The Vulnerability Mapping Analysis Platform (VMAP) turns complex socio-demographic, environmental, and medical data into applied tools for emergency and crisis management decision makers by utilizing the most appropriate scientific methods. Let VMAP help you measure and visualize disaster losses and human impacts through the lens of evidenced based vulnerability analysis.


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Research to Practice

Recent SoVI Publications

Recent SoVI Publications


The Center For Public Integrity - One Disaster Away

The Center For Public Integrity - One Disaster Away

October 28, 2019
How Our Data Can Help You Dig Into Disasters
For most of 2019, we’ve been investigating natural disasters, particularly those that science shows are intensified by the planet’s warming. We now have data you can use as a guide to look for impacts...

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VMAP Version 2 - New Release!

VMAP Version 2 - New Release!

May 2019
Our newest version of the Social Vulnerability Mapping Tool has just been released! In VMAP-v2, users are now able to produce tract level SoVI® maps, reports, images, shapefiles, and factor score data files for multiple areas of interest including: State, County, City, Congressional District, and Watershed or a user defined region. Depending on your planning needs, the mapping tool now provides three unique analysis packages: Premier, Advanced, and Basic. Package samples are available to preview prior to purchasing. Single state reports for census year 2015 or older are still being provided at no cost.

Create an account or log in, to try the all new Social Vulnerability Mapping Tool today!
 

Research Counts - Helping Those Most in Need First

Research Counts - Helping Those Most in Need First

November 2017
While emergency managers at all levels have shown an interest in identifying vulnerable populations before and after disasters, the ability to systematically measure or monitor social vulnerability—the differential disaster impacts on social groups based on pre-event social conditions and capacities to adequately prepare for, respond to, and recover from disruptive events—across a range of places has been lacking.

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Hurricane Harvey and Equitable Recovery

Hurricane Harvey and Equitable Recovery

October 2017
Dr. Christopher Emrich, with the University of Central Florida, partnered with the Hazards & Vulnerability Research Institute at the University of South Carolina, and OXFAM America to map the social vulnerability and impact of Hurricane Harvey in Texas.

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CBC Canada - Puerto Rico Disaster

CBC Canada - Puerto Rico Disaster

October 2017
One week after being pummelled by Hurricane Maria the island is struggling to recover.

Listen to the Ottawa Morning Radio Report

 

Emrich Warned for Irma

Emrich Warned for Irma

September 2017
University of Central Florida Professor of Environmental Science & Public Administration – and hurricane expert – Christopher Emrich interviewed with Knight News Wednesday on the impact of Irma on Central Florida.

Emrich on Knights News

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Intersection with Brendan Burn

Intersection with Brendan Burn

September 2017
Millions of Floridians were without power in the wake of Hurricane Irma. Crews at utility companies across the state worked feverishly to get customers back up and running, but some may remain without power for weeks to come.

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CBC Canada - The Early Edition

CBC Canada - The Early Edition

September 2017
Dr Bhardwaj, Ad guy, SFU clansmen, neighbourhood pools, Uber and the Green Party, mansion tax, Reconcile This, Rob Shaw on NDP positions, Liberal leader candidate Michael Lee

Listen to The Early Edition Radio Report

 

Emrich Intersections with Matthew Peddie

Emrich Intersections with Matthew Peddie

October 2016
Christopher Emrich is studying the impact of Hurricane Matthew. He explains why in 2016, more than a decade on from the 2004 hurricane season, the power grid is still vulnerable to big storms.

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Introducing the Social Vulnerability Index (SoVI)

Introducing the Social Vulnerability Index (SoVI)

September 2014
Dr. Christopher T. Emrich, PhD and Peter Georgantopoulos, PhD (c)

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Spatial Hazard Events and Losses Database for the United States

SHELDUS

Looking for statistics on natural hazard events and losses?

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Mapping Tools

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Vulnerability Mapping Tools...

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Social

VMAP allows registered/logged in users to create tract level SoVI® maps at the State, County, City, Congressional District, and Watershed level or as a user defined region.

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Medical

Future versions of VMAP will support identification of communities with inherent medical vulnerability to disasters.

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Environmental

Future versions of VMAP will provide a scaled down version of the Environmental Vulnerability Index for the natural environment developed by SOPAC, UNEP, and their partners. This index will provide insight into the processes that can negatively influence sustainable development.

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