Terrain Vis: Collaborative, Interactive, Visualisation Tool for Engaging Residents in Disaster Preparedness

摘要

Modelling and communicating scientific data are paramount in Disaster planning, yet is not easily communicated and interpreted by non-expert stakeholders. These stakeholders are important to the disaster response planning because they can provide firsthand experience and knowledge not capture by quantitative methods. This project aimed to develop a method for catching the attention of community members and engaging them in disaster preparation discussions around real data. A scale model visualisation tool was developed that allows users to interact with flood levels and visualise the impact on their community. Using an "in the wild" Human Computer Interaction (HCI) field trial approach, we found community members engaged in self-directed discussions with strangers about the mitigation of floods and the current zoning of new housing estates in flood prone areas. Terrain Vis has helped residents understand the significance of disaster preparation and changed perspectives on evacuation plans by situating them within the data.