Project Description
As a key hub in Vietnam’s Mekong Delta, Can Tho City plays a central role in regional infrastructure and economic connectivity but is increasingly vulnerable to urban flooding, sea level rise, and unplanned urbanization. To address these challenges, the Can Tho Urban Development and Resilience Project was launched with support from the World Bank and GFDRR. As part of this, the Open Data for Resilience Initiative (OpenDRI) implemented a community mapping project to strengthen the city’s capacity for climate resilience and disaster risk planning. Using participatory tools like OpenStreetMap (OSM), the project generated essential geospatial data to support inclusive and evidence-based urban planning.
Objectives and Outcomes
The project developed a comprehensive spatial database of roads, drainage, flood-prone areas, vulnerable populations, markets, and more—empowering local government, universities, and civil society. It established a mapping lab and trained stakeholders in GIS and data management, fostering a self-sustaining mapping community in Can Tho. The four core components of the project included supporting field surveys, integrating data into city planning systems, promoting autonomous local mapping capacity, and raising awareness through public communications. The result is a dynamic, community-driven spatial planning toolset that supports more informed, resilient, and sustainable urban development across Can Tho.
