Geographic Visualization of Risk as Decision Support in Emergency Situations

Abstract

We investigate how geographic visualization can be used as a means to facilitate understanding of risk in emergency situations. Specifically, we identify the need of decision makers regarding access to risk information; introduce a visualization solution that aims to satisfy these needs; and evaluate this solution in terms of its ability to generate insight. A description of how the solution can be implemented is included. Our findings indicate that geographic visualization is an effective means for facilitating understanding of risk in emergency situations, but that the effectiveness of the concept depends on the visualization design. A set of guidelines towards risk visualization design is proposed.