Tools

Virginia Oyster Productivity Information Tool (2021)

This tool has nine information cards with visual maps, graphics and mini-reports about the oyster aquaculture industry.  A map viewer displays most of the data layers discussed in the mini-reports. Studies of oyster productivity and management boundaries helped determine where opportunity for aquaculture expansion exists in Virginia without generating new or added conflict with other users and sensitive habitats. (webpage) (tool)

Can I grow oysters or restore an oyster reef at my location?
What’s the difference between public Baylor Grounds and private leases?

AdaptVA

A web portal (single-point of access) for evidence-based planning for everyone engaged in climate adaptation.  AdaptVA focuses on the physical and social vulnerabilities by integrating the best available science, legal guidance, and planning strategies through the use of interactive map viewers, story maps and policy guides.  (more information) (webpage)

What financial incentives are there to help coastal communities? 
What are the social characteristics (poor, elderly, etc) in flood prone areas? 
What is Virginia's policy on stormwater management?

Sea-Level Report Cards

Our report cards have 3 components: the 2050 projection, recent trends in the rates of sea-level change, and an explanation of the processes affecting sea level at each of 32 localities along the U.S. East, Gulf, and West coasts.  They will be updated by VIMS each year as annual tide-gauge data become available.  (webpage) (also available in "forecasts" on AdaptVA.org)

How will sea level change in the next decade?
What are the long-term processes that affect sea level?
How does predicted sea-level rise in Norfolk, VA compare to Key West, FL?

Locality Road Flood Tool (2021)

An interactive map for incorporating current and future road flooding into locality planning efforts. This tool shows how flood frequency will change over time and which additional areas will be inaccessible during the time of the flooding because some portion of their road network is underwater. (webpage) (tool).  (The locality road tool was built to be used on a desktop computer, it will not work correctly on a cell-phone)

Will it be hard for emergency services to access this property during storm flooding? 
How frequently will flooding impact access to this property in 20 years?

Virginia Flood Risk Information System (VFRIS)

Maps of floodplains used by the National Flood Insurance Program. These maps are based on current/historic conditions and do not consider sea level rise potential along a shoreline.  Helps communities, real estate agents, property buyers, and property owners understand an area's flood risk. (webpage) (tool) (also available in "tools" on AdaptVA.org)

Should I consider getting flood insurance? 
Is my house in an area that is likely to flood during the 100-year storm?

Tidewatch Map

Water level forecasts shift with the tides by the hour.  This tool makes it easier to visualize and time impacts to roads, properties, and structures over the next 36 hours based on current tidal and storm-surge conditions. (webpage) (tool) (also available in "forecasts" on AdaptVA.org)

Will the road to my house be flooded tomorrow at high tide? 
At what time should I expect coastal flooding near me?

Virginia Coastal Resources Tool (2022)

A map viewer and three dashboards display shoreline conditions throughout coastal Virginia based on the latest shoreline and tidal marsh inventory.  The Virginia Coastal Viewer map layers include shoreline structures, tidal marshes, submerged aquatic vegetation, sea level rise scenarios, and different base maps.   The Shoreline Inventory Dashboards combine a map with summary statistics by locality or river system, while the  Shoreline Management Model Dashboard displays shoreline best management practices based on characteristics at the time of the analysis. (interactive tool)

Virginia's Coastal Zone Locality Portals

General and locality specific shoreline management guidance for all coastal zone localities. This is a gateway to current and historic shoreline management information, including interactive mapping tools, shoreline and tidal marsh inventory reports, sea-level rise and flooding information, GIS data for downloading, and other locality-specific VIMS shoreline publications. (webpage) (locality portals)

How many miles of shoreline are in my county?
What VIMS shoreline publications are available for where I live?

Self-Guided Decision Tools (2020)

Interactive (Shoreline Decision Support Tool) and static decision trees that lead users through questions about shoreline conditions to help choose the most effective erosion control strategy based on surrounding shoreline conditions. (webpage/static trees) (interactive tool) (more information is available in your locality's CCRMP)

Will a living shoreline work on my property to control erosion?
My bulkhead is failing, what should I replace it with?

Elizabeth River Environmental Justice Tool (2021)

This tool was developed in collaboration with The Elizabeth River Project for the siting of initiatives within the Elizabeth River Watershed, Virginia.  It allows planners to deliberately focus on equity for historically marginalized communities within the Elizabeth River Watershed.  Combining social and environmental data sets, the EREJT is an environmental justice resource that can be used across disciplines to address racial disparities while addressing critical environmental issues impacting the communities. (tool)

What areas would benefit the most (socially and by reducing heat island effects) from additional tree planting and greenspace creation?

Which socially vulnerable communities may be exposed to toxins from nearby superfund sites as sea level rises?