Mapping Flood Vulnerability with Geo-Emotional Data: A Bio-Resilience Pathway for Savannah, GA
Faculty Mentor
Jennifer Bailey
Location
Russell Union Ballroom
Type of Research
Proposed
Session Format
Poster Presentation
College
College of Science & Mathematics
Department
Biology
Abstract
Climate-driven flooding increases environmental and public health risks in coastal urban communities, particularly in historically underserved areas. This study examines how physical flood exposure diverges from lived community experience in Savannah, Georgia, by analyzing multiple data sources. The analysis combines FEMA 100-year flood statistics, GIS-based flood mapping, 311 service requests, infiltration and inflow (I&I) data, Vac-Truck worker testimony, and geo-emotional community surveys. Together, these datasets reveal gaps between modeled flood risk, infrastructure performance, and resident-reported stress, safety, and recovery challenges. Results demonstrate uneven vulnerability linked to infrastructure age, land use, and socioeconomic conditions that are not captured by flood models alone. This Bio-Resilience pathway translates combined quantitative and qualitative evidence into actionable insights for environmental health, public health planning, and climate resilience decision-making in coastal cities.
Program Description
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Start Date
4-23-2026 10:00 AM
End Date
4-23-2026 12:00 PM
Recommended Citation
Rankin, Madison, "Mapping Flood Vulnerability with Geo-Emotional Data: A Bio-Resilience Pathway for Savannah, GA" (2026). GS4 Student Scholars Symposium. 15.
https://digitalcommons.georgiasouthern.edu/research_symposium/2026/2026/15
Mapping Flood Vulnerability with Geo-Emotional Data: A Bio-Resilience Pathway for Savannah, GA
Russell Union Ballroom
Climate-driven flooding increases environmental and public health risks in coastal urban communities, particularly in historically underserved areas. This study examines how physical flood exposure diverges from lived community experience in Savannah, Georgia, by analyzing multiple data sources. The analysis combines FEMA 100-year flood statistics, GIS-based flood mapping, 311 service requests, infiltration and inflow (I&I) data, Vac-Truck worker testimony, and geo-emotional community surveys. Together, these datasets reveal gaps between modeled flood risk, infrastructure performance, and resident-reported stress, safety, and recovery challenges. Results demonstrate uneven vulnerability linked to infrastructure age, land use, and socioeconomic conditions that are not captured by flood models alone. This Bio-Resilience pathway translates combined quantitative and qualitative evidence into actionable insights for environmental health, public health planning, and climate resilience decision-making in coastal cities.
