Harnessing big data to support vulnerable communities
- Devra Schwartz
- Jan 31
- 1 min read
Updated: Feb 15
Big data is a game-changer when it comes to supporting underserved communities, especially in the face of natural disasters. Tools like the CDC Social Vulnerability Index can help emergency managers and policymakers quickly assess how vulnerable a community is to disasters, providing an easy-to-use resource for planning and preparedness. This index takes into account factors like income, housing, and access to healthcare, ensuring that at-risk communities are prioritized.
The U.S. Census Bureau’s Equity Tool takes it a step further by integrating data on recent and current natural disasters, making it an invaluable asset during response and recovery. Emergency managers can use this tool to visualize which communities are most affected, ensuring that resources are allocated where they’re needed most.
What’s exciting is that both of these tools are part of the broader movement to democratize GIS, making big data accessible to non-GIS professionals. This democratization allows more people to make data-informed decisions, empowering them to take action based on real-time insights, whether they’re planning for future risks or responding to ongoing crises.
By combining the power of big data and easy-to-use GIS tools, we can create more effective, equitable responses that support the most vulnerable communities before, during, and after disasters.
