Project Type: Independent GIS Portfolio Project
Tools Used: ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online, Excel, Census TIGER/Line Data
Data Sources: FEMA Flood Map Service Center, US Census Bureau, Harris County Open Data Portal
Date: 2025

Project Overview

Flooding is one of the most significant and recurring natural hazards in Southeast Texas. As a GIS student with a background in geosciences, I created this project to explore how geospatial analysis can be used to identify areas of flood risk intersecting with vulnerable infrastructure and population density.

The goal of this project was to simulate the type of spatial analysis commonly used by local governments, emergency planners, and environmental organizations—while strengthening my technical GIS skills and spatial reasoning.

Key Maps & Visualizations

Map 1: FEMA Flood Zones & Population Density

Choropleth map showing population density by census tract overlaid with FEMA Special Flood Hazard Areas.

Insight:
Highly populated tracts along bayous and low-lying regions show a strong overlap with high-risk flood zones, highlighting potential evacuation and emergency response challenges.

Map 2: Critical Infrastructure in Flood-Prone Areas

Point map of hospitals and fire stations intersecting FEMA flood zones.

Insight:
Several emergency facilities are located within or adjacent to flood-prone areas, which could impact response times during major storm events.

Map 3: Composite Flood Vulnerability Index

Weighted overlay combining flood risk, population density, and infrastructure proximity.

Insight:
This composite visualization helps prioritize areas that may benefit from targeted mitigation planning or infrastructure investment.