An optimal selection method for debris flow scene symbols considering public cognition differences

Abstract Disaster scene symbols can reduce memory and cognitive burdens and improve the transmission efficiency of debris flow information. There is no unified standard for disaster scene symbols, although many academic institutions and emergency departments have thoroughly studied debris flow disasters. Instead, many disaster scene symbols of different styles interfere with the public's understanding of disaster information. Here, an optimal selection method for debris flow scene symbols considering public cognition differences is proposed. First, public knowledge is incorporated into the fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (FAHP) model for debris flow scene symbol selection. Second, debris flows are visualized in 3D with a virtual geographic environment (VGE). Finally, a real debris flow is selected for experimental analysis. The proposed method can support the optimal selection of debris flow scene symbols considering public cognition differences, and a 3D scene constructed with the selected symbols can improve the transmission efficiency of disaster information and provide support for public-oriented debris flow information services.