Course Overview

The goal of this course is to help you become proficient at using the SDE 3.0 Tool. At the conclusion of this course, you will be able to:

Install and navigate the Substantial Damage Estimator (SDE) Tool 3.0 user interface.
Use the SDE Tool 3.0 to collect, store, manage, and review data from residential and non-residential substantial damage assessments.
Generate SDE reports or export SDE data in formats appropriate for the situation.

This course is divided into 6 lessons. Each lesson has an instruction component and a review component.

The instruction component explains specific aspects of the SDE 3.0 Tool, and most include an activity in which you practice what was covered in the instruction.
The review component of each lesson presents learning checks and hands-on activities using the SDE 3.0 Tool to demonstrate that you mastered the lesson objectives.

IMPORTANT: Both the SDE Tool 3.0 and User Manual are required to complete this course.

IMPORTANT: This course includes mandatory hands-on activities which require establishing a sample database. If you have a current database on your computer, export that database to a backup file. Do not import your original database back to the SDE 3.0 tool until after you have completed this course. Instructions for backing up a database are included in the user’s manual.

IMPORTANT: If you are installing SDE 3.0 on a computer which already has a previous version of the SDE Tool installed, back up all SDE data using the export function and uninstall the previous version of SDE before installing SDE 3.0.

Course Overview

This course assumes you have already installed the SDE Tool 3.0 on your computer. If you have not, do so now. Installation instructions and system requirements are documented in the SDE Read Me - SDE 3.0 Tool Installation Guide, available at: https://www.www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/2020-07/sde_read_me_-_SDE_3.0_Tool_Installation_Guide.pdf

Completing Knowledge Checks

At times during a lesson, there will be a Knowledge Check activity to review one of the concepts from the lesson. Instructions will appear at the top of the screen explaining how to complete the activity.

After you select the Check button, feedback on your answer selection will appear in a dialog box. To close the dialog box window, select the X in the top right corner of the dialog box or the close link in the bottom left corner.

Try the sample Knowledge Check question below.

Receiving Credit

Students must complete the entire course and pass the final exam to receive credit for the course. Each lesson takes a variable amount of time to complete. If you are unable to complete the course in its entirety, you may close the window and reopen the course at any time. However, depending on the system used to take the course, it is possible you may have to repeat a portion of the last lesson you were studying.

Lesson Summary

This completes this lesson.

In this lesson you learned:

What this course is about
How to complete this course
How to receive credit for this course

Lesson 2 Overview

This lesson introduces the benefits and limitations of the SDE 3.0 Tool, as well as the general layout of the tool, including the main menu and toolbar.

After completing this lesson, you will be able to:

Recognize the different navigation options on the main menu and main toolbar.

Introduction to the Substantial Damage Estimator 3.0 Tool

The Substantial Damage Estimator (SDE) 3.0 Tool was developed by FEMA to assist State and community officials in developing reasonable estimates of Substantial Damage to residential and non-residential structures, in accordance with National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) requirements. Structure data needed to make a determination are identified and stored within the tool, and can be exported into different report formats for use during the Substantial Damage estimation process.

The lists below summarize the benefits and limitations of the SDE Tool:

Benefits	Limitations
Formalized, organized approach for estimating Substantial Damage. Reasonable and defensible structure-specific values and damage estimates. Demonstration of compliance with NFIP requirements. Structure-specific summary reports can be included with Substantial Damage determination letters to structure owners. Summary reports can be used in support of the Increased Cost of Compliance (ICC) claims.	No exact values for the element percent damaged. Determinations of Substantial Damage depend on local officials.

Using the SDE 3.0 Tool for the First Time

The first time the SDE 3.0 Tool is run on a computer, the Database Information window will appear, helping you to select the database type and name the database.

There are two options in the drop-down menu for Select Database Type. They are:

Stand Alone—With this option, only users of the host computer where the SDE 3.0 Tool is installed have access to the SDE database.
Client/Server—Use this option to allow multiple users to access the same SDE database once they map their network drive from their computer to the network location where the database is stored.

After selecting the type of database a name should be created for the database.

Using the SDE 3.0 Tool for the First Time

IMPORTANT: The selection of the database type can only be made when opening the SDE 3.0 Tool for the first time.

To change this selection, export your current SDE database to a file, uninstall the SDE 3.0 Tool from the computer, reinstall the SDE 3.0 Tool to the computer, open the SDE 3.0 Tool, select the new database type, and import the SDE database from the file (see lesson 4).

This course was designed for use in the Stand Alone option; however you can take this course using the SDE 3.0 Tool in any of these database types.

SDE 3.0 Main Menu

The Main Menu has 12 elements, arranged into a toolbar and three sections:

Main Toolbar (1)
Access Data: View/Search All Records (2), Bulk Editor (3), Enter Default Data (4), Add New Property (5), Add New Residential Assessment (6), Add New Non-Residential Assessment (7)
Reports, Imports/Exports, and Geofiles: Saved Enterprise Import Mappings (8), Import/Export Functions (9), View Reports (10), Generate GeoFile (11)
Resources: User Manual and Web References (12)

This lesson will discuss each element.

SDE 3.0 Main Toolbar

The main toolbar is available at the top of every screen within the SDE 3.0 Tool, providing constant access to all menu-specific operations. Additionally, users may select "Main Menu" at any time to navigate back to the Main Menu itself.

The Main Toolbar has seven options:

File
Tools
Custom Fields
Database Functions
Import/Export
Reports
Help

SDE 3.0 Main Toolbar: Options

This table shows the options available in each drop-down menu on the SDE 3.0 Main Toolbar.


Menu	Options
File	Add new property; Add new residential assessment; Add new non-residential assessment; Access and open recent assessments; Save the current assessment; Access the Main Menu; View or search all records; Exit the tool
Tools	Turn the latitude/longitude validation function on or off; SDE Notes; User preferences
Custom Fields	Add, edit, or delete custom fields
Database Functions	Update database name; Bulk editor; Enter or edit default data; Set or reset server database location; Search and replace; Delete all SDE data
Import/Export	Import SDE data; Export SDE data; Enterprise import of property data; Export SDE data to Excel; Saved Enterprise Import mappings; Generate GeoFile; Import or export latitude/longitude coordinate data; Import or export user settings
Reports	Community Report; Structure and Percent Damage Report; Summary Report
Help	Access the online SDE 3.0 User Manual

Access Data (1 of 2)

View/Search All Records: This function allows the user to view or search all records or assessments within the tool based on selected filters for the search. Users can also open a record or assessment to edit or add data. This function is also located on the Main Toolbar under File > View/Search.
Bulk Editor: This function allows the user to edit and save multiple assessments within the tool based on selected filters. It is also located on the Main Toolbar under Database Functions > Bulk Editor.
Enter Default Data: This function allows the user to create or edit default data values that can quickly be applied to records and assessments. It is also located on the Main Toolbar under Database Functions > Enter Default Data.

Access Data (2 of 2)

Add New Property: Allows the user to create a new property. Also located on the Main Toolbar under File > Add New Property.
Add New Residential Assessment: Allows the user to add a residential assessment to an existing property. Also located on the Main Toolbar under File > Add New Residential Assessment.
Add New Non-Residential Assessment: Allows the user to add a non-residential assessment to an existing property. Also located on the Main Toolbar under File > Add New Non-Residential Assessment.

Note

Records vs. Assessments

Records refer to property data entered into the tool before adding the data collected in the field. A record is only a partial assessment.

Assessments refer to one or more records for a single structure which include property and data collected in the field. An "assessment" is a complete entry and therefore can be used for a Substantial Damage determination.

Reports, Imports/Exports, and Geofiles (1 of 2)

Saved Enterprise Import Mappings: Users can create or edit multiple import mappings to be used in the Enterprise Import Setting within the tool. This function is also accessible from the Main Toolbar under Import/Export > Saved Enterprise Import Mappings.
Import/Export Functions: These functions allow the user to import and export SDE data, select import and export user settings, perform an enterprise import, and export files to Excel. They are also accessible from the Main Toolbar under Import/Export.

Reports, Imports/Exports, and GeoFiles (2 of 2)

View Reports: This function allows the user to generate fixed, pre-defined Community, Structure & Percent Damaged, and Summary Reports for assessments in the SDE database. These options are also available on the Main Toolbar under Reports.
Generate Geofile: This function is also available on the Main Toolbar under Import/Export > Generate Geofile.

Resources

User Manual: This function launches a PDF of the SDE 3.0 User Manual and Field Workbook. It is also available on the Main Toolbar under Help, or by pressing F1.
Web References: This function launches the fema.gov website, where the user can search for additional references. It is also available on the Main Toolbar under Help.

Lesson 2 Summary

This lesson presented an overview of the SDE 3.0 tool and its functions.

In this lesson, you learned how to:

Navigate the Access Data, Reports, Imports/Exports, Geofiles, and Resources sections on the Main Menu
Navigate the dropdown menu options on the Main Toolbar

Lesson 3 Overview

This lesson covers importing and entering information into the database to establish a property record and create an assessment.

After completing this lesson you will be able to:

Identify the steps in creating residential and non-residential assessments.
Identify the ways to import data and options for working with default data.

SDE 3.0 Database

The SDE 3.0 tool database stores records of both residential and non-residential properties and any assessments that have been conducted on those properties.

Property records must exist before an assessment can be conducted. If a property record does not already exist on a property being assessed, you must create a property record for the structure by entering basic property data at the same time the assessment is being conducted.

Note

Reminder:

There is a difference between records and assessments within SDE 3.0:

Records involve property data (address, owner, etc.) entered prior to the addition of field collected data.
Assessments include field-collected data (damage to structure elements) for a single structure for use in a Substantial Damage determination.

Adding Information to a Database

SDE 3.0 includes several options for adding information to the database. You may:

Create a new property record and then create a new assessment
Create a new property record and assessment simultaneously
Importing existing SDE data
Performing an enterprise import of other property data such as tax information, appraisal data, or latitude and longitude coordinate data

Import SDE Data

View the steps to import SDE data into the SDE 3.0 tool by reviewing the slideshow below. Use the arrows to navigate through the images. Note: You may need to scroll to view captions.

Import SDE Data

Select Import/Export Functions on the SDE Main Menu.
Select Import SDE Data on the window that appears.
Select the Select Directory button to open the Browse for Folder window to select a directory for the location of the files.
Select the root folder to import data from all the subfolders.
Select OK.

Assessments will be listed as rows in the table shown on the Import SDE Data screen, and you may then select individual assessments, by checking the box next to each desired property or assessment, or selecting the Check All box.

Finally, select Import to import all selected files.

Screenshot of Import SDE Data screen with sample data loaded. Import button is highlighted.

Enterprise Import of Non-SDE Data

View the steps to perform an enterprise import of non-SDE data into the SDE 3.0 tool by reviewing the slideshow below. Use the arrows to navigate through the images. Note: You may need to scroll to view captions.

Enterprise Import of Non-SDE Data

This import function can only import data from tables saved in Microsoft Excel (.xls, .xlsx) format or comma-separated value (.csv) formats.

Select Import/Export Functions on the SDE Main Menu.
Select Enterprise Import on the window that appears.
Select the Get File button to browse and select the appropriate file from the directory.
Confirm the name of the sheet where your data is stored, and select the button to format your Excel sheet.
Once you have finished answering questions about the file selected for import, you will be prompted to select the button labeled "Use table above to map the data".

Scroll down to view the sections and fields available to map. Mapping your data involves identifying a relationship between the data fields in the import file to the corresponding data fields in the SDE Tool. Each field that will be imported must be tied to a specific SDE data field.

Finally, select Import Data to complete the process.

Screenshot of Enterprise Import screen. To use "Enterprise Import", please select a file. Get File (3). Please set these options for MS Excel import: Enter the existing name of the sheet from the selected file. Sheet name: Sheet. Click here to format your Excel sheet (4) Sample data is shown in a table. At bottom: Click to use table above to map data (5)

Screenshot of Map Your Data section of Enterprise Import screen with directions and column mappings partially visible. Refer to appendix for full text.

Partial screenshot of Enterprise Data import screen showing Import Data button highlighted (5).

Adding Default Data

The SDE 3.0 Tool allows users to establish default data for new assessments created in the tool. These fields include elements of address or structure information, cost information, inspector or damage information, and NFIP or Community-Specific information.

Using default data allows users to reduce typographic and consistency errors, as well as reduce the total amount of data the user must enter for each new assessment. Unfortunately, this function cannot be used on imported records and assessments.

Add New Property

To begin a new assessment, a record must be present in the database. To create a record, select Add New Property and enter detailed property data in the Property Details screen. This screen will prompt for information about the structure location and type, and NFIP information such as the community ID number, FIRM panel number, and base flood elevation (BFE).

Opening or Establishing an Assessment

Selecting the View/Search All Records option from the SDE 3.0 tool main menu, or from the main toolbar under File > View/Search takes you to a screen which allows you to view all property records and associated assessments, and search for specific records or assessments by setting filtering options.

From this screen, you can select the property record you wish to view, which opens a window with details and four options for working with the record:

View/Edit Property Info
Delete Property
View/Edit Assessment Info
Delete Assessment

For properties with no associated assessments, select the checkbox labeled Properties Only to show only records without assessments.

Tip

Viewing Recent Assessments

Users can also view the most recent assessments by selecting File > Recent Assessments from the main toolbar.

Creating a New Assessment - Search

Once a property has been added to the database, you may either select Add New Residential Assessment from the Main Menu, or File > Add New Residential Assessment from the Main Toolbar. Both options will open a screen where you may search all properties in the database to find the property for which you wish to enter assessment data. In SDE 3.0, this screen has been updated with search features that can be accessed by by right-clicking on the column header for any of the columns.

After you have identified the property for which you wish to enter a new assessment, you can select the checkbox in the lower left-hand corner to preload this record using default values. Note that you may still overwrite any of these pre-populated fields if necessary.

Creating a New Assessment - Entering Data

Six tabs are available within the SDE Tool for entering assessment data. The first four tabs contain fields for key information:

Address
Structure/Damage/NFIP Info
Cost
Element Percentages

The fifth tab provides the results of the Substantial Damage determination, plus options for determining Substantial Damage with other methods:

Output Summary

The sixth tab provides an interface for capturing or uploading photos or documents to the assessment:

Photos

Note

Previous Assessments

If a property record with a previous assessment already exists in the database, the results of that assessment will be shown as a read-only summary of the previously-collected data.

Add New Non-Residential Assessment

The process to create a new non-residential assessment is nearly identical, but some of the fields for data entry may be different, such as those under the Structure/Damage/NFIP tab. This is because the SDE Tool considers the design and building materials used to build the structures, not their stated use or appearance. For example, small businesses located in structures that were originally built and used as single-family homes, are still considered residential structures based on the design and construction materials. For more information, refer to Section 3.10 in the SDE User Manual.

A table shows information about residential vs. non-residential assessments.


Residential Assessments	Non-Residential Assessments
Single-family, stud-framed structures Row or town houses, duplexes Manufactured houses	Non-residential structures such as office buildings, factories, schools, hospitals, etc. Apartment buildings Condominiums with single-floor units above or below*

* NOTE: Condominiums with multiple floors, but without separate units above or below, should be evaluated as a town house and data should be entered using a residential assessment form.

Required Data Fields for All Assessments

Key data fields are required to save a valid assessment. The table below specifies which fields are required or suggested.


Required or Suggested	Field	Color of Pushpin or Error Message
Required to Save an Assessment	NFIP CID Date of Assessment (i.e., inspection date) Residential-specific: Residence Type Number of Stories (1, 2, or more) Non-Residential-specific: Number of Stories (1, 2-4, 5 or more) Structure Use	Red
Required to Save a Valid Assessment (same fields for residential and non-residential assessments)	Elevation of Lowest Floor Latitude and Longitude Year of Construction Quality (initial construction) Date Damage Occurred Cause of Damage FIRM Panel Number Date of FIRM Panel FIRM Flood Zone BFE Regulatory Floodway Base Cost per Square Foot Depreciation Rating Depreciation Explanation (if manual depreciation value is entered)	Yellow
Suggested (same fields for residential and non-residential assessments)	Building Owner Name and Address Information Owner Mailing Address Inspector Name and Phone Number	Green

Review Activity

This lesson includes an activity which you will complete using the SDE 3.0 tool installed on your computer.

The activity includes instructions and all data necessary to practice what you learned in this lesson.

You may download the activity by clicking this link.

Once you have completed the activity, return to this course and advance to the review section for this lesson to assess your understanding of the material.

Lesson 3 Summary

This lesson covered importing and entering information into the database to establish a property record and create an assessment.

In this lesson, you learned how to:

Import SDE data, import non-SDE data, and add default data to a database
Add property records, residential and non-residential assessments, and how to search for entered records

Lesson 4 Overview

This lesson covers the steps for deleting, editing and reviewing assessments, and exporting data in the SDE 3.0 Tool.

After completing this lesson you will be able to:

Identify how to edit data and complete a Quality Assurance review.
Identify the steps to export SDE data in different formats.

Importing/Exporting Data

The Reports, Imports/Exports, and Geofiles section of the SDE 3.0 tool has the following options:

Saved Enterprise Import Mappings
Import/Export Functions
View Reports
Generate Geofile

Lesson 3 reviewed the steps to import data and view or search SDE records. The following screens will discuss exporting data, generating Geofiles, and saving enterprise import mappings.

Tip

If users have access to pre-existing databases of property data, these databases can often be easily adapted for import into the SDE 3.0 tool. Check with your Assessor, GIS, E911 or other departments for existing property data.

Export Files to Excel

View the steps to export SDE data to an Excel (.xls) file by reviewing the slideshow below. Use the arrows to navigate through the images. Note: You may need to scroll to view captions.

Export Files to Excel

The Export Files to Excel function allows you to export all of the data located in the tool to an Excel (.xls) file.

Select Import/Export functions from the SDE Main Menu.
Select Export to Excel on the screen that appears. This option is also available on the Main Toolbar under Import/Export > Export to Excel.
A window opens that shows all records in the database. Use the filtering options on the column headers to sort, group, or filter specific records for export.
Select Export, and then select the folder where the assessments are to be saved. A window will appear to confirm the export.

Screenshot of SDE Tool showing 1) Import/Export Functions highlighted, and 2) Export Files to Excel option highlighted in the "Select the option you would like to use" screen.

Screenshot of SDE Tool showing Export Data to Excel screen with 3) Structure Type column sort options menu showing Blanks, Non blanks, Non-residential, and Residential selected; and 4) Export button highlighted. Other columns: Parcel, Lot, First Floor Elevation, NFIP Community ID, NFIP Community Name, Latitude, Longitude, Structure Owner First Name, Structure Owner Last Name.

Export SDE Data

View the steps to export tool data to a SDE file by reviewing the slideshow below. Use the arrows to navigate through the images. Note: You may need to scroll to view captions.

Export SDE Data

The Export SDE Data function allows you to export all the data located in the tool to an SDE file.

Select Import/Export functions from the SDE Main Menu.
Select Export SDE Data on the screen that appears. This option is also available on the Main Toolbar under Import/Export > Export SDE Data.
A window opens that allows the user to filter and select the SDE data for export. Enter filter information to view specific assessments for export, or select Both to view all assessments in the database, and then select Filter.
Select individual assessments, or select all assessments, to be exported, and then select Export.
Select the folder where the assessments are to be saved. A window will appear to confirm the export.

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Screenshot of SDE Tool Main Menu showing 1) Import/Export Functions highlighted, and 2) Export SDE Data option highlighted on "Select the option you would like to use" screen.

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Screenshot of SDE Tool showing filter options in upper left and 3) Filter button highlighted; Select boxes checked in record rows and 4) Export Filtered Data button highlighted; and 5) OK button highlighted on Browse for Folder window.

Generating a Geo Reference (GeoRef) File

If GPS (global positioning system) or GIS (geographic information system) coordinates are associated with a structure record, the SDE 3.0 Tool is able to generate a KMZ (.kmz) file that can be used for geographic annotation by a geospatial image viewer. A KMZ file is a compressed version of a KML (Keyhole Markup Language) file. To begin the process, select Generate GeoFile from the SDE Main Menu, or select Import/Export > Generate Geofile on the Main Toolbar.

Generate GeoRef File

The "Generate Geo Reference File" window opens. Select each property you wish to export. Note that sorting and filtering options are available on the column headers.
Select Generate GeoFile, and then select the location where you wish to save the file.

KMZ files can be viewed with Google Earth or Google Maps, among other applications.

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Screenshot of SDE Tool showing Generate Geo Reference File screen with 1) properties selected for export and 2) Generate GeoFile button highlighted.

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Saving Enterprise Import Mappings

This function allows users to create, edit, or save column mappings for future non-SDE data imports. This feature is intended to speed up the Enterprise Import process, especially when multiple imports of data with the same types and formats.

Screenshot of SDE Tool showing steps to save enterprise import mapping settings. Refer to appendix for full text.

From the SDE Main Menu, select Saved Enterprise Import Mappings, or Import/Export > Saved Enterprise Import Mappings from the Main Toolbar.

Enter a name to create a new enterprise import setting, OR select the name of an existing setting you wish to edit.
The name of the mapping setting currently in use will appear in this field.
Enter column names from import data to match the column names of the existing SDE Tool data fields. If necessary, select the appropriate parsing.
Once you have finished mapping the data, select Save Current Settings to save your work. If necessary, select Clear All Values or Delete Current Settings to either clear or delete mapped data.

Once this process is complete, these settings may be used at each new import of non-SDE data.

Select this link for a full description of the image.

Export User Settings

SDE Tool 3.0 users may export (or import) their user settings as a JSON (.json) file, which is a format commonly used for structured data. These settings include default data, enterprise import mappings, or user notes. To access this function, select Import/Export Functions from the SDE Main Menu, and then select Import/Export User Settings, or select Import/Export > Import/Export User Settings from the SDE Main Toolbar.

On the window that appears, select the settings you wish to export. If the setting has no value, it will be not available for export. Then, select the location where you wish to save the file.

Screenshot of SDE Tool showing Import/Export User Settings window. Please select settings to Import/Export (settings not found will be disabled): Enterprise Import Settings, Default Values, Notes (disabled), Select All. Buttons: Clear All, Export, Select File to Import, Cancel.

Reviewing Databases - Bulk Editor

To edit data for current assessments in the SDE Database, use the Bulk Editing function to edit all data fields for as many assessments as needed from a single view. Edits can be done by typing over the current data, or by copy/pasting new data into the field. Two points to note:

Edits must be made one at a time, on a field-by-field basis.
Some cells are not available for editing in the Bulk Editor, and will be greyed out.

The Bulk Editing function may be used to perform a basic Quality Assurance (QA) review on SDE data, by using the sorting and filtering functions on each column header to check for common data errors.

Tip

Given the number of data fields in the SDE Tool, not all fields are displayed as columns in the Bulk Editor. To review these fields, export the database to an Excel file and review data in that format.

Reviewing Databases - Search and Replace

The Search and Replace function allows the user to perform a simple search and replace for a single text field in any record. This function only works for text fields, and only works on the specified text field. It can be accessed from the Main Toolbar by selecting Database Functions > Search and Replace.

To perform a Search and Replace:

Select the field to search.
Enter the text to search for.
Enter the revised text for replacement.
Select Search and Replace, or Cancel.

Search and Replace window in SDE Tool. This is a simple "Search and Replace" feature that scans the property and assessment data within the tool. It will replace all values that match the new value specified below. Fields: Select Field (1); Search For (2); Replace With (3). Buttons: Search and Replace, Cancel (4).

Reviewing Databases - QA Reviews

The table below describes some common data entry errors that can be identified and corrected with the Bulk Editor function.


Category	Element
Missing	Required data Elevation Zip Codes Cause of damage for a valid assessment Depth of flood above lowest floor Regulatory floodway
Inconsistent	Street names Inspector name Cause of damage for a valid assessment Base cost per square foot Flood information suffix, community, effective date, flood zone
Obviously Incorrect	NFIP CID NFIP Community Name Inspection date or date damage occurred Square footage Contact information Depth of flood above lowest floor Geographic adjustment or depreciation rating

Tip

The reviews listed above are only a basic check for common errors. More detailed reviews can be completed by exporting the entire SDE database to Excel format to facilitate a more detailed review. Additional review steps are listed in the SDE 3.0 User Manual (August 2017), on pages 3-60 through 3-61.

Review Activity

This lesson includes an activity which you will complete using the SDE 3.0 tool installed on your computer.

The activity includes instructions and all data necessary to practice what you learned in this lesson.

You may download the activity by clicking this link

Once you have completed the activity, return to this course and advance to the review section for this lesson to assess your understanding of the material.

Lesson 4 Summary

This lesson covered the steps for deleting, editing and reviewing assessments, and exporting data in the SDE 3.0 Tool.

In this lesson you learned how to:

Complete a Quality Assurance review of SDE data by looking for common errors or inconsistencies
Edit assessments or property records using the Bulk Editor and Search and Replace functions
Export SDE data as an Excel file, SDE file, or Geofile as needed

Lesson 5 Overview

This lesson covers the three primary types of reports the SDE 3.0 tool can generate, and the various options available in each report type.

After completing this lesson you will be able to:

Identify the three primary and one secondary report types.
Identify steps to generate reports from the SDE Tool.

Creating Reports from the Main Menu

The View Reports section of the SDE 3.0 tool main menu shows the following options for creating reports:

Community Report
Structure and Percent Damage Report
Summary Report

These options are also available in the SDE main toolbar, under Reports. When the reports are opened within the tool, users have the option to either view or print the reports for all assessments in the inventory or for specific assessments using one or more of the available report filter criteria.

SDE Report Types and Contents

The table below summarizes the three primary, and one secondary, report types and contents.


Report Type	Contents
Community Reports	All residential structures All non-residential structures All structures (both residential and non-residential)
Structure & Percent Damaged Reports	All residential structures All non-residential structures All structures (both residential and non-residential)
Summary Reports by Structure (from Main Menu)	One-page summary reports for either all residential or non-residential structures
Individual Structure Summary Reports (from the Assessment Record)	Summary Report (one-page) Detailed Report (five-page)

Community Report

A Community Report provides summary information on an entire community, including the Basis for Value of Structure, Basis for Cost of Repairs, and Computed ACV of the structure. To generate this report, select Community Report from the View Reports function of the SDE Main Menu. Note that if no filters are selected, the tool will display all records.

If necessary, use the filtering options to search for:

Structure types
Inspection dates
Percent damaged minimums and maximums
Specific values in select SDE data fields

Options to export or print the report are shown as icons at the top of the report window.

Screenshot of SDE Community Report. Refer to appendix for full text of image.

Select this link for a full description of the image.

Note

Report Sharing

The Community Report should not be shared with structure owners, because the report contains Substantial Damage data on all structures in the SDE inventory. Individual structure SDE data should not be shared with anyone but the structure owner or a designated representative.

Structure and Percent Damage Report

A Structure and Percent Damage Report provides structure and damage information on properties in a community. To generate this report, select Structure and Percent Damage Report from the View Reports function of the SDE Main Menu. Note that if no filters are selected, the tool will display all records.

If necessary, use the filtering options to search for:

Structure types
Inspection dates
Percent damaged minimums and maximums
Specific values in select SDE data fields

Options to export or print the report are shown as icons at the top of the report window.

Screenshot of the Structure and Percent Damage Report window in SDE 3.0 Tool. Refer to appendix for full text.

Select this link for a full description of the image.

Note

Report Sharing

The Structure & Percent Damaged Report should not be shared with structure owners, because the report contains Substantial Damage data on all structures in the SDE inventory. Individual structure SDE data should not be shared with anyone but the structure owner or a designated representative.

Summary Report

A Summary Report provides a one-page summary of each structure within the community database. To generate this report, select Summary Report from the View Reports function of the SDE Main Menu.

If necessary, use the filtering options to search for:

Structure types
Inspection dates
Percent damaged minimums and maximums
Specific values in select SDE data fields

Options to save or print the report are shown as icons at the top of the report window.

Screenshot of Summary Report window in SDE 3.0 Tool. Refer to appendix for full text.

Select this link for a full description of the image.

Tip

You may also view the Summary Report for an individual assessment by selecting Print Summary Report from the upper right-hand corner of the assessment record screen.

Generating Reports from the Assessment Record

The five-page Individual Structure Detailed Report contains all data entered into the SDE database for an individual structure. This report can only be accessed by searching for and viewing the record for a specific structural assessment.

In the upper right-hand corner of the assessment record, select Print Detailed Report.
The Report Viewer window opens to display the five-page Detailed Report, including options for printing or exporting the report.

Screenshot of Detailed Report for individual structure in SDE 3.0 Tool. Refer to appendix for full text.

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Note

Both the individual Summary Report and Detailed Structure Report are intended to be shared with the respective structure owners or their representatives. Among other benefits, these reports can be used as support for ICC claims by structure owners, and support permit applications for structure repair.

Review Activity

This lesson includes an activity which you will complete using the SDE 3.0 tool installed on your computer.

The activity includes instructions and all data necessary to practice what you learned in this lesson.

You may download the activity by clicking this link

Once you have completed the activity, return to this course and advance to the review section for this lesson. There you will be asked several questions based on the activity.

Lesson 5 Summary

This lesson covered the three primary types of reports the SDE 3.0 tool can generate, and the various options available in each report type.

In this lesson you learned:

How to generate a Community Report, a Structure and Percent Damage Report, and a Summary Report from the Main Menu or Main Toolbar
How to generate a Detailed Report from the Assessment Record for an individual structure
Which reports can and cannot be shared with property owners

Lesson 6 Overview

This lesson introduces best practices for the SDE Tool.

After completing this lesson you will be able to:

Locate resources and best practices for the SDE Tool.

This lesson will also review and summarize the course content.

SDE Resources

FEMA maintains a repository of documents to support the SDE 3.0 Tool, available online at: https://www.fema.gov/emergency-managers/risk-management/building-science/substantial-damage-estimator-tool

These resources include:

Paper worksheets for Residential and Non-residential damage inspections
Sample photo logs for field photos
Checklists for post-disaster planning and field operations
Sample letters for notices of determination

Additional training on substantial damage estimation is available in the one-day course E0285: Providing Post-Disaster Substantial Damage Technical Assistance to Communities. More details on this course are available at: https://www.firstrespondertraining.gov/frt/npccatalog?courseId=2085#anc-search-results

Best Practices

FEMA has identified a series of best practices for using the SDE 3.0 tool. These best practices cover planning data collection, field work, and data management.

The Substantial Damage Estimator Best Practices document is available online at: https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/2020-07/SDE_Best_Practices.pdf

Topics covered in the guide include best practices for planning for data collection, field work best practices, and recommended Quality Assurance reviews.

Troubleshooting

Technical assistance with SDE tool is available through the Mitigation Division Director of the FEMA regional office for your state.

To download a list of regional offices, click this link

Review: Lessons 1, 2, and 3

Lesson 1 presented the course goals and introduced you to different features and functionality of the independent study course structure.

Review: Lesson 2

Lesson 2 introduced the benefits and limitations of the SDE 3.0 Tool, as well as the general layout of the tool, including the main menu and toolbar.

In this lesson, you learned how to:

Navigate the Access Data, Reports, Imports/Exports, Geofiles, and Resources sections on the Main Menu
Navigate the dropdown menu options on the Main Toolbar

Review: Lesson 3

Lesson 3 covered importing and entering information into the database to establish a property record and create an assessment.

In this lesson, you learned how to:

Import SDE data, import non-SDE data, and add default data to a database
Add property records, residential and non-residential assessments, and how to search for entered records

Review: Lesson 4

Lesson 4 covered the steps for deleting, editing and reviewing assessments, and exporting data in the SDE 3.0 tool.

In this lesson you learned how to:

Complete a Quality Assurance review of SDE data by looking for common errors or inconsistencies
Edit assessments or property records using the Bulk Editor and Search and Replace functions
Export SDE data as an Excel file, SDE file, or Geofile as needed

Review: Lesson 5

Lesson 5 covered the three primary types of reports the SDE 3.0 tool can generate, and the various options available in each report type.

In this lesson you learned:

How to generate a Community Report, a Structure and Percent Damage Report, and a Summary Report from the Main Menu or Main Toolbar
How to generate a Detailed Report from the Assessment Record for an individual structure
Which reports can and cannot be shared with property owners

Review: Lesson 6

Lesson 6 reviewed resources, best practices, and troubleshooting for the SDE 30 tool.

Lesson Summary

This completes the final lesson in this course.

In this lesson you learned how to:

Locate resources for the SDE Tool.
Recognize where to find best practices for the SDE Tool.