What are the best practices and tools for quality control and verification of elevation certificate data?

1 Use a standardized form

The first step to ensure quality control and verification of elevation certificate data is to use a standardized form that complies with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) guidelines. FEMA provides a downloadable form that contains all the required fields and instructions for completing the elevation certificate. Using a standardized form ensures that you collect and report the same data for every property, and that you follow the same format and terminology. It also makes it easier to compare and verify the data with other sources, such as flood maps and surveys.

2 Check the data sources

The second step to ensure quality control and verification of elevation certificate data is to check the data sources that you use to fill out the form. You should use reliable and accurate data sources, such as official surveys, benchmarks, maps, and records. You should also verify that the data sources are up to date and consistent with each other. For example, you should check that the survey datum matches the map datum, and that the base flood elevation is based on the current flood insurance rate map. You should also document the data sources and reference them on the form.

3 Use appropriate tools and methods

The third step to ensure quality control and verification of elevation certificate data is to use appropriate tools and methods to measure and record the elevations. You should use professional and calibrated tools, such as survey instruments, GPS devices, and laser levels, to obtain accurate and precise measurements. You should also use consistent and correct methods, such as applying corrections for slope, tide, and atmospheric pressure, to calculate the elevations. You should also record the measurements and calculations clearly and legibly on the form.

5 Use software or online tools for validation and verification

The fifth step to ensure quality control and verification of elevation certificate data is to use software or online tools for validation and verification. There are various software or online tools available that can help you check and verify your elevation certificate data, such as FEMA's EC Made Easy tool, Elevation Certificate Review tool, or Elevation Certificate Portal. These tools can help you validate the data fields, verify the base flood elevation, compare the data with flood maps, and generate reports or feedback. They can also help you store and manage your elevation certificate data electronically.