Integrated Disaster Simulator using WebGIS and its Application to Community Disaster Mitigation Activities

Abstract

This paper describes a newly developed information system dedicated to promoting the earthquake disaster mitigation practices of residents themselves. The system is based on a type of simulator that presents realistic personal disaster scenarios, related to actual seismic hazards, in order to help each resident gain awareness of his/her own hazard level, and to comprehend the need and methodology for making preparations. The simulator is built around a web-based online geographic information system known as WebGIS, and integrates a series of subsystems that provide a number of features including a high-resolution hazard map system capable of creating three-dimensional birds-eye overviews, a system for evaluating earthquake ground motion at a specific location, as well as a system for simulating earthquake effects and the possible collapse of a wooden house at a site (including the risks of falling indoor furniture). Furthermore, in order to provide comprehensive information on seismic hazards and disaster mitigation, various related programs that utilize online systems (including WebLog, Wiki and other interactive interfaces) have been incorporated. The applications of these systems to community disaster mitigation workshops in Nagoya City are described, together with the newly constructed web systems and education facilities of the Aichi Prefectural government.