An improved ‘assessment on comprehensive index’ for drought risk through an iterative transformation of ‘spatiotemporal vector’: a case study of Anhui Province, China

Abstract The unique climate, topography and soil conditions of Anhui Province in China are the main causes drought, which is one limiting factors economic social development. Characterized by low data requirement, strong operability flexibility, conventional ‘assessment based on comprehensive index’ (ACI) used to assess drought risk, index obtained can only represent relative risk level among objects has no spatiotemporal characteristic. Therefore, a new method iterative transformation vector (DRST) proposed solve this defect. conclusions as follows: (1) matrices DRS DRT cannot quantify subregions each year absolutely. (2) values DRST be compare from temporal spatial dimensions at same time, both drought-affected regions consistent with statistical data. expands subsequent utilization space index’. For example, allocation drought-resistant resources (water resources, funds, etc.) determined according these indexes.