Vulnerability Mapping
Definition
Vulnerability mapping visualizes how sensitive people, ecosystems, or infrastructure are to hazards by combining exposure with susceptibility and adaptive capacity. Typical inputs include demographics, health, building type, infrastructure redundancy, environmental conditions, and access to resources. Maps should report both composite indices and their components to avoid opaque ‘black box’ scores. Uncertainty and validation against outcomes are critical for credibility.
Application
Cities prioritize heat relief and flood adaptation; health agencies stage vaccination and outreach; utilities harden weak nodes; and NGOs target resources for disasters or climate impacts.
FAQ
How do you avoid double-counting correlated indicators?
Use factor analysis or correlation screening, normalize variables, and test sensitivity of the index to weights; publish the methodology.
What spatial scale is appropriate for privacy and actionability?
Census block groups or similar units balance privacy with local relevance; finer scales risk re-identification and unstable estimates.
How should communities be engaged in indicator design?
Co-create indicators that reflect lived experience, review preliminary maps in workshops, and refine variables before finalizing.
What validation approaches increase trust?
Compare with historical impact data (e.g., flood claims, heat illness), conduct out-of-sample checks, and document mismatches openly.