The Realities and Challenges of the Evacuation Topography Time Map

As climate change increases the frequency and severity of natural disasters, Japan faces additional challenges stemming from an aging population and a shrinking working-age demographic. These demographic shifts have heightened the significance of disseminating scientific knowledge to the public and developing technologies that apply such knowledge. One example is the Evacuation Topography Time Map, a tool designed to improve evacuation literacy by visualizing scientifically informed data and responding to the social expectations of disaster-affected communities. However, a review of individual implementations reveals that the realities and challenges surrounding the Evacuation Topography Time Map have not been sufficiently examined using rigorous academic methods. This study aims to elucidate these conditions and challenges as perceived by various stakeholders by applying both quantitative and qualitative analytical approaches. Interviews were conducted with key proponents, researchers, and practitioners who have been centrally involved in developing and disseminating the Evacuation Topography Time Map, using a disaster ethnography framework. Interview data were analyzed using both quantitative text analysis and steps for coding and theorization. Comparing the results of these methods helped the study to identify commonalities and differences, which informed the discussion of the realities and challenges of the Evacuation Topography Time Map. Consequently, seven key points were extracted and shared with the interviewees, through which consensus was reached to confirm the reliability and validity of the findings.