The VAT is comprised of three separate tools which are designed to help with processing certain types of data within the ESRI ArcGIS 8.x environment. Each of the tools has been developed to be flexible enough to work not only with the data we are using for the Coastal Risk Atlas (CRA), but also with data that other users may have. To maintain the integrity of the original data, the tools work with copies and do not manipulate the original versions of the data. Each tool is described below and also include a link to a more in-depth description of how they work.

	Demographic Vulnerability Assessment Tool (DVAT) - Detail The DVAT works with demographic type data to display high risk demographic areas as defined by the user. The tool was developed as a wizard type walk-through, asking the user how to handle a situation, and giving background information or examples along the way. Use the detail link above to see a more in-depth description with screen-shots.
	Multi-Hazard Vulnerability Assessment Tool (MHVAT) - Detail The MHVAT focuses on three specific storm hazards: storm surge, flooding, and wind speeds. The tool can be used to assess any combination of the three, included a single hazard. In each case, a new shapefile is created for the individual assessment. There is also a composite layer created that combines that assessments from the chosen hazards. Use the detail link above to see a more in-depth description with screen-shots.
	Join Tables - Detail This tool extends the existing ArcView join functionality to include exporting the join into a new layer. Use the detail link above to see a more in-depth description with screen-shots.