Fine–Scale Spatiotemporal Distribution Assessment of Indoor Population Based on Single Buildings: A Case in Dongcheng Subdistrict, Xichang, China

Abstract

Population exposure is an important element of disaster loss assessment. High–resolution spatiotemporal distribution assessment of population exposure could improve disaster preparation and reduce the risk. This study proposed a model for assessing the spatiotemporal distribution of indoor people at the scale of single buildings by distinguishing the differences in people densities for various functional buildings. The empirical study results in the Dongcheng Subdistrict, Xichang City, China, showed that this method could determine the indoor population change in different single buildings at different times of day and map fine–scale spatiotemporal distribution of the regional indoor population. Due to the difference in the use function of buildings and human activities, the distribution of indoor populations in different functional buildings changes significantly during the day. Compared with the spatiotemporal changes in the indoor population on non–weekdays, the changes were more obvious on weekdays. The change in indoor population exposure during the daytime is significantly stronger than that at night. The results could provide an important reference for regional disaster preparedness and post–disaster emergency rescue.