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Spatial approach for assessing vulnerability to urban flooding: a proposal for a multidimensional index

Author

Listed:
  • Ana Noemí Gomez Vaca

    (University of Girona)

  • Lucía Alexandra Popartan

    (University of Girona)

  • Sergi Nuss-Girona

    (University of Girona
    University of Girona)

  • Ignasi Rodríguez-Roda

    (University of Girona)

Abstract

This study introduces a methodology for evaluating vulnerability to urban flooding across different dimensions, by employing spatial data analysis. The methodology consists of four steps: (1) selection of indicators that reflect the vulnerability of an urban area, (2) normalization of the data for each selected indicator across all dimensions, (3) assignment of weights for each indicator and dimension, and (4) mapping and classification using spatial analysis, resulting in a grid. This study proposes a comprehensive list of 36 potential indicators for quantifying vulnerability, with each indicator falling under one of the four dimensions (social, economic, environmental, and physical) and three components of vulnerability (exposure, susceptibility, and resilience), which are part of Step 1. Additionally, the methodology is complemented by a data generation and spatial analysis technique for Step 4. The proposed methodology can serve planners and policymakers to make objective decisions, based on vulnerability quantification through index for long-term vulnerability to flooding, considering each dimension separately, as well as integrating with each other, using a multidimensional and spatial representation of flood risk vulnerability.

Suggested Citation

  • Ana Noemí Gomez Vaca & Lucía Alexandra Popartan & Sergi Nuss-Girona & Ignasi Rodríguez-Roda, 2025. "Spatial approach for assessing vulnerability to urban flooding: a proposal for a multidimensional index," Natural Hazards: Journal of the International Society for the Prevention and Mitigation of Natural Hazards, Springer;International Society for the Prevention and Mitigation of Natural Hazards, vol. 121(14), pages 16799-16825, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:nathaz:v:121:y:2025:i:14:d:10.1007_s11069-025-07451-5
    DOI: 10.1007/s11069-025-07451-5
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