old map

Disaster Relief Resource Map

Many times when a natural disaster strikes, being well-prepared is not enough — particularly on the community level. Natural disasters are inherently unpredictable and their devastating impact on a community is often only matched by coming together of the same community and even the whole nation to provide aid to those affected. 

Organizing relief efforts amidst disorder and destruction is extremely challenging. A well-coordinated relief effort involves the efficient setting up of shelters and collection and distribution of food, drinks, and other essentials. The logistics of such a task hinges on location data, i.e., what is needed where and what is available where. Having a disaster relief resource map can be invaluable to ensuring that relief efforts go smoothly and benefit everyone in need.  

Whether or not your community is prone to natural disasters, you can go ahead and create a disaster relief resource map for future use. After all, it’s better to have it and not need it, than to need it and not have it. Keep reading to learn more.

Make A List Of Resources

Your first step in creating a disaster relief resource map is to create a spreadsheet with a list of resources that will be most helpful when disaster strikes. Using a spreadsheet is the best way to organize your data, keep it updated, and to share the file with others to allow them to contribute to the list. 

Your list should include the following information:

  • A name that easily identifies the resource
  • The address, general location (i.e., intersection, proximity to landmarks, etc.), or other geographical identification
  • What the resource offers

These three, basic components of your list will also serve as your main column headers. Your spreadsheet will look like this:

Once you have sufficient resources on your list, you can easily convert it into a map by copying all the data (including the headers) and pasting it or dragging and dropping the file into Mapize’s map-making tool. 

You will generate a map that looks like this:

Don’t worry about adding more resources to your list and your map. Just update the original spreadsheet, then open your map’s URL and click on the “Edit Map” option (on the upper right corner of your live map). Scroll down to the bottom of the map editing page. You’ll find the same two boxes where you can copy and paste/drag and drop your updated spreadsheet data/file. Once done, just click “Update Map.”

Add A Category Filter To Your Map

As your list grows, different categories for your resources will emerge. You can add another column to categorize your data, make sure the list won’t be confusing, and make it easier for others to find what they need. Adding a category filter to your map is useful when you have dozens of resources listed. 

Your updated spreadsheet will look like this:

Again, upload your updated spreadsheet to update your map. Your new map with the category column will look like this: 

The different categories will have different colors. You can choose to only see certain categories or groups and hide the others. Other people who will be accessing your map will be able to find the specific resource they need more quickly by allowing them to filter the map data.

Share Your Disaster Relief Resource Map

The main purpose of your disaster relief resource map is to give your community an invaluable resource (yes, your map is a resource for resources!) when people need it the most. So your final step is to share your map with the community. 

Mapize’s maps can be shared in a number of ways. You can post your map’s URL on social media or share it in chat groups. Just make sure access to your map has been set to public. The beauty of interactive maps created via Mapize is that they are optimized for both the smaller screens of mobile gadgets and the bigger screens of computers. 

You can also seamlessly embed your live map into your website/s. Just use your map’s embed code, which you’ll find on the map editing page. 

Are you ready to create your map for free? Get started now!

About The Author

Start creating map

Drag and drop your file (xls, xlsx or csv) Use our sample data, by clicking here. Or
AddressCityStateZipcodeNamePhone NumberGroupURLEmail
12032 SE Sunnyside rdClackamasOR97015Safeway Clackamas(503) 698-1121Group Bhttps://local.safeway.com/safeway/or/clackamas/12032-se-sunnyside-rd.html[email protected]
4715 SE Cesar Estrada Chavez BlvdPortlandOR97202Trader Joe's Portland SE(503) 777-1601Group Chttps://locations.traderjoes.com/or/portland/143/[email protected]
3380 Lancaster Dr NESalemOR 97305Safeway Salem(503) 399-1502Group Bhttps://local.safeway.com/safeway/or/salem/3380-lancaster-dr-ne.html[email protected]
12220 SW Scholls Ferry RdTigardOR97223Whole Foods Market Greenway(971) 371-7000Group Ahttps://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/stores/greenway[email protected]
8145 SW Barbur BlvdPortlandOR97219Safeway Barbur(503) 452-6068Group Bhttps://local.safeway.com/safeway/or/portland/8145-sw-barbur-blvd.html[email protected]
1550 NW 9th St Ste 100CorvallisOR97330Trader Joe's Corvallis(541) 753-0048Group Chttps://locations.traderjoes.com/or/corvallis/154/[email protected]
1210 NW Couch StPortlandOR97209Whole Foods Market Pearl(503) 525-4343Group Ahttps://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/stores/pearl[email protected]
353 E Broadway EugeneOR97401Whole Foods Market Eugene(541) 434-8820Group Ahttps://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/stores/eugene[email protected]
3527 SE 122nd AvePortlandOR97236Safeway 122nd(503) 760-5448Group Bhttps://local.safeway.com/safeway/or/portland/3527-se-122nd-ave.html[email protected]
9940 NE Cornell RdHillsboro OR97124Whole Foods Market Tanasbourne(503) 645-9200Group Ahttps://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/stores/tanasbourne[email protected]
15391 Bangy RdLake OswegoOR97035Trader Joe's Oswego(503) 639-3238Group Chttps://locations.traderjoes.com/or/lake-oswego/142/[email protected]
2490 OR-99WMcMinnivilleOR97128Safeway McMinniville(503) 435-3120Group Bhttps://local.safeway.com/safeway/or/mcminnville/2490-n-hwy-99-w.html[email protected]
4121 NE Halsey StPortlandOR97232Trader Joe's Portland Hollywood(503) 284-4232Group Chttps://locations.traderjoes.com/or/portland/144/[email protected]
Drag and drop your file here
- OR -
Copy + paste your data include column files
AddressCityStateZipcodeNamePhone NumberGroupURLEmail
12032 SE Sunnyside rdClackamasOR97015Safeway Clackamas(503) 698-1121Group Bhttps://local.safeway.com/safeway/or/clackamas/12032-se-sunnyside-rd.html[email protected]
4715 SE Cesar Estrada Chavez BlvdPortlandOR97202Trader Joe's Portland SE(503) 777-1601Group Chttps://locations.traderjoes.com/or/portland/143/[email protected]
3380 Lancaster Dr NESalemOR 97305Safeway Salem(503) 399-1502Group Bhttps://local.safeway.com/safeway/or/salem/3380-lancaster-dr-ne.html[email protected]
12220 SW Scholls Ferry RdTigardOR97223Whole Foods Market Greenway(971) 371-7000Group Ahttps://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/stores/greenway[email protected]
8145 SW Barbur BlvdPortlandOR97219Safeway Barbur(503) 452-6068Group Bhttps://local.safeway.com/safeway/or/portland/8145-sw-barbur-blvd.html[email protected]
1550 NW 9th St Ste 100CorvallisOR97330Trader Joe's Corvallis(541) 753-0048Group Chttps://locations.traderjoes.com/or/corvallis/154/[email protected]
1210 NW Couch StPortlandOR97209Whole Foods Market Pearl(503) 525-4343Group Ahttps://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/stores/pearl[email protected]
353 E Broadway EugeneOR97401Whole Foods Market Eugene(541) 434-8820Group Ahttps://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/stores/eugene[email protected]
3527 SE 122nd AvePortlandOR97236Safeway 122nd(503) 760-5448Group Bhttps://local.safeway.com/safeway/or/portland/3527-se-122nd-ave.html[email protected]
9940 NE Cornell RdHillsboro OR97124Whole Foods Market Tanasbourne(503) 645-9200Group Ahttps://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/stores/tanasbourne[email protected]
15391 Bangy RdLake OswegoOR97035Trader Joe's Oswego(503) 639-3238Group Chttps://locations.traderjoes.com/or/lake-oswego/142/[email protected]
2490 OR-99WMcMinnivilleOR97128Safeway McMinniville(503) 435-3120Group Bhttps://local.safeway.com/safeway/or/mcminnville/2490-n-hwy-99-w.html[email protected]
4121 NE Halsey StPortlandOR97232Trader Joe's Portland Hollywood(503) 284-4232Group Chttps://locations.traderjoes.com/or/portland/144/[email protected]
Copy + paste your data
Configuration

Map Fields

+ Add Custom Field
Show More

    Oh no!

    On the free tier you can only map up to 150 locations at one time. Please add a plan if you wish to map more than 150 locations.

    Related Articles

    • A company notices a reduction in operating costs after optimizing its delivery routes.
      Plan the Most Efficient Route: A Guide to Smarter Navigation

      Efficient route planning is essential for businesses and individuals alike. It can save time and ensure you make the most of available resources. But how do you plan the most efficient route? Where should you start, and what factors do you consider? Also, which mapping software should you use for this type of planning? The […]

    • A person enters geographic coordinates to find a specific location on Google Maps.
      Plot Coordinates on Map: Find Places With Pinpoint Accuracy

      One of the first things you must know when using mapping software is to plot coordinates on map. It forms the basis for visualizing geospatial datasets, making it easier to analyze large volumes of information. If you’re unfamiliar with how to do this on any mapping software, this article has you covered. Below, you’ll find […]

    • A person makes a postal code map using Google My Maps on their Macbook Pro.
      Zip Code Maps: Get Deep Insights From Numeric Identifiers

      Generally, zip codes improve the efficiency of mail delivery. However, you can do a lot more with these government-issued numbers. You can create zip code maps, which have a lot of use cases. For example, businesses rely on these charts to make various important decisions.  If you’re new to cartography or familiar with various mapping […]

    • How To Create a Custom Map in Google Maps

      Google Maps has become synonymous with navigation—you can find almost any place on this planet. Not only do you get turn-by-turn directions, but it also contains extensive information about the location. Usually, people use this tool to get from one point to another. But what if you want to do something more with this mapping […]