Federal Flood Mapping Guidelines Series

The Federal Flood Mapping Guidelines Series are resources to advance and standardize floodplain mapping projects and activities in Canada. These guidelines address each step of the flood mapping process and provide advice to individuals and organizations in Canada that need to understand and manage flood risks and their consequences to communities.

The Standards Council of Canada, Natural Resources Canada and Public Safety Canada are working together to develop some of these guidelines into National Standards of Canada.

Download the guidelines

All documents are evergreen and are updated based on the ongoing advancements in flood mapping.

Federal Flood Mapping Framework (Version 2.0)

Introduces the series, provides history of flood mapping efforts, and explains the flood mapping process.

Federal Airborne LiDAR Data Acquisition Guideline (Version 3.1)

Showcases best practices for acquiring base elevation data from airborne LiDAR data.

Case Studies on Climate Change in Floodplain Mapping (Volume 1.0)

Three case studies incorporating climate change considerations into floodplain mapping.

Federal Hydrologic and Hydraulic Procedures for Flood Hazard Delineation (Version 2.0)

For practitioners conducting hydrologic and hydraulic investigations.

Federal Geomatics Guidelines for Flood Mapping (Version 1.0)

Summarizes best practices to produce and share maps.

Federal Flood Damage Estimation Guidelines for Buildings and Infrastructure (Version 1.0)

Describes flood hazards and potential damages.

Federal Land Use Guide for Flood Risk Areas (Version 1.0)

Outlines technical guidance for land use planning in flood prone areas.

Bibliography of Best Practices and References for Flood Mitigation (Version 2.0)

A consolidated list of references for practitioners involved in flood mapping.

Contribute to the Guidelines Series

The Technical Working Group on Flood Mapping has direct technical input into the Federal Flood Mapping Guidelines Series. The group is always accepting new members. To join the working group, contact geoinfo@nrcan-rncan.gc.ca.

Contact us

For more information, please email geoinfo@nrcan-rncan.gc.ca