GIS-based multicriteria evaluation for earthquake response: a case study of expert opinion in Vancouver, Canada

Blake Byron Walker (), Nadine Schuurman, David Swanlund and John J. Clague
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Blake Byron Walker: Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg
Nadine Schuurman: Simon Fraser University
David Swanlund: Simon Fraser University
John J. Clague: Simon Fraser University

Natural Hazards: Journal of the International Society for the Prevention and Mitigation of Natural Hazards, 2021, vol. 105, issue 2, No 41, 2075-2091

Abstract: Abstract GIS-based multicriteria evaluation (MCE) provides a framework for analysing complex decision problems by quantifying variables of interest to score potential locations according to their suitability. In the context of earthquake preparedness and post-disaster response, MCE has relied mainly on uninformed or non-expert stakeholders to identify high-risk zones, prioritise areas for response, or highlight vulnerable populations. In this study, we compare uninformed, informed non-expert, and expert stakeholders’ responses in MCE modelling for earthquake response planning in Vancouver, Canada. Using medium- to low-complexity MCE models, we highlight similarities and differences in the importance of infrastructural and socioeconomic variables, emergency services, and liquefaction potential between a non-weighted MCE, a medium-complexity informed non-expert MCE, and a low-complexity MCE informed by 35 local earthquake planning and response experts from governmental and non-governmental organisations. Differences in the observed results underscore the importance of accessible, expert-informed approaches for prioritising locations for earthquake response planning and for the efficient and geographically precise allocation of resources.

Keywords: Multicriteria evaluation; Earthquake; Disaster response; Natural hazards; Expert knowledge; Participatory mapping (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
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DOI: 10.1007/s11069-020-04390-1

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