What does this Map Show?

The various neighborhoods throughout Houston experienced different inundation (flood depth) levels during Hurricane Harvey in August 2017. This map displays the inundation level per region during the storm, but keep in mind that the recorded inundation level does not always determine damage rates. This interactive map allows the user to learn more by zooming into a desired neighborhood, and revealing detailed information about the region, including population growth by block group since 2000 and announced land development changes by 2045. These land use changes are divided by residential areas that are growing (increasing the number of housing units), areas that were originally vacant (including farmland) that developers are planning to convert into residences, and the building of commercial and industrial infrastructure on vacant land.

Why is this important?

Experts continue to point to accelerated development and climate change as two of the main reasons why Harvey's effects were so severe. The increased construction of residential and commercial spaces over wetlands and prairies that are important for absorbing water and diminishing the effects of flooding has led to more property damage than previous flooding events. Developers are also continuing to build and sell houses to new residents in highly flood-prone areas, resulting in an increased number of displaced people after hurricanes.

This map looks closely at small-scale growth occurring throughout Harris County, and examines how developers are planning to change the city by 2045, sometimes in areas that are highly susceptible to floods.

Limitations and Future Goals

The goals of this project are to monitor the ways in which small-scale development throughout the city of Houston may play a role in the amplified effects of flooding on the city's residents. Due to the scope of this project and data made available, the project does not seek to act as an official guide to flood-causing factors and cannot answer the question of why certain areas are more flood-prone. Instead, this map provides viewers with a glimpse into a rapidly growing city and its relationship with tropical storms. Development plans are likely to change from those included in this project, as these plans were last updated in 2015. As Houston recovers from Harvey, it is unknown whether developers will refrain from building on flood-prone areas or if new residents will be less likely to buy homes in these neighborhoods. A further exploration into a number of other factors that may have contributed to the estimated damage will help to build a better picture of Houston's ability to prepare for another flood.

Data Included in the Project

Inundation Depth by neighborhood
Damage Assessment by FEMA
Announced Land Use Changes 2045 through the Houston-Galveston Area Council (H-GAC)
Population Change 2000-2010, 2010-2012, 2012-2017

Interested in Learning More?

Propublica Report on Houston Flooding with Emphasis on Cypress Neighborhood
Harris County Flood Control District(HCFCD) Flood Education Mapping Tool
Houston Interactive Maps by Houston Community Data Connections (HCDC)
The Houston Chronicle on the Dangers of Development
ProPublica and the Texas Tribune on Why Houston isn't Ready for the Next Hurricane
Reveal Podcast on Houston and Hurricanes