Graduation Date
Fall 2018
Document Type
Thesis
Program
Master of Science degree with a major in Natural Resources: option Environmental Science and Management
Committee Chair Name
James Graham
Committee Chair Affiliation
HSU Faculty or Staff
Second Committee Member Name
Nicholas Perdue
Second Committee Member Affiliation
HSU Faculty or Staff
Third Committee Member Name
Jennifer Maguire
Third Committee Member Affiliation
HSU Faculty or Staff
Keywords
Cartography, 3D cartography, Tsunami, Natural hazards, Evacuation mapping
Subject Categories
Environmental Science and Management
Abstract
Tsunami evacuation maps are intended to inform the public about the geographic extent of the hazard and where to evacuate, but these maps can be difficult to interpret for people unfamiliar with cartographic semiology. This study focuses on the performance of tsunami evacuation maps and how the tsunami hazard is represented cartographically, as at-risk communities must be able to act quickly, and effectively understand tsunami maps to remain aware of the hazard and adequately evacuate. This study investigated the use of static three-dimensional (3D) perspective maps and travel time to safety representation (shown using point markers and choropleth symbology), as alternative ways to help mitigate tsunami disaster. The performance of, and preference for, static 3D tsunami evacuation maps were compared to conventional two-dimensional (2D) evacuation maps using a user survey and a set of test maps for the area of Seaside, Oregon. Each participant was given either a 2D or 3D map showing travel times as either point markers or choropleth symbology, and asked to complete a series of tasks concerning terrain and positional judgment, and evacuation travel time estimation. Participants were also shown all four maps and asked to determine which map was best for completing the tasks mentioned above. There were 84 survey respondents, and the results indicated that the 3D maps were preferred, overall. 3D maps performed best for judging terrain but showed no difference in performance when judging position. There was no difference in performance between 3D maps using choropleth symbology and 2D maps using point markers when estimating travel times. The results indicate that 3D maps perform the same or better than 2D maps and are preferred, suggesting the use of 3D maps for tsunami evacuation planning and education.
Citation Style
Chicago
Recommended Citation
Taveras, Aaron M., "The performance of 2D and 3D tsunami evacuation maps: A case study for Seaside, Oregon" (2018). Cal Poly Humboldt theses and projects. 225.
https://digitalcommons.humboldt.edu/etd/225
Comments
Original degree title: Master of Science degree with a major in Natural Resources, option Environmental & Natural Resource Sciences