Catch the King Toolkit

In general, mapping is best during the 1-hour window before and 1-hour window after peak high tide during an amplified high tide or king tide event.

These dates are predicted by our VIMS research partner and compiled into a tidal flooding calendar.

You can map any (or multiple) days during the “Wet Run” and Catch the King tide event. We may support additional mapping identified on the calendar.

Some volunteers and Tide Captains are provided extra permissions in the app to create events outside of these more predictable timeframes (e.g. coastal storms). If you are interested in mapping more, please reach out!

During the 1-hour window before and 1-hour window after peak high tide during an amplified high tide or king tide event.

Discover when peak high tide is near you on any of the following recommended resources:

• NOAA’s Tide Prediction Stations Map

  • Follow these instructions for help navigating the website.

• National Weather Service’s Water Level Forecasts

• MARACOOS Oceans Map

Mappers are welcome to create their own plan and collect data at sites of their own choosing! Choose what is accessible, safe, and fun for you. Use the 2017-2025 Catch the King map to see where volunteers have mapped in the past. You can also use the Trouble Spots tab in the app (or on desktop here) to see where people have reported flooding. Hampton Roads Planning District Commission’s roadway flooding sensors are also potential spots - viewable in a greater network here.

You are not restricted to these spots only. From shorelines and roads, to neighborhood storm drains, mapping can be done anywhere that is tidally influenced and water extends beyond “normal” conditions.

For example:

• A local park or boat ramp

• City storm drains in accessible, low traffic areas

• Neighborhood creeks, parks, or wetlands

• Your private shoreline property

Coming later this summer will be a list of publicly accessible sites and map for those who want more structured guidance.

REMINDER: Map at your own risk - stay safe, smart, and vigilant while near flood waters! Do not map on private property without explicit permission from the property owner.

There’s a bit of preparation you need to do before you get to this step. Be sure to look at the Toolkit resources to get you ready to do this!

Follow the steps outlined in the step-by-step tutorial guide.

You can also follow along with the August 2025 General Training recording.

That there are risks to mapping in or around flood waters. Your safety is our first concern and should be prioritized. Please participate at your own risk! Wetlands Watch and Catch the King partners are not accountable for any injury or loss that may occur while you are participating. Wear appropriate clothing for being outside and by water, including waterproof shoes. You may consider a waterproof covering for your phone. Check the weather before heading out and always be aware of your surroundings. Remember, you do not need to walk in tide waters to map, only around it!

Mapping with others is encouraged! Bring your friends and the whole family. Not only for safety reasons, but for science!

Repeated mapping (known as replication) is helpful for our VIMS research partner:

• Mapping side-by-side with others helps improve the credibility in data. Different phone models and service providers result in varying GPS coordinates and accuracy measurements.

• Repeated mapping in the same spot over multiple days of the event improves credibility and helps us understand the extent of flooding since predicted tides vary in heights.