Making hazard maps more intuitive: A 3D interactive visualisation framework for representing hazard flows

Traditional 2D hazard maps often struggle to convey the complex spatial dynamics of natural hazards, particularly for users who are not accustomed to interpreting cartographic products. This limitation hinders effective risk communication and reduces the ability of local stakeholders to identify exposed areas. To address this challenge, we develop a 3D visualisation framework that transforms model outputs into intuitive, interactive representations aimed at supporting preventive planning and informed decision making.

As an initial implementation, we apply the approach to lava-flow modelling. Using one million Monte Carlo simulations, we estimate the probabilistic envelope of potential lava trajectories and extract a random subset of 10.000 paths to obtain a representative sample of the most recurrent routes. Each trajectory is interpreted as the path of a lava droplet and its interactive 3D rendering highlights the most likely flow channels of a specific simulation. By integrating infrastructure, municipalities, roads and buildings directly within the 3D environment, the tool enables non-expert users to visualise potential scenarios with greater clarity and anticipate protective actions.

The system is hazard-agnostic and constitutes a core component of a developing multi-risk evaluation platform that will incorporate spatial and temporal analyses, simulation modelling and automated 3D representations for multiple natural hazards. The 3D representation can be extended to other hazard types, offering a general framework to bridge the gap between simulation-based hazard analysis and accessible 3D communication tools.

This study was developed within the project Volcanic disaster risk management for the Canary Islands (Spain), funded by EC ECHO - Union Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM), ref. 101193100 VOLCAN (2025-2026).