System Development for Tsunami Evacuation Drill Using ICT and Tsunami Inundation Simulation Data

Abstract

This study aims to consider the effects and problems of a tsunami evacuation drill support system that visualizes dynamic tsunami data and evacuees’ locations. The system was developed and operated during a tsunami evacuation drill experiment. The location information application transmits evacuees’ locations in real time using the GPS and network functions of a multi-function terminal. The web application visualizes tsunami data and evacuees’ locations with animation on a web map using WebGIS. By operating the system in the tsunami evacuation experiment, the study could immediately evaluate the evacuation drills through real-time visualization of the evacuees’ actions. Feedback, including the results and evaluations of the evacuation drills, was provided to the participants. Before receiving feedback, 50% of the participants positively evaluated the drill results. However, 42.1% of the participants changed their evaluation to negative after receiving feedback. Additionally, by emphasizing the speed of action during evacuation as one of the important factors for quick evacuation, the system helped to alter participants’ disaster prevention awareness.