Difficulties in explaining complex issues with maps: evaluating seismic hazard communication – the Swiss case
TL;DR: Although most participants were able to distinguish hazardous from less hazardous areas, correctly interpreting detailed results and identifying the most suitable set of information for answering a given question proved demanding.
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Abstract: . A total of 2.7 billion people live in areas where earthquakes causing at least slight
damage have to be expected regularly. Providing information can potentially
save lives and improve the resilience of a society. Maps are an established
way to illustrate natural hazards. Despite being mainly tailored to the
requirements of professional users, they are often the only accessible
information to help the public in deciding about mitigation measures. There is
evidence that hazard maps are frequently misconceived. Visual and textual
characteristics as well as the manner of presentation have been shown to
influence their comprehensibility. Using a real case reflecting current
practices, the material to communicate the updated seismic hazard model for
Switzerland was analyzed in a representative online survey of the population
( N=491 ) and in two workshops involving architects and engineers not
specializing in seismic retrofitting ( N=23 ). Although many best-practice
recommendations have been followed, the understanding of seismic hazard
information remains challenging. Whereas most participants were able to
distinguish hazardous from less hazardous areas, correctly interpreting
detailed results and identifying the most suitable set of information for
answering a given question proved demanding. We suggest scrutinizing current
natural-hazard communication strategies, empirically testing new products,
and exploring alternatives to raise awareness and enhance preparedness.
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Citations
Hazard zonation mapping of earthquake-induced secondary effects using spatial multi-criteria analysis
Maria Karpouza,Konstantinos Chousianitis,George D. Bathrellos,Hariklia D. Skilodimou,George Kaviris,Assimina Antonarakou +5 more
TL;DR: In this article, a spatial multi-criteria method was adopted to support the evaluation of the controlling factors that contribute to the occurrence of coseismic landslides and soil liquefaction and exploited the potential of Geographic Information Systems to process the various thematic layers and produce hazard zonation maps that can be used to help communities become more resilient to future coseismsic hazards.
42
Actionable and understandable? Evidence-based recommendations for the design of (multi-)hazard warning messages
TL;DR: In this article , the authors designed various multi-hazard overviews and hazard messages, which were refined during the five virtual workshops with experts from different fields, and surveyed the Swiss public to check whether their designs increase people's intention to take action and help them correctly interpret the information presented.
36
OUP accepted manuscript
18 Jan 2022
TL;DR: In this article , a suite of traditional and new CSEP tests that rely on a Poisson and a binary likelihood function were evaluated for predicting moderate-to-large earthquakes over a period of 5-15 yr in California.
32
What defines the success of maps and additional information on a multi-hazard platform?
TL;DR: The results indicate that the design of information provided on multi-hazard platforms indeed affects the public's preferences, and the communication and perception of these products should be systematically examined too.
22
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