Which statement best describes the purpose of vulnerability mapping in urban planning?

• A. Creating zoning boundaries for new developments.
• B. Assessing water resource availability.
• C. Identifying parts of a neighborhood at risk from sea-level rise or urban heat.
• D. Measuring current traffic volume.

Answer: (C)

Vulnerability mapping in urban planning is about spotting which parts of a neighborhood are most exposed to hazards and least able to cope, so planners can tailor resilience actions. By layering information on hazards (like sea-level rise, flooding, or extreme heat) with where people and critical assets live and how vulnerable those groups are, these maps highlight risk hotspots. That targeted view supports decisions on where to invest in protective infrastructure, cooling centers, green and low-emission design, flood defenses, or retrofits, and where to adjust land use or services to reduce future harm.

The option describing identifying areas at risk from sea-level rise or urban heat fits this purpose precisely because it centers on recognizing risk hotspots and guiding adaptation. In contrast, creating zoning boundaries is about land-use organization, not assessing vulnerability; assessing water resource availability focuses on supply rather than hazard exposure; measuring current traffic volume concerns transportation demand, not vulnerability to environmental risks.