Shaking Up Maps: Evaluating Earthquake Visualization with Vibrating Symbols

Earthquakes are among the most formidable and hazardous geological events, capable of causing profound impacts on human lives, animals, infrastructure, and the environment.While they frequently occur across various regions of the globe, moderate to large earthquakes often strike unexpectedly, leaving little time for preparation.Advances in seismology and cartographic technologies have introduced animated visualization methods as a transformative tool for presenting earthquake data on the web.These dynamic approaches not only captivate users visually but also enhance our understanding of complex spatio-temporal phenomena, such as seismic activity (Karl, 1992).Furthermore, they offer the potential to elevate public awareness, improve preparedness, and strengthen crisis management strategies, surpassing the limitations of traditional printed maps.By leveraging interactive dynamic maps, users can more effectively explore and analyze the spatial and statistical relationships within earthquake distributions.However, recognizing the limitations of online surveys-such as uncontrolled external factors and potential inaccuracies-this research integrates laboratory testing to provide a controlled environment.Laboratory studies also enable the recording of eye movements, offering deeper insights into user interaction with vibrating symbols.