Comparing vulnerability of coastal communities to land use change: Analytical framework and a case study in China

► An indicator system to assess vulnerability to land-use change in coastal areas is presented. ► We present a case study in China applying this framework. ► Exposure Index, Sensitivity Index and Adaptive Capacity Index are quantified. ► Comparison of the Exposure Index and Vulnerability Index among the communities is studied. ► Case study demonstrates its applicability in rapid urbanization areas.