Why is an updated exposure database critical for climate and disaster risk assessment?
An updated exposure database ensures that all types of people and property are included in climate and disaster assessments (CDRA).
- Population of different ages, sexes and income classes in every barangay are counted.
- Potential impacts of climate change and disasters are considered for all forms of property, both government- and private-owned.
- An updated exposure database helps planners prioritize people and property that have higher vulnerability to hazards and have been impacted greatly by past disasters.
How can an LGU maintain an updated exposure database?
If an LGU has no existing exposure database, it can start with the following resources.
- Extract exposure data from OpenStreetMap using QGIS
- Add spatial identifiers (e.g., lat-long coordinates) to existing spreadsheets and lists of data (e.g., the Community-based Monitoring System, Civil Registry, Business Registration database)
- Register with GeoMapperPH to start collecting exposure database.
If an LGU has an existing GIS database of any form, it can be updated regularly using the following strategies.
- Integrate all spreadsheets and lists of the LGU into the GIS database, starting with business registration data and household surveys.
- Categorize people and property into the 5 categories of exposure units prescribed the DHSUD.
- Add prescribed attributes of the DHSUD to the existing GIS-based files (e.g., shapefiles).
- Share the GIS database with other local offices, designating the Local Planning and Development Office as Technical Secretariat and Database Lead.
How can we organize our exposure database better?
The DHSUD prescribes that exposure databases contain these five categories:
- population
- urban use areas
- natural resource-based production areas
- critical point facilities
- lifeline utilities