Volcanic hazard communication using maps: an evaluation of their effectiveness

Abstract

Hazard maps are considered essential tools in the communication of volcanic risk between scientists, the local authorities and the public. This study investigates the efficacy of such maps for the volcanic island of Montserrat in the West Indies using both quantitative and qualitative research techniques. Normal plan view maps, which have been used on the island over the last 10 years of the crisis, are evaluated against specially produced three-dimensional (3D) maps and perspective photographs. Thirty-two demographically representative respondents of mixed backgrounds, sex, education and location were interviewed and asked to complete a range of tasks and identification on the maps and photographs. The overall results show that ordinary people have problems interpreting their environment as a mapped representation. We found respondents' ability to locate and orientate themselves as well as convey information relating to volcanic hazards was improved when using aerial photographs rather than traditional plan view contour maps. There was a slight improvement in the use of the 3D maps, especially in terms of topographic recognition.However, the most striking increase in effectiveness was found with the perspective photographs, which enabled people to identify features and their orientation much more readily. For Montserrat it appears that well labelled aerial and perspective photographs are the most effective geospatial method of communicating volcanic risks.

The Communication and Risk Management of Volcanic Ballistic Hazards

“…This can occur when end-users do not comprehend or are unaware of the science being presented, the information is not what is actually needed by end-users, the science is communicated poorly to end-users, or there is a lack of trust between groups (Haynes et al 2007). All groups therefore need to communicate with each other, preferably prior to a volcanic crisis, with communication products tailored to the audience (Haynes et al 2007;Leonard et al 2008). Following the 1979 eruption of Mt.…”

“…Best practice suggests the use of multiple sources to disseminate hazard and risk information as preferred forms of media accessed for information vary (Sorensen 2000;Mileti et al 2004;Haynes et al 2007;Bird et al 2010). The public's response to volcanic hazard communication is influenced by the content and attractiveness of the message (which should include a description of the hazard, its impacts, hazard extent, and advice on what to do and when), how comprehensible it is, and the frequency and number of channels the message is received from, as well as the extent of public belief that safety actions are possible and will be effective (Leonard et al 2008;Sorensen 2013 (Fig.…”

“…The main way assessments are communicated is through a map (Haynes et al 2007). Ballistic hazard maps are rare as they are typically not the only hazard produced in an eruption.…”

Social science perspectives on natural hazards risk and uncertainty

“…They assumed representational strategies and expectations, which in different social and cultural contexts might have very different meanings to those intended. Sometimes this kind of complex information can be transmitted better, with better effect: people in Montserrat living under threat of volcanic eruptions were also found to have poor skills in map-reading, but when presented with three-dimensional visualisations of digital elevation data of their island, they demonstrated good spatial awareness and were able to engage in discussions about their future in a more informed way (Haynes et al, 2007). But it needs to be understood, in any risk communication strategy, that the risk, its definition and its address all come from epistemic 'genealogies' and perspectives, which shape the knowledge and its applicability in particular ways.…”

“…For example, people's agitated concern about the triple Measles-Mumps-Rubella vaccine in the UK was a regular feature in the news headlines for nearly a decade since the first suggestion of a link with autism was raised, despite a technically very low risk (Cassell et al, 2006). In contrast, inhabitants of the volcanic island of Montserrat were found to make frequent incursions into the danger zone during red-alert periods when risk was manifestly high (Haynes et al, 2007). Impacts on society and the economy can be profound, whether the social response to the risk is 'duller' and more attenuated than it should be, or is more heightened and amplified.…”