PS 70-128
A user-friendly, inexpensive model interface communicates flood risk-reduction options effectively using realistic interactive visualization

Friday, August 15, 2014
Exhibit Hall, Sacramento Convention Center
V. Beth Kuser Olsen, ​Marine, Estuarine, and Environmental Science Graduate Program, University of Maryland, Greenbelt, MD
Bahram Momen, Environmental Science and Technology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD
Kaye L. Brubaker, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD
Stacy M. Langsdale, Institute for Water Resources, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Alexandria, VA
Gerald E. Galloway Jr., Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD
Lewis (Ed) Link, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD
Background/Question/Methods

Extreme precipitation events resulting in flooding are not disasters until people and property are placed in harm’s way. To a large extent, exposure to flood risk is based on choices made by individuals. We conducted Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)-endorsed flood risk management meetings at the local community level. During the meetings we engaged participants in collaborative learning utilizing one of two computer-assisted decision support systems (DSS) to communicate flood risk-reduction options. The two DSS methods were the Multi-hazard Loss Estimation Methodology designed for FEMA and a simpler, more user-friendly method in which participants constructed their own models, making use of realistic interactive visualization.  

Results/Conclusions

Both methods resulted in significant learning outcomes and increased motivation to take action to reduce risk. Also, risk-reduction learning outcomes improved significantly when municipal flood-planning representatives participated in the meetings.