821171 |
Mar 29, 2001 |
|
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09537161 |
Mar 29, 2000 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
702/5 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y02A 10/40 20180101;
Y02A 10/46 20180101; G06Q 10/06 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
702/5 |
International
Class: |
G06F 019/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A method for determining a flood zone classification of a
location, comprising: receiving a location entry indicative of a
location; and identifying at least a map that has the location
thereon.
2. The method of claim 1 further comprising georeferencing the
location.
3. The method of claim 1 further comprising determining a longitude
and a latitude for the location.
4. The method of claim 1 wherein identifying performs a point in
polygon test.
5. The method of claim 1 wherein the map is a digital raster
map.
6. The method of claim 1 further comprising providing an image of
the map for display.
7. The method of claim 1 further comprising requesting a
verification that the image of the map represents a correct map for
providing a flood zone classification.
8. The method of claim 1 further comprising requesting an
indication that a flood zone certificate is desired.
9. The method of claim 8 further comprising directing a device to
provide a flood zone certificate.
10. The method of claim 9 wherein the device is capable of
providing a paper edition.
11. The method of claim 9 wherein the device is capable of
providing an electronic edition.
12. The method of claim 9 wherein the flood zone certificate
comprises at least a flood zone designation.
13. The method of claim 9 wherein the flood zone certificate
provides at least a description of the location.
14. A method in a computer for determining a flood zone
classification of a location, thereby turning a general computing
platform into a specific computing device, the method comprising;
receiving a location entry indicative of a location; and
identifying at least a map that has the location thereon.
15. The method of claim 14 further comprising georeferencing the
location.
16. The method of claim 14 further comprising providing an image of
the map for display, and requesting an indication that the image of
the map represents a correct map for providing a flood zone
classification.
17. The method of claim 14 further comprises the act of directing a
device to provide a flood zone certificate.
18. A computer readable medium whose contents enable the
determining of a flood zone classification for a location, by:
receiving a location entry indicative of a location; and
identifying at least a map that has the location thereon.
19. The method of claim 18 further comprising providing an image of
the map for display, and requesting an indication that the image of
the map represents a correct map for providing a flood zone
classification.
20. The method of claim 18 further comprises directing a device to
provide a flood zone certificate.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of and claims priority
from pending U.S. patent application "System and Method for
Performing Flood Zone Certifications" (Ser. No. 09/537,161), filed
Mar. 29, 2000. Furthermore, this application is related to and
claims priority from the following pending applications: "System
and Method for Georeferencing Digital Raster Maps" (Ser. No.
09/537,849), filed Mar. 29, 2000. and "System and Method for
Synchronizing Raster And Vector Map Images" (Ser. No. 09/537,162),
filed Mar. 29, 2000 which are hereby incorporated by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Technical Field
[0003] The present invention generally relates to analysis of
geographic features and characteristics, and in particular to a
system and method for performing flood zone determinations.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] Today, before a real property is bought, sold, or insured,
it is common practice to examine the property for the risk of
flooding. This is commonly done by examining the flood zone the
property falls into based on its location and elevation. The
Federal Emergency management Agency (FEMA) publishes a library of
ten of thousands of paper maps showing various types of flood zones
and their location in the United States. A flood zone determination
on a property is frequently done in the following way.
[0006] 1. The address of the property is examined, and the location
of the property is determined (perhaps through the use of a
geocoding system, or by examining an available street map).
[0007] 2. A map analyst attempts to determine which of the many
thousands of FEMA flood maps will contain this property.,
[0008] 3. The map analyst goes to a map storage area and retrieves
the desired map, often examining several maps before making a final
decision.
[0009] 4. Having retrieved the paper map, the map analyst next
determines where, precisely, the property is located on the
map.
[0010] 5. Finally, the map analysis examines flood zone notations
on the map at the property's location in order to determine its
flood zone status.
[0011] This process can be somewhat improved by scanning the paper
FEMA maps into a computer to produce a digital raster map, which
can be retrieved and viewed as necessary. A digital raster map is a
computerized map image that resembles a conventional paper map in
that it presents an image of the mapped area, but has no additional
underlying data associated with the features of the map. A raster
map is typically created by scanning a conventional paper map, and
is a grid-based map composed of pixels (or dots) of color or black
& white. Each pixel in the grid can be referenced by the pixel
coordinates, and has only one associated value, indicating the
color of that pixel. Raster images are commonly referred to as "bit
mapped" images.
[0012] A vector map uses lines and polygons, rather than pixels, to
describe an image. Unlike a raster map, in which the map image is
simply stored as a grid of pixels, when a vector map is displayed,
it is drawn from a set of underlying data. The vector map is
created through the placements of nodes on a plane and connecting
those nodes with lines. Vector lines can be attributed with tables
of data such as elevations, values, names or other information
relative to the line. Vector data can be displayed in three
dimensions if the lines are attributed with z values, modified or
changed relative to user need, or layered to allow for turning off
and on the viewing of different information.
[0013] Because of their feature attribution properties, vector maps
are particularly useful for displaying geographic data. Vector maps
are used to display boundaries or lines that denote the position
and extent of features, such as county boundaries or lines denoting
stream and river systems. It is also very easy to view or
manipulate the data underlying a vector map, for example to view or
change the elevation of a feature.
[0014] Also, because vector maps are drawn from a data set which
describes the locations of features shown, they are often
inherently georeferenced. Georeferencing is the process of relating
source coordinates to referenced geographic coordinates, which are
typically in standard latitude/longitude. An image or a vector file
is georeferenced to be used within a mapping/geographic
environment. In a vector map, the data from which the map is drawn
will typically already include a geographic coordinate set.
[0015] Modern GIS systems normally make use of digital vector based
map information. However, a vast legacy of paper based map
information exists. It is very expensive and time consuming to
convert all of the information on these paper maps over to a
digital vector format. In many cases the scope and expense of such
conversions render them completely impractical. However, even when
a complete conversion to digital vector-based format is not
possible, it is still possible to obtain some of the benefits of
computerized map systems, first by converting the paper maps to
digital raster maps (by scanning them), and then by georeferencing
the raster image. After georeferencing, there should be a clear
relationship between the pixel coordinates in the raster map, and
the geographic coordinates of the feature represented by that
pixel.
[0016] Since flood zone determinations are typically performed
using paper FEMA maps, it would be desirable to provide a system
and method for performing flood zone certifications that is faster
and can be performed less expensively than the process described
above.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0017] It is therefore one object of the present invention to
provide an improved method for analysis of geographic features and
characteristics.
[0018] It is another object of the present invention to provide an
improved system and method for performing flood zone
determinations.
[0019] The foregoing objects are achieved as is now described. The
preferred embodiment provides a system and method for performing
flood zone determinations using scanned, georeferenced, digital
raster map images. The user, to determine the flood zone
classification of a particular property, first enters the street
address, or full legal address, into a data processing system. The
system determines, from the address, which raster map includes that
particular property. The system retrieves that map, and utilizes
georeferencing information to locate the property on the raster
map. The user can visually verify the location of the property as
marked on the displayed raster map, and can at that point examine
the flood zone indications on the raster map. Further, the system
can compare the geographic coordinates of the property against a
database of flood zone boundaries for an automated flood zone
determination. The system can also generate, store, and produce
flood zone certificates according to the flood zone
determination.
[0020] The above as well as additional objectives, features, and
advantages of the present invention will become apparent in the
following detailed written description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0021] The novel features believed characteristic of the invention
are set forth in the appended claims. The invention itself however,
as well as a preferred mode of use, further objects and advantages
thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following
detailed description of an illustrative embodiment when read in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
[0022] FIG. 1 depicts a data processing system in accordance with a
preferred embodiment of the present invention;
[0023] FIG. 2 is an exemplary raster map, in accordance with the
preferred embodiment;
[0024] FIG. 3 is an exemplary vector map, corresponding to the
raster map of FIG. 2, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of
the present invention; and
[0025] FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a process in accordance with a
preferred embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0026] With reference now to the figures, and in particular with
reference to FIG. 1, a block diagram of a data processing system in
which a preferred embodiment of the present invention may be
implemented is depicted. Data processing system 100 includes
processor 102 and associated L2 Cache 104, which in the exemplary
embodiment is connected in turn to a system bus 106. System memory
108 is connected to system bus 106, and may be read from and
written to by processor 102.
[0027] Also connected to system bus 106 is I/0 bus bridge 110. In
the exemplary embodiment, data processing system 100 includes
graphics adapter 118 connected to bus 106, receiving user interface
information for display 120. Peripheral devices such as nonvolatile
storage 114, which may be a hard disk drive, and keyboard/pointing
device 116, which may include a conventional mouse, a trackball, or
the like, are connected to I/O bus 112.
[0028] The exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1 is provided solely
for the purposes of explaining the invention and those skilled in
the art will recognize that numerous variations are possible, both
in form and function. For instance, data processing system 100
might also include a compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM) or
digital video disk (DVD) drive, a sound card and audio speakers,
and numerous other optional components. All such variations are
believed to be within the spirit and scope of the present
invention. Data processing system 100 is provided solely as an
example for the purposes of explanation and is not intended to
imply architectural limitations.
[0029] The data processing system described above can also include
one or more image scanners, to convert a map from paper format to a
digital raster map.
[0030] The preferred embodiment provides a system and method for
performing flood zone determinations using scanned, georeferenced,
digital raster map images. The user, to determine the flood zone
classification of a particular property, first enters the street
address, or full legal address, into a data processing system. The
system determines, from the address, which raster map includes that
particular property. The system retrieves that map, and utilizes
georeferencing information to locate the property on the raster
map. The user can visually verify the location of the property as
marked on the displayed raster map, and can at that point examine
the flood zone indications on the raster map. Further, the system
can compare the geographic coordinates of the property against a
database of flood zone boundaries for an automated flood zone
determination. The system can also generate, store, and produce
flood zone certificates according to the flood zone
determination.
[0031] FIG. 2 is an exemplary raster map, in accordance with the
preferred embodiment. This exemplary map shows a scanned image from
a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) paper map. This raster
image shows a land area with flood zone indications, but would, in
a computer system, contain no underlying data regarding the area
shown.
[0032] FIG. 3 is an exemplary vector map, corresponding to the
raster map of FIG. 2, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of
the present invention. This map shows the same area as the map in
FIG. 2, but is created by a computer system from a database
describing the locations of features such as the streets shown.
Typically, each feature shown on a vector map such as this will
already be georeferenced, in that the geographic coordinates of
each feature will also be recorded in the underlying data.
[0033] A process for determining the flood zone classification of a
property, in accordance with the preferred embodiment, is described
below:
[0034] First, the address of the property is entered into the
system (step 400), and its location, in longitude and latitude, is
determined by the data processing system, using a conventional
geocoding application (step 405).
[0035] Next, the data processing system determines the raster map
image or images that contain the location of the property as
determined above (step 410). This is done, in the preferred
embodiment, by performing point in polygon tests of the location of
the property against the polygons defining the map boundaries.
[0036] The system then displays the selected raster map image or
images on the system display, and marks on each map the location of
the property (step 415). If multiple maps are selected, each map
image appears, allowing the user to display each image as
desired.
[0037] The user determines which of the maps is, in f act, the
correct one that provides a flood zone classification for the
property (step 420). If only one map image was selected, the user
verifies that it is the correct image.
[0038] The user then examines flood zone notations on the map at
the property's location and visually determines its flood zone
status (step 425).
[0039] After the user has verified the flood zone status, the
system will generate a flood certificate which includes the
property description or address, the flood zone designation, and
any other information entered by the user (step 430). The flood
certificate is stored on the computer from which location it can be
delivered elsewhere by letter, fax, email, or other alternate
methods (step 435).
[0040] The software component of the data processing system, stored
in the non-volatile storage of the data processing system, includes
several components:
[0041] A georeferencing component, which allows longitudes and
latitudes to be associated with points on the raster map images, as
described more fully below.
[0042] A geocoding component, which is used to convert addresses
into corresponding longitude and latitude values.
[0043] A database component, which stores and retrieves information
about the maps, including georeferencing parameters, map boundary
polygons, federally provided map panel data (e.g., that contained
in the Flood Map Status Information System (FMSIS) database) and
any other map specific information. The database is also used to
store and retrieve historical information about previously
completed flood zone certifications.
[0044] A map lookup component, which utilizes the georeferencing
information, the map boundary polygons, and the location of the
property to determine which maps contain the property. This can be
done, since the georeferencing allows the border of the map panel
to be described in terms of longitude and latitude. A "point in
polygon" algorithm is applied to see which map panels contain the
address location within their borders.
[0045] A map viewer/flood certificate generator, which:
[0046] a. Displays the candidate maps returned by the map lookup
component.
[0047] b. Places a marker at the estimated location of the property
on each of the candidate maps.
[0048] c. Can display digital vector-based map(s) whose image is
synchronized with the raster map. This means that the raster map
and the vector map(s) always display the same geographic region. As
the region selected in one map changes (by zooming, panning,
scrolling, or other operation) so does the region displayed by the
other map(s) change similarly. The georeferencing of the digital
raster map provides the means by which the raster map and the
vector-based map(s) may be synchronized.
[0049] d. Provides a location for the map analyst to record the
flood zone status of the property.
[0050] e. Other information relevant to a flood zone certification
is either entered by the map analyst, or is automatically entered
from information stored in the database.
[0051] The georeferencing process is described below. A digital map
image is considered georeferenced if a pair of mathematical
functions, f, and g, have been defined that can be used to convert
back and forth between the coordinates of the map image (as defined
by the pixels of the image) and the corresponding longitude and
latitude of the location of that point. That is, f and g do the
following:
[0052] 1. If (x,y) represents a location on the digital map image,
then f (x, y)=(Lon, Lat) represents the longitude and latitude of
the corresponding physical location.
[0053] 2. If (Lon, Lat) represents a physical location that lies
within the region covered by the map, then g (Lon, Lat)=(x, y)
represents the point on the digital map image that corresponds to
that longitude and latitude.
[0054] Here, x and y represent the natural internal coordinate
system of the map image. Typically, as described above, a digital
raster map image uses the pixels of its image as a natural
coordinate matrix. However, in most cases, a vector-based map image
uses longitude and latitude as its internal coordinate system; if
so, it can be considered to be trivially georeferenced already.
Therefore the functions f ( ) and g ( ) above are non-trivial
georeferencing functions required to convert back and forth between
coordinate systems.
[0055] Once the raster map images of the preferred embodiment are
georeferenced, the system can easily locate specific geographic
locations on the raster map. While the process of the preferred
embodiment has assumed that the required paper map has been
previously georeferenced, it is also possible that the property in
question is only found on a traditional paper map. If this is the
case, the user may scan the paper map into the data processing
system to create a raster map image. The image may then be
georeferenced to provide georeferencing functions for converting
between the raster map image coordinates and the geographic
coordinates. Once this has been done, the process of the preferred
embodiment can be performed as described above.
[0056] It is important to note that while the present invention has
been described in the context of a fully functional data processing
system and/or network, those skilled in the art will appreciate
that the mechanism of the present invention is capable of being
distributed in the form of a computer usable medium of instructions
in a variety of forms, and that the present invention applies
equally regardless of the particular type of signal bearing medium
used to actually carry out the distribution. Examples of computer
usable mediums include: nonvolatile, hard-coded type mediums such
as read only memories (ROMs) or erasable, electrically programmable
read only memories (EEPROMs), recordable type mediums such as
floppy disks, hard disk drives and CD-ROMs, and transmission type
mediums such as digital and analog communication links.
[0057] While the invention has been particularly shown and
described with reference to a preferred embodiment, it will be
understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form
and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit
and scope of the invention.
* * * * *