This project tells a story about the poverty levels and flood damages through physical visualization. This map shows the flooded residents from Tropical Storm Allison in Houston, Texas in 2001. The deeper the area, the higher the percentage of people in poverty. Depth acts as a metaphor, indicating that low-income people have lower social status while high-income people have higher. Flooded households are represented in blue.

The physical map with case is about 22" x 22", covering the greater Houston area. The stair-like block at the bottom is the physical legend.

A close look at the center of map. The tiny and stand-alone area is the core of Houston, surrounded by lower-income areas. Such a dramatic contrast. 

A close look at the physical legend.