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

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.

Comments

Original degree title: Master of Science degree with a major in Natural Resources, option Environmental & Natural Resource Sciences

Citation Style

Chicago

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