| Hurricane Graphics and Experts Available For Hurricane Ike |
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AUSTIN, Texas, September 12, 2008 - The CoreLogic Corporation (NYSE: FAF), America's largest provider of business information, announced today that its CoreLogic Spatial Solutions (FASS) business unit has storm surge maps of Texas. CoreLogic's Storm Surge maps illustrate what could happen to the coastline if Hurricane Ike were to hit as a Cat 2 or a Cat 3 hurricane. Additionally, CoreLogic has experts that can address the potential effects of the storm surge of Hurricane Ike to the Texas coastline as well as properties affected by surge and what percentage those properties represent for affected counties.
To get images or schedule a meeting, please contact: Erin Hanley at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it (512) 638-5309 or (512) 450-8231 Emily Schmidt at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it (512) 638-5318 or (337) 344-1816.
About the images: CoreLogic's storm surge maps show the zones that have the highest risk of being affected by the storm surge. CoreLogic's surge zones are generated for the worst case scenario for each category of storm, e.g. high tide, hurricane hitting perpendicular to the coast and property location on the right (on-shore wind) side of the eye. CoreLogic hazard scientists have developed a comprehensive computer model that outputs maximum storm-surge water elevations using offshore and onshore variables, storm heights derived from past hurricanes, and simulations using 1000's of hurricane paths. It generates detailed polygons defining five surge-risk zones, from low to extreme. Extreme risk would be areas inundated all hurricanes (CAT 1- CAT 5) while low risk areas are the furthest inland, have the lowest frequency of occurrence and require a powerful storm to push coastal water great distance from the coast (CAT 5 hurricanes). The maps take two types of variables into consideration: 1. Offshore variables - A hurricane's wind and forward speeds both contribute to its power. The angle at which it strikes the shore is also critical; the more perpendicular the track is to the shore, the greater the surge produced. The tidal stage also must be considered; the storm surge is essentially added onto the tide height. Finally, near-shore water depth and topography greatly affects the surge height, with shallower water intensifying the surge. 2. Onshore variables - Barriers, both natural and man-made, serve as deterrents to the surge. Finally, the elevation of a property is crucial in determining its risk of inundation.
About Experts: Dr. Howard Botts, Vice President and Director of Database Development for CoreLogic With over 30 years experience in spatial database development, computer cartography and Geographic Information Systems, Botts is responsible for leading and overseeing CoreLogic's team of GIS professionals responsible for developing and maintaining hazard databases for the insurance industry. In addition to his role as VP, Botts is a professor of Geography at the University of Wisconsin - Whitewater and a recognized leader in applied business geographics. He has been published extensively and has made numerous presentations to business and professional organizations on a variety of topics including hazard database development, new approaches to rating territory creation and assignment, and automating risk assignment in underwriting. Botts holds a Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts degree in Geography from California State University-Northridge, and received a PhD in Geography from the University of Wisconsin.
Dr. Thomas Jeffery is an Assistant Professor teaching courses in Cartography, Remote Sensing, and GIS at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater and consults for CoreLogic's geospatial development teams. As a nationally known expert on brushfires, Dr. Jeffery became involved in brushfire modeling in the late 1990s at the University of Nebraska, Lincoln at the Center for Advanced Land Management and Information Technology (CALMIT), where he obtained his doctorate in Geography. Dr. Jeffery was a key developer of CoreLogic's Brushfire analytical model.
About CoreLogic The CoreLogic Corporation (NYSE: FAF) is a FORTUNE 500 company that traces its history to 1889. With revenues of approximately $8.2 billion in 2007, it is America's largest provider of business information. CoreLogic combines advanced analytics with its vast data resources to supply businesses and consumer with valuable information products to support the major economic events of people's lives, such as getting a job, renting an apartment, buying a car or house, securing a mortgage and opening or buying a business. The CoreLogic Family of Companies, many of which command leading market share positions in their respective industries, operate within five primary business segments including: Title Insurance and Services, Specialty Insurance, Information and Outsourcing Solutions, Data and Analytic Solutions and Risk Mitigation and Business Solutions. More information about the company and an archive of its press releases can be found at www.firstam.com.
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Media Contact: David Rogers Carrie Gaska
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| Last Updated on Friday, 30 January 2009 15:36 |