Chesapeake Bay Climate Adaptation Toolbox




Frequently Asked Questions

Tool Search Examples

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you filter multiple options at the same time?

Yes, you can filter with multiple options at one time. For example, you can search for one or more locations while also searching one of more topics and functions. When you search for multiple options like Norfolk, VA and York County, VA, the search results will display tools that cover just Norfolk, VA, just York County, VA, and tools that cover both Norfolk and York County, VA. This was done to widen search results because users may need multiple tools for their project. We recommend limiting the number of options to your top 1 to 2 interests per each filter bar (i.e., location, topic, and function) to facilitate the most informative results.

How do I suggest a Tool to be added to CBCAT or report a broken link?

CBCAT is a living database of many tools that also go through updates and revisions. As such, if you notice that a link or tool is no longer working or there is something on our website that is not working, then please let us know. We will promptly address the issue. Additionally, please contact us if you do not see a climate resilience tool that you believe should be part of CBCAT. When you contact us, please include the name of the tool, a link for us to access the tool, and why you believe we should add this tool. You can contact Kelsey Ruckert at klr324@psu.edu.

Do I need to register in order to use the tools?

Only the tools that have the Registration Required tag require you to register prior to using the tool. To know which ones require registration, click the Registration Required tag under the All-Tags page or under any tool on the All-Tools page to see the full list.

Do these tools require expertise and skill to learn and use?

The description of each tool specifies the skill level, ranging from low to highly skilled. A low skill level means the tool is easily accessible with little or no additional effort on the user to understand how to use the tool. A high skill level requires extensive additional effort on the users part to understand how to use the tool or may require collecting data or conducting new research.

Do I need to pay to use any of the tools?

The cost for each tool is listed in the tool description. Most tools highlighted in CBCAT are free.

How can I find a description of available topics and functions from the Tool Search filters?

  1. Navigate to the Glossary page
  2. Use the alphabet at the top to help jump to the topic or function definition. Note definitions reflect how topics, functions, and tags are used in CBCAT.

How can I find historical data to compare with current data?

  1. Navigate to the Tool Search page
  2. Select View Past/Current Conditions under Why do you need the tool?
  3. Lastly, review the descriptions of filtered tools to choose a tool or tools that suit your needs.
  1. Navigate to the Tool Search page
  2. Select Planning/Land Use, Building/Infrastructure, and/ or Urban Forestry under What topic(s) are you interested in?
  3. Select Climate Mitigation Planning under Why do you need the tool?
  4. Lastly, review the descriptions of filtered tools to choose a tool or tools that suit your needs.

Tool Search Examples

How can I explore forest vulnerabilities in Williamsburg, Virginia?

  1. Navigate to the Tool Search page
  2. Select Williamsburg, VA under Where do you need your tool to work?
  3. Select Forestry under What topic(s) are you interested in?
  4. Select Identify Vulnerabilities under Why do you need the tool?
  5. Lastly, review the descriptions of filtered tools to choose a tool or tools that suit your needs.

How can I find a tool to identify vulnerabilities for the transportation infrastructure under riverine flooding in Pittsburgh, PA?

  1. Navigate to the Tool Search page
  2. Select Allegheny County, PA under Where do you need your tool to work?
  3. Select Transportation and Inland Flooding under What topic(s) are you interested in?
  4. Select Identify Vulnerabilities under Why do you need the tool?
  5. Lastly, review the descriptions of filtered tools to choose a tool or tools that suit your needs.

How can I find a tool to help with adaptation planning for precipitation flooding in specific communities in Pittsburgh, PA?

  1. Navigate to the Tool Search page
  2. Select Allegheny County, PA under Where do you need your tool to work?
  3. Select Inland Flooding and Precipitation under What topic(s) are you interested in?
  4. Select Adaptation Planning under Why do you need the tool?
  5. Lastly, review the descriptions of filtered tools to choose a tool or tools that suit your needs.

How can I identify areas at risk of flooding for land planning purposes in Buckingham County, VA?

  1. Navigate to the Tool Search page
  2. Select Buckingham County, VA under Where do you need your tool to work?
  3. Select Planning / Land Use and Inland Flooding under What topic(s) are you interested in?
  4. Select Identify Vulnerabilities under Why do you need the tool?
  5. Lastly, review the descriptions of filtered tools to choose a tool or tools that suit your needs.