Is it me or is the FEMA website about the most cumbersome piece of crrap that is available?? I get the area up to the size that I want and then click to print at their percentage... making sure not to input my own because the window will shrink to 1/4 of its original size...
Sorry, I just had to say something... It takes about 3 times as long to do something as it should.
I never have a problem with creating firmettes.
I choose my paper size and then "just deaux it"
Well, then I am obviously doing something wrong.
Have you downloaded and tried the "Firmette Desktop" software?
No, I have not. I was operating completely withing the website.
Normally, I just spend the $2.50 and download the whole map page. Then I have it and can use it again on other projects later.
I really don't like the Firmettes just for the reasons you say. And then they are only site specific so you have to go through the whole process again if you have another nearby site.
Dan:
I've never purchased them online. Can you get them in any other format than PDF?
How about the studies? Can you get them there too?
When I buy them they download as an image file (tif I think, but am not at the office now to check for sure). Then I can simply insert them into AutoCAD. :good:
I think you can download the studies as well although I personally have not done that. We had an engineer in the office that normally did the more technical stuff (it was sort of his specialty). Since he left we have not had a need to get the studies - maybe some day.
I've created my Firmette, then blew it up to 100%, then saved it as a picture to my work job folder and printed it from there...maybe unconventional, but it works for me.
Carl,
I think you need to click on the create a firmette tab.
I do one for each survey I do, and save it as a PDF. If I need to insert into autocad, you can save it as a tiff.
Pretty easy once you get the hang of it, but it does take a few times to get the process down.
Good luck, you'll figure it out.
Jimmy
FEMA Firmettes - Type of Leveling
What type of leveling do you primarily use for an Elevation Certificate:
Differential leveling with an automatic level?
Trigonometric leveling with a total station?
GPS?
What are the maximum BS/FS distances that you use on somewhat level valley areas?
200-250 ft?
FEMA Firmettes - Type of Leveling
I had a whole detailed response typed up, and internet explorer hiccuped, and I lost it.
I use GPS mostly to transfer elevations to my site, with an L1/L2 unit on the benchmark, and another L1/L2 unit on a site TBM. I usually have one PM3 on a secondary site TBM. If I have another benchmark nearby, I will set my second PM3 on the second benchmark. I use OPUS as a check.
If I am close enough to a benchmark, and have a helper with me, I will run in the elevation with the auto level. I generally keep my turns to 200' or less.
I am just now beginning to use the remote elevation feature on my data collector. It is a handy tool.
If I am by myself, I am mostly solo, I will run a level loop around the structure using my Topcon laser level. I keep it calibrated/adjusted, and can regularly close a small loop 0.02'. I have spot checked the elevations, and I am generally within 0.02-0.03 when I check with the auto level.
Jimmy
