Implementation of an Open Data Visualization System Based on Disaster Information

Abstract

We developed an open data visualization system called “VOICE” (Visualization of Open Data Information
for a City in Emergency), which is intended to be used by Japanese residents both during
normal times (NT) and emergencies and natural disasters. During NT, VOICE would provide open
data visualization of disaster prevention and risk reduction. In emergencies, VOICE would provide
real-time visual data on emergency or disaster information issued by the disaster control headquarters.
In addition, the system would be able to visually represent real-time information on relief
supplies requested by emergency shelters. To evaluate the effectiveness of the open data visualization
system, we conducted a survey, including 28 municipal employees from the disaster prevention
division and 60 residents who were asked to evaluate the system for operability, effectiveness, functionality,
usability, and relevance. The results of the survey indicate subjects’ overwhelming positive
response to the system for all five measures.