What issue did the older format of Flood Boundary and Floodway Maps have?

The concern regarding the white areas on older Flood Boundary and Floodway Maps, which resembled a C Zone outside the floodplain, relates to the potential for public misunderstanding and improper land use decisions. In these maps, the white areas typically indicated zones where flood hazards were less defined or considered minimal. However, this could lead to confusion among property owners, developers, and local officials, resulting in decisions made under the assumption that those areas were completely safe from flooding, when in reality they could still be at risk during significant flood events.

The appearance of these white areas similar to a C Zone might have suggested an absence of flood risk, which was misleading. It is crucial for communities to have accurate information regarding flood zones to ensure proper planning, risk management, and compliance with floodplain management regulations. This awareness is vital for effective floodplain management and for minimizing flood damage and risk to life.

The other options do not capture the primary organizational and interpretive issue with the maps. The definition of floodways and labeling of zones are important for accurate and effective floodplain management but were less central to the confusion caused by the representation of the white areas in context.