IMAGES Act of 2025
The IMAGES Act of 2025 would overhaul how the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) creates, formats, and shares flood risk maps. Key changes include adding planimetric features (like roads and building footprints) to rate maps with parcel data and, where possible, the addresses of those features; updating map formats to align with the National Spatial Reference System (NSRS) 2022 and standard GIS protocols; and requiring improved stream flow networks in coordination with the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) to improve real-time data and coverage in high-risk areas. The bill also creates a public geospatial data repository on FEMA’s website that provides access to raw data, flood risk information, models, and related products, and requires maps and data to be kept current on a regular 5-year basis. In addition, it imposes qualifications-based contracting for mapping-related work and dedicates a new funding stream—5% of NFIP revenue each quarter—for elevation data creation and maintenance.
Key Points
- 1Inclusion of planimetric features in rate maps: rate maps must now include planimetric features (e.g., roads, structure footprints, rivers) with parcel identification data and, where feasible, addresses of the features.
- 2Updated format and standards for rate maps: rate maps must be updated to conform with NSRS 2022 and follow established GIS protocols, with specific deadlines tied to NSRS completion.
- 3Strengthened stream flow networks: the Administrator must work with USGS to ensure stream gage stations are modern, densify the network in high-risk areas, reactivate inactive critical stations, and speed up real-time data feeds.
- 4Public geospatial data repository: FEMA must host a national geospatial data repository providing access to raw data, flood risk information, models (including Hazus analyses), structure footprints when available, flood depth grids, hazard mitigation plans, and other flood risk products, with data accessible at multiple levels of detail, including the property level.
- 5Funding and contracting requirements: new funding provision allocates 5% of NFIP revenue each fiscal quarter to create or maintain current NFIP rate maps; contracts for program management, architectural/engineering, and surveying/mapping must use qualifications-based selection procedures, with alignment to state licensing where applicable.