Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Google Maps of Sea Level Rises

Global Flood Map


According to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), sea levels have been rising about 3 mm per year since 1993 – totalling a 200 mm increase (7.87 inches) in global averaged sea level since 1870.

This Google Map mashup shows how the world will look if it is effected by sea level rises. Unlike other sea-level rise maps that we have seen built on Google Maps this map lets you enter your own levels of rise to see its effect on the world.

Users can enter a number of inches and the map will show what areas would be flooded or at risk and the left side bar displays the number of people likely to be flooded. Major cities are displayed on the map with small circular markers. Clicking on the markers gives the current elevation, elevation after sea level rise, and the number and percentage of people losing homes.

Other Sea Level Maps
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7 comments:

  1. Anonymous12:51 PM

    Does not work for Cape Cod MA. Figures are reversed and you are subtracting from current sea level not adding....

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  2. When sea level rises that means the height of your area as measured from sea level will decrease. Which as you put it appears to "subtract" from your area's elevation.

    We checked Cape Cod and the measurements are preforming as expected.

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  3. Anonymous8:49 AM

    Excellent tool, thanks! Amazing to think that even a scary, unrealistic increase of 50 m doesn't change the shape of the world too much, its just that most of our important cities are right on the cost.
    Thanks for making this map. :)
    My house is safe until we get to 40 m!
    Don't get me wrong though, even an increase of 1 m will be devestating.

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  4. Anonymous12:45 PM

    My house is safe until 40 metres, but at 50 metres my house is surrounded!

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  5. Trying to find a map or numbers showing real sea level rises round the world. eg measured in such as UK, UAS, South Africa, Japan etc. And no, its not the same all over the world

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  6. Anonymous2:26 PM

    Why isn't any of the maps (except the one showing cities as dots) show the northern area of scandinavia, russia and canada (i live in northern norway)

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  7. Anonymous11:16 AM

    What about showing the impact on the rise of precipitation in valleys and rivers and dams? I haven't seen that on any maps.

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