First order assessments are broad in spatial scale and utilize readily available datasets.
Ideal spatial datasets for first order assessments of estuary vulnerability to geomorphic change are bedrock geology, unlithified Quaternary geology and digital elevation models. These datasets can be used to describe the exposure and sensitivity of estuarine landforms to climate drivers and the adaptive capacity of estuarine landforms to climate drivers.

Within GIS, readily available spatial datasets were applied within the integrated framework to describe the vulnerability of estuaries to climate change. The primary datasets used were coastal bedrock geology, coastal Quaternary geology, and digital elevation models (DEMs).

Datasets were used qualitatively to develop vulnerability indices indicating vulnerability of estuarine landforms to marine erosion and inundation, and fluvial erosion and inundation. In combination these indices were combined as an overall index of vulnerability to climate change.