Socioeconomic Resources
The Erosion Vulnerability Tool (EVA) identified socioeconomic features and their vulnerability to erosion based on their geographic relationship to the 50-year planning window. Various external datasets are combined into three major socioeconomic categories for the assessment of vulnerability: Land use and Zoning, Community Services and Structures, and Transportation Networks. Within the EVA Tool, these are represented as separate layers under a categorical heading of Socioeconomic Vulnerability.
Since local governments and state agencies value lands, property, and social infrastructure differently, it was determined that ranking the degree of vulnerability would generate a planning tool that was restrictive in its utility. Therefore, the analysis for socioeconomic resources merely identifies where the resources intersect the 50-year planning window. The anticipated expectation is that these resources, many of which are static, may be severely compromised in the coming years due to erosion.
Land Use and Zoning features focus considers the following classification: open space/natural areas, developed/cultural lands, and agriculture. The open space/natural areas category includes the following data layers: county parks, private conservation properties, forest legacy easements, MD environmental trust easements, and land use corresponding to open space and natural areas, such as forest and bare ground, among others. The developed/cultural lands category includes historic resources (MD inventory of historic properties, MD historic trust easements, National Register of historic places), general zoning, as well as land use defined as commercial, industrial, institutional, low-density residential, medium-density residential, high-density residential, and transportation. The identification of these areas with respect to the planning window can help to prioritize coastal restoration projects, identify possible areas for conservation, and provide planning and zoning guidance to expanding waterfront communities.
The Community Services/Structures features include attributes such as: Buildings (fire stations, hospitals, police stations, and schools) and Wastewater Treatment Plants (municipal and industrial).
Transportation Network includes interstates, highways, major roads, as well as minor roads. The identification of these socioeconomic indicators at risk attempts to better understand the trade-offs in diverse management options. Segments wholly or partially within the 50-year planning window are identified in the EVA tool. These represent sections of transportation networks that could experience overwash, undermining, destruction, and flooding during erosion events
List of items in the attribute table: