HOW IT WORKS

How the Climate Risk Database works

From field survey to published map: how data gets into the CRD, how it is checked, and how you can find and use it in your own work.

Explore the Climate Risk Database Watch on YouTube

A shared starting point for climate risk evidence

Explore geospatial data, maps and research from Tanzania in one place. Use the catalogue to discover resources, then check their source, licence and verification status.

Explore all resources

EXPLORE THE GUIDE

Choose a chapter to explore at your own pace.

THE DATA JOURNEY

From collection to use, in four stages

A shared workflow for data from university research projects, city authorities and community mapping exercises. Check each resource’s status to see where it is in the process.

01

Collect

Field surveys, satellite imagery and city records are gathered by universities, ministries and community mappers across Tanzania.

02

Publish

Contributors upload a layer with its metadata, thumbnail and licence, then assign it to a group and a risk theme.

03

Verify

CRD data managers review metadata, assign a quality rating and record the verification status.

04

Use

Find accessible data in the catalogue, explore it in the map viewer and download the available formats.

WHAT'S INSIDE

Five kinds of resource, one catalogue

Discover different ways to work with climate risk information. Review each resource’s metadata, licence and citation before reusing it.

Datasets

Vector and raster layers you can preview, filter and download in available formats.

Browse

Maps

Saved combinations of layers, already styled and ready to open in the viewer.

Browse

Documents

Reports, field guides and methodology notes that explain the data.

Browse

GeoStories

Scrollable narratives combining maps, charts and plain-language explanation.

Browse

Dashboards

Indicator views that bring maps and data together.

Browse
WHO IT'S FOR

Built for the people who plan, study and live with climate risk

City & government planners

Base decisions on shared evidence and check whether it is suitable for your project.

  • Download ward-level hazard layers
  • Compare risk across districts
  • Export map figures for reports

Researchers & students

Find data for analysis and cite it properly in your work.

  • Filter by theme and region
  • Download in available GIS formats
  • Get a citation for each dataset

Community organisations

Understand how risk affects the places you work in.

  • View hazards on an interactive map
  • Read plain-language GeoStories
  • Request support from the team
DATA QUALITY

How you can tell whether a dataset is ready to use

Check the verification status, quality rating and metadata completeness on the dataset page. These help you assess a resource alongside its source, coverage and collection date.

Not verified

Published by a contributor but not yet checked by a data manager.

Under review

A data manager is reviewing the resource and its supporting information.

Verified

The resource has passed review. Check its scope and limitations before use.

Needs update

The record needs attention. Review the notes before relying on it.

Deprecated

Superseded or withdrawn. Kept for reference but not recommended for new work.

Quality rating

A reviewer’s assessment of the data’s quality. Read the review notes and supporting metadata to understand its suitability for your analysis.

PoorFairGoodV. GoodExcellent
Illustrative rating — check the individual dataset for its assessment.

Metadata completeness

An automatic score indicating how much of the resource record has been filled in. A complete record helps you understand and reuse the data.

78%78%
Illustrative score — completeness is not a measure of data accuracy.
GET STARTED

Three ways to begin

01

Explore the catalogue

Search datasets, maps and documents by topic, place and resource type. No account is needed to browse public resources.

Browse the catalogue
02

Open the map viewer

Choose a saved map, explore its layers and zoom to your ward or district. Use the available viewer tools to inspect and compare data.

Explore maps
03

Create an account

Connect with an institutional group and share your work. Publishing tools are available according to your account’s permissions.

Create an account
QUESTIONS

Frequently asked questions

Is the data free to use?

You can browse public resources without an account. Download access and reuse terms depend on the resource’s permissions and licence. Check the licence on the dataset page before adapting or redistributing it.

Who can contribute data?

Registered contributors can upload data when their account has the required permissions. Include the source, collection method, dates, licence and contact details. Contact the CRD team if you need help with access or an institutional group.

How do I cite a dataset in my work?

Open the dataset page and use its citation tool. Check the author or organisation, title, publication date and link, then include the citation in your report or publication. Follow any additional attribution terms in the licence.

How often is the data updated?

Update schedules vary by source and dataset. Check the dates, maintenance information and verification notes on the resource page. Contact the owner if you need to confirm whether a newer version exists.

What formats can I download?

Available formats depend on the resource type and download permissions. Open the resource’s download menu to see its supported formats. Vector, raster and document resources offer different options.

Can I use CRD data offline or in QGIS?

Yes, when a resource allows downloads, save a supported format and open it in QGIS or another compatible application. Available web service links can also connect desktop GIS tools to online layers. Check the licence before reusing the data.

Still not sure where to start?

The CRD team can help you find the right data for your project and point you towards training for city authorities, universities and community groups.