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Mapping where rivers meet people: usability and accuracy of flood maps in rural Vermont
Bezanson, Noah
Bezanson, Noah
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2025
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Abstract
In July 2023, severe flooding impacted the northeastern United States. Rural Ludlow, Vermont, was hit with over six inches of rain in less than 48 hours and is still recovering. Flood hazard maps are a commonly used tool in determining the risk level faced by specific areas before floods like this one. In this context, this research has been designed to address the following research question: What challenges and opportunities exist with respect to the usability and accuracy of current flood hazard maps? To answer this question, this study uses a mixed methods approach including interviews, community mapping, and site visits. Preliminary results indicate that flood map accuracy and usability are issues of concern for research participants, including impacted residents, community organizers, and local and state officials, who highlighted ongoing erosion, infrequent map updating, and other concerns. Impacted community members, in particular, noted challenges distinguishing between the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s National Flood Hazard Layer and the River Corridor maps developed by the State of Vermont. They also had difficulty effectively navigating websites and getting questions answered. As climate change causes flooding across the country to become more common and more severe, it is crucial to better understand how users interact with available flood prediction resources to make appropriate decisions regarding flooding issues. These decisions may have implications for the design and development of maps and additional tools. This study also shows that the accuracy of the flood maps must be improved in order for residents to trust their predictions. Flood maps do not currently reflect the experiences of community members, and are underutilized partially for this reason. The findings from this research reveal both ways to improve the current maps and criteria for the development of future flood hazard maps.
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