After learning what evacuation maps are and how to use MapTool (both available in the Puerto Rico Seismic Network), this module will focus on how to use and apply the data layer in the Pedestrian Analyst within the MapTool. Additionally, the previously presented the equation of time and distance will be put on practice. The purpose of this module is to determine the approximate time it takes to move out of the evacuation zone.
During this module you will need access to the PRSN maps.
Before this module you should:
After this module you shall:
Past modules established where to access the evacuation maps of the Seismic Network as preparation and mitigation, how to work with MapTool and the time and distance equation was provided. This module will focus on utilizing said maps to make a pedestrian analysis that gives an estimate of time of how long it takes to evacuate a flood or evacuation zone.
Evacuation maps are detailed and specific maps to aid with the evacuation before and after a tsunami situation. These contain valuable information about vulnerable areas for flood and inundation. The maps vary for municipality and are accessible in the Puerto Rico Seismic Network webpage, under the tab of Tsunami.
The “Map Tool” is an interactive tool based on Geographic Information System (GIS) that its useful to visualize different information layers including evacuation maps.
To estimate the distance it takes between a starting location and a location out of the evacuation zone one should use the following equation:
To review the tsunami maps, please access the Maps Course
A pedestrian analysis refers to a information layer, developed by the tsunamis program utilizing Geographic Information Systems (GIS). This layer was created using a tool called Pedestrian Evacuation Analyst by the United States Geological Service (USGS). The layer helps calculate the estimate time it takes to get out of an evacuation zone in case of a flood due to tsunami. Said layer can be applied to Geographic Information Systems such as MapTool or ArcGIS (TsunamiReady).
With this layer one can get the approximate time it takes to get out of the evacuation zone using the time and distance equation and the average speed a person walks. To habilitate the pedestrian analyst feature on MapTool: Layer List > PRTPMapTool > Pedestrian Analyst.
Within the layer there is three options for the velocity of a pedestrian:
When you activate the layer, information represented by colored lines will appear on the map. These lines go from green to red that indicate the proximity to a high elevation area. Green meaning that the area is within or close by to high ground and red meaning it is more apart from an area of high ground.
Not all municipalities have a Pedestrian Evacuation Analysis layer. This layer is in continuous development every year as the tsunami team adds new municipalities to the MapTool.
After downloading the municipality’s evacuation map it is recommended to determine a starting point, preferably a house.
After selecting the first starting point, determine a point out of the evacuation zone.
To determine the distance between locations one can use the MapTool feature.
The pedestrian analyst is the layer of MapTool that allows you to calculate an estimate of walking time. One can choose a walking speed under the tab of layers.
Test your knowledge about this topic by answering the following questions. You can review the correct responses by hovering your mouse over the boards with the word “Answer”.
A layer of information created by the USGS to calculate an estimate of time it takes to get out of an evacuation zone
the area is apart from a high ground zone
See the notification box below to apply what you learned. Since this is the final module, you can choose to review the Resources page or continue with the Quiz to evaluate what you learned throughout this course.
