Author(s): Masaya Uesugi; Toshiyuki Moriyama
Linked Author(s):
Keywords: Disaster prevention; Gaming; Mobile GIS; River basin; River management
Abstract: In this study, we aim to develop and discuss ideas for a location-based mobile game called “Bosai-Go! (Disaster Prevention Go!)” for regional disaster prevention. The application is designed to familiarize local residents of Japan with their nearby rivers through their daily life routines and motivate them to evacuate right before a disaster occurs. In this game, players are provided with local information maps through their mobile device and they score points whenever they visit specific sites such as monuments of disasters and evacuation shelters. We constructed cloud-based GIS base maps of local information and made them accessible on mobile devices. These maps were based on the “Midorikawa River Waterfront Area Map” provided by a local river office. The map was originally prepared for the appropriate local river management of the Midorikawa River. This was related to various themes which included the history, natural environment, and hazard risks concerning the river. We then invited optional ideas from university students for a location -based mobile gaming contingent on this base. The obtained ideas were evaluated for their expected effects on regional disaster prevention. The concerning issues regarding playing the game were also looked into. Finally, the possibilities and challenges toward the development of the mobile game were discussed.
Year: 2020