Mapping is another technique that enables communities to visualise the hazards or threats, vulnerabilities and capacities in the community. Map the vulnerabilities and capacities identified in various methods. A few options are described below: general mapping, transect walk and consolidating information into the Resilience Star.  

Exposure and vulnerability mapping

Tool: Mapping

Depending on the context, you can:

• Combine all the hazards or threats into one map.

• Prepare separate maps per hazard or threat.

• Overlay transparent paper onto a map of the community, with one sheet per hazard or threat.

​

Also map infrastructure such as health clinics, schools and houses that are vulnerable, as well as mapping out the location of resources and services that are capacities within the community (e.g., shops and businesses, clinics, schools, and markets). Maps facilitate communication and stimulate discussion. They help people to understand complex spatial relationships and allow visual comparison of information.

Geographic vulnerability (exposure): Maps can be used to identify geographic vulnerability or exposure to hazards, such as areas in a flood zone or areas most prone to virus outbreaks.  

​

Definition: People, property, systems or other elements present in hazard zones that are subject to potential losses. As shown in the diagram, it does not matter whether the two houses are well‑built or poorly built; if they are in the same location when the waters rise, they are equally exposed to flood risk. Houses located 
outside of the flood zone have lower exposure.

Identify whether highly vulnerable people are living in high and medium exposed areas and, if so, where. Identify other elements that are exposed that might have been missed earlier (e.g., open water sources, location of livelihoods activities, health facilities, etc.). You can mark these using different colours.
An analysis of the different geographically vulnerable (exposed) areas is critical when compiling information on the assessment in the Resilience Star and when planning risk reduction actions. Remember, for certain hazards, interventions will be most effective if they are carried out in the highly exposed zone. For example, the highly exposed zone in the diagram above is where people live in the flood plain next to the river. Focusing risk reduction interventions in this area - such as drain construction or repair, community clean‑up of drains, and advocacy to government for stricter building codes on flood zones - can ensure that those closest to the flood plain, with highest exposure to flooding, have a reduced risk of exposure to future floods.