FEMA WMS works in Map 2019!

[WarrenGeissler]

Just downloaded Map 2019 (Trial via EVA - can't see it in my subscription yet). Tested the FEMA WMS connection and - IT WORKS! 

Needed to alter the WMS link a bit to remove the /REST/ part of the path:

FEMA link: https://hazards.fema.gov/gis/nfhl/rest/services/public/NFHLWMS/MapServer/WMSServer

Link that works: https://hazards.fema.gov/gis/nfhl/services/public/NFHLWMS/MapServer/WMSServer

Also - I can't zoom out past a scale of 1:35000 or the data shuts down.

[bullera]

Hey @WarrenGeissler,

Awesome, glad you can consume that in 2019!

We actually got that fixed for previous versions of Map/Civil 3D (check it out HERE), when FEMA changed their security policies on the WMS.

Since we fixed it, I too noticed they changed the URL.  Not sure why....

Cheers.

[WarrenGeissler]

Thank you for that link! Every time I tried to hit that page for the last month I got a 404 error. Glad we have a patch for 2018 

[nkg2]

So I would say it works but I am not sure I would say it is perfect.  My issue is what I can see on your screen shot as well and that is the layer number and then a blank legend.  You can go into style and the style is set but it doesn't show up which makes it a little frustrating.  Is there a fix for that?

[WarrenGeissler]

That's the unfortunate thing about a WMS as opposed to a WFS - you are looking at a color map. To get to the identifications of the zones I recommend zooming in close enough for the labels to be viewed.

[WarrenGeissler]

Update - while we don't currently have an option for pulling a legend in - you can do it via the web:

Using the option to getlegendgraphic:

https://hazards.fema.gov/gis/nfhl/rest/services/public/NFHLWMS/MapServer/WMSServer?request=Getlegend...

yields access to this:

https://hazards.fema.gov/gis/nfhl/rest/services/public/NFHLWMS/MapServer/legend

[nkg2]

Nice!  Thanks for the heads up!!!  If I can get the WFS to work right I will use that but in time crunch WMS is best resort.

[WarrenGeissler]

If you can get the FEMA WFS to work PLEASE post it here! I've only had luck with the WMS

[nkg2]

Crap...I was banking on you to help me with that information   I created a post yesterday asking for help on it.  10 views as of this morning so it sounds like I may be peeing in the wind.  I will go ahead and file for help through the help desk and will report on my post.  Like I put in that post yesterday, I can establish a connection and my display manager is populated but nothing shows up on the map.  The only issue I can think of is trying to get the WFS to look at the appropriate coordinate system.  When I zoom extents though, I still can't see anything.  I'll tag you in that post once I get solution.  - nkg

[jmayo-EE]

Anyone else seeing this crash acad in 2020 or is just me? 😮

All acad, map & c3d updates installed.

[ChicagoLooper]

Can you post your FEMA connection? If the FEMA connection is no good you won't be able to connect, or worse, you may crash.

Two reasons why (I'm sure there are more) the connection is no good: FEMA's server is down or FEMA's connection is old and needs to be updated.

Two reasons why (I'm sure there are more) you are unable to connect to a perfectly good connection: you are bringing in too many layers at once (bring them in individually, not simultaneously) and your area of interest is too big (if possible, zoom in to a smaller area, bring in only what you need). 

My 2 cents: I don't like WMS connections. Yes, they are convenient and provide you with ample bragging rights in the break room while everyone is watching you pour a cup of coffee in the morning, but at the same time, WMS connections are sloppy, slow and have poor resolution. If you look hard enough, you can probably find and download the same or similar data that doesn't require a WMS connection.  

In the event your search is not productive, you can, using that rare commodity otherwise called creativity, draw your own 'background' and use as a substitute for WMS. After all, that's what the majority of WMS stuff is used for, as a backdrop for the REAL drawing. Furthermore, when using WMS, you can't edit the line work, can't edit line weight or color, can't edit hatch, can't edit text. 

Braggin rights: plenty. Control: none.

Good luck to you.

[jmayo-EE]

Thx for the response. In my case it turns out that a few of the FEMA layers, like BFE crash the program. If I limit the connection to be only the FHA and section/transect locations it works fine.

[ChicagoLooper]

Good for you!!

You may also try to zoom-in when you're in modelspace (not paperspace) and focus in only on your area of interest. Then connect to WMS while maintaining strict adherence to your current zoom level. Don't zoom out or your WMS connection will try to grab more data. If you do it right, you'll have just enough WMS imagery to go barely beyond the extent of your viewport.

Without zooming out, now try adding on those layers that you left out, the ones that had you crashing.

[Anonymous]

what is a url i can use to get my flood map through the wms connection?

[ChicagoLooper]

---

@Anonymous wrote:

what is a url i can use to get my flood map through the wms connection?

---

Unfortunately the FEMA site is not currently working. The closest you can get to FEMA data would be to use the FEMA.kmz NFHL  on Google Earth Pro. (You must have Google Earth Pro installed to use this). The User's Guide contained in it is good place to get started.

 

[jporter]

Is this still an issue?  Are the FEMA maps still down.  I ask because. . .

[ChicagoLooper]

I am guessing the url is outdated (totally a guess!). Or the FEMA WMS connection is using new technology while M3D is still using outdated, archaic technology (again, totally guessing).

1) This FEMA link shows the schema in the DATA CONNECT palette but is doesn't produce data in my map.

https://hazards.fema.gov/gis/nfhl/services/public/NFHLWMS/MapServer/WMSServer

2) Unrelated to FEMA is this Basemap connection from The National Map. M3D is able to bring in the basemap.

https://basemap.nationalmap.gov:443/arcgis/services/USGSImageryOnly/MapServer/WmsServer?

3) Interesting to note, from the The National Map under Natural Hazards section, there's a listing for FEMA but there's no WMS option within this listing. (see image below)

https://viewer.nationalmap.gov/services/

Where's the WMS connection? Missing?

Please share if you can get a FEMA connection to work. Or if you find an alternate url. Thx. 

[jporter]

@ChicagoLooper, thanks for the insight.  That is a very interesting thing note (your topic 3#).  I agree with you, it must be totally outdated.  Thank you for the the other option from the National Map.  It works great.  I'm keeping that one handy.  

Thanks again,

[jporter]

Since the FEMA WMS is now down I found a workaround.  It's not perfect, but it did help.  

1. Navigate to this website: https://www.fema.gov/flood-maps/tools-resources/flood-map-products/national-flood-hazard-layer 
2. Click on the NFHL Viewer button
3. Click on the area of need
4. Click on "Download county GIS data

The downloaded data is in .SHP file format.  I then either used the Data Connect or MAPIMPORT command (whichever you prefer) to import the data.  

I never would have figured this had I not been pecking around the site @ChicagoLooper  provided.  Thanks.  

[Pointdump]

Thank you Jason! I've been trying to figure out how to grab FEMA Shapefiles for quite a while. You made it easy.

Dave