How do I read a SlopeScout Elevation Analysis report?

A SlopeScout Elevation Analysis report provides key information to help you evaluate the slope and elevation of a property.

Understanding each section of the report will allow you to make informed decisions about terrain-related risks. Below is a breakdown of how to read the most important sections of a SlopeScout report.

In this article, you'll find answers to these questions:

• Report summary
• Terrain: Slope Map
• Building Elevation Percent Slope
• Additional Information

Report summary

At the top of the report, you'll find basic information, including:

• Report Date: The date the report was generated.

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Terrain: Slope Map

On the left side of the report, you'll find the selected building's footprint, the A-B and C-D bounding box axes, and a map illustrating the area's slope degree. 

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Building Elevation Percent Slope

This section reports the percent slope from different points around the property:

• A-Building Edge, C-Building Edge, B-Building Edge, D-Building Edge: These values represent the slope percentage from one side of the building to another. These values help identify how steep the terrain is surrounding the building. A higher slope percentage may indicate potential challenges such as erosion or drainage issues.
• Elevation Over Distance
  • The report includes elevation graphs, showing changes in elevation over the distance selected by the bounding box (the dark blue portion of the graph line indicates the building footprint). Two graphs, labeled Elevation Over Distance: A-B and Elevation Over Distance: C-D, represent elevation variations between different points:
    • Distance (Feet): The horizontal axis shows the distance measured in feet.
    • Elevation (Feet): The vertical axis displays the elevation level, giving you a clear view of how the terrain rises or falls.
  • These graphs allow you to visualize how the property’s elevation shifts across the landscape, which can be crucial in understanding flood risks or structural concerns for buildings on a slope.

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Additional Information

The Additional Information section covers various risk factors related to the property’s geological and environmental surroundings. This section may include:

• MMI (Modified Mercalli Index): An earthquake's intensity, as measured by the MMI, tells you the strength of shaking at a specific location, not just the epicenter, as measured by the effects on people, structures, and the natural environment. Learn more about MMI.
• Lahar Presence: A lahar is defined as a type of mudflow typically caused by the melting of snow and/or glaciers during a volcanic eruption, affecting low lying areas in close proximity to volcanoes. Learn more about lahars. 
• Soil Type: Different types of soil result in different levels of earthquake impact, amplifying or reducing seismic waves. Learn more about soil type. 
• Liquefaction Susceptibility: Soil liquefaction occurs when soil becomes saturated with water, losing its solidity and behaving like a liquid, increasing the impact of earthquakes. Learn more about liquefaction.
• Tsunami Risk: Determines whether a given property falls within a known tsunami inundation area. Learn more about tsunami risk and inundation maps.
• Distance to Fault: The proximity of the property to a known fault line, which may indicate seismic risks.
• FEMA Flood Zone Designation: Whether the property is located in a FEMA-designated flood zone.

Each of these factors plays an essential role in determining the risks associated with the terrain of a property.

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A SlopeScout Elevation Analysis report is an invaluable resource for assessing slope-related risks. By analyzing the elevation data and additional environmental information, you can gain deeper insights into the potential challenges of a given property.

For assistance with interpreting your report or further details, please contact Customer Service.