Interactive geospatial stories for flood management

With the increasing frequency and severity of flood events worldwide, the need for flood simulations has become more critical than ever, together with the communication of predicted hazards and possible mitigation measures. Since this communication frequently relies on static cartographic representations, it falls short in communicating complex spatial and temporal information and the intricate dynamics of flooding in an engaging and accessible manner. This limitation becomes particularly apparent when addressing diverse audiences with varying levels of expertise. This article presents an approach that uses interactive geospatial stories to better communicate various aspects of flood management strategies. Our method integrates geospatial visualization with interactive storytelling techniques, creating a compelling platform for engaging stakeholders, fostering understanding and supporting participatory decision-making in flood-prone regions. We discuss the conceptual model, the principles of guided information visualization, and interaction modalities of our web-based, scenario-driven storytelling application. We also evaluate its effectiveness through two exemplary interactive geospatial stories designed to help domain experts explain different aspects of water-sensitive design practices and the use of simulation models for predicting, visualizing, and managing water flows.