High-Definition Topographic Archiving and Educational Applications in Regions Affected by the 2024 Noto Peninsula Earthquake

Abstract

The 2024 Noto Peninsula earthquake (Mw 7.5) caused extensive damage in Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan, and surrounding areas, with considerable coastal uplift and tsunami flooding. Past 100 years’ records show no earthquake above Mw 7.0 in the Noto Peninsula, so for everyone alive today, this event is truly without precedent. Therefore, we aimed to support disaster prevention education by developing teaching materials using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) based on digitally archived topographic changes. High-definition topographic data collected from multiple UAV surveys were processed into digital and analog formats, including 3D models, spherical panorama images, and 3D printings. These materials were designed to provide detailed and intuitive representations of postdisaster landforms and were used as educational tools in schools. The learning materials were introduced during a workshop for disaster-affected teachers, featuring hands-on activities to help participants familiarize themselves with the materials, and explore their integration into geography and science classes. Feedback from participants indicated that these tools were highly effective in enhancing classroom learning. The results of this study are expected to contribute to preserving disaster records while enhancing disaster awareness in educational settings and local communities.