ABSTRACT
Vulnerability can be conceptualised as a three-dimensional space that comprises of susceptibility, exposure and resilience. These components are pertinent in enhancing our understanding of how physical and social systems react and are integral to successful Flood Risk Management. The emergence of ‘Big Data’ provides a unique opportunity to understand the vulnerability of our systems on a deeper level. This paper provides preliminary insights into the applicability of Big Data in FRM through a mixed-methods approach that considers three components of vulnerability. We highlight that Big Data can be useful when applied to top-down and bottom-up strategies alike to understand the interplay between exposure, susceptibility and resilience and their implications in better protecting our social system. Overall, this paper aims to further the discussion on the integration of top-down and bottom-up FRM strategies and interdependence of scales of vulnerability to flooding.
