Mapping urban socio-economic vulnerability related to heat risk: A grid-based assessment framework by combing the geospatial big data

Heat-related risk due to climate change increases the socio-economic vulnerability in the metropolitan area worldwide. Although many studies have conducted on heat associated vulnerability assessment at various scales, a holistic grid-based framework with the available, multi-source geospatial data remains undetermined. This paper describes an effective method for assessing the socio-economic vulnerability related to heat risk at gird scale by using census data, remote sensing and point of interest (POI) data. The integrated Socio-Economic Vulnerability Index (SEVI) is constructed by considering three dimensions of the demographic vulnerability (DVI), economic vulnerability (EVI) and infrastructure vulnerability (IVI) based on Sensitivity-Exposure-Adaptive capacity framework. A total number of 4807 grids in Hangzhou city of China is involved in the vulnerability analysis. The Monte Carlo method is subsequently employed to quantify the sensitivity of assessing result. Further, we examine the regional spatial heterogeneity and clustering of vulnerability in urban area. The results reveal that all vulnerability index (DVI, EVI, IVI, and SEVI) demonstrate a similar spatial pattern, and the high vulnerability grids are concentrated in urban center. Sensitivity analysis exhibit that the vegetation coverage and availability of medical resources are the key influencing factors that cause a greater variability in SEVI values. In the context of urban grid management, this study contributes new method on identifying the spatial heterogeneity of vulnerability associated with heat stress, which can provide more targeted spatial information to decision makers for optimizing local urban heat vulnerability management strategies. • A grid-based urban socio-economic vulnerability index was proposed and validated. • Multi-source geospatial data was integrated into analyzing process. • Urban center areas of Hangzhou are subject to the highest vulnerability associated with heat stress. • Spatial patterns of three vulnerability dimensions are consistent with each other. • Sensitivity analysis indicates urban green space and medical service supply are critical vulnerability reduction strategies.