Improving risk maps

During the main stage of the project, research on how to improve risk mapping will be carried out. This is organized in four different but complementary tasks addressing the respective scientific objectives of RISK MAP.

Task 2.1: Participation and good governance for improving risk maps

The main objective of this Task is to consider the creation of risk maps as a dialogue process and create a participatory framework that allows the constructive and open engagement and integration of selected stakeholders (experts, decision-makers and well as representatives of the local population), their views, information requirements and local expertise in the risk mapping process. The Task hence follows the idea of good governance bringing together various categories of concerned players and stakeholders generating a co-expertise process.

Task 2.2: Multicriteria risk mapping tool

This work is based on an existing risk mapping approach and tool (Meyer et al. 2008). This tool employs Multicriteria Analysis (MCA) procedures which allow for an integrated assessment of not only economic but also social and environmental risk criteria. The tool will be enhanced by incorporating local knowledge and stakeholders preferences. Within the multicriteria framework stakeholders can participate in the risk assessment process by (1) determining the risk criteria to be considered and 2) determining their preferences about the relative importance of these criteria (criteria weights).

 This main objective of this Task is to produce a multicriteria risk mapping tool which allows for a compilation of risk criteria maps according to the stakeholders preferences and requirements, the integrated assessment of different risk criteria according to the weights given by stakeholders to the different risk criteria.

 Task 2.3: Visualisation of risk maps

This Task will refine technical guidelines for the compilation and design of risk maps to deliver diversified risk information to different target groups and stakeholders. Apart from the generally agreed risk equation resulting in an intersection of defined design floods with values at risk exposed, major work will concentrate on the graphic representation of risk referring to specific requirements leading to a more conscious attitude towards flood risks by giving priority to preparedness through enhanced awareness. The main objective is to develop different map contents according to different needs of respective stakeholder groups, i.e. (1) citizens affected and (2) stakeholders responsible for flood risk management on a local and regional level.

Task 2.4: Experimental Graphic Semiology

The major focus of this Task is to study which elements have to be included in risk maps in order to serve as a tool to communicate risk to different stakeholders, i.e. residents affected in the floodplain areas, and serve as information basis for public bodies involved in flood risk management that are not designated specialists in hazard and risk mapping. The main objective of this Task is to identify preferences concerning graphic representation and arrangement.