Data Viz: A Hurricane of Information

Copyright

2017

Published Date

09/05/2017

Published By

Community Commons

While rain was still falling in Texas, hurricane-related data was inundating the country. From maps of flood zones and high water marks to chemical hazards and aid organizations, one thing is certain – maps and real-time data have facilitated faster responses to people in need, disaster relief efforts, and overall emergency management.

It’s been inspiring to see the breadth and depth of information sharing in response to Hurricane Harvey. Maps are being used to identify areas of greatest danger – like chemical plants and infectious disease labs, locate individuals in need when 911/phone systems fail, and map relief resources – like flood shelters and food distribution centers. Below you will find some of our favorite maps, including a few where the data are being crowdsourced – a data collection method that has proven itself extraordinarily useful in disaster situations where communications, transportation, and information sharing can be stymied by the ongoing hazardous conditions.

A Map of Chemical Facilities and Power Plants in the Houston, TX Area

Catholic Charities Social Vulnerability Index Map.

Harvey Relief Map

U-Flood Open Street Map

ESRI Before and After Event Imagery

ESRI Social Vulnerability Maps