RiskScape Model

RiskScape Model Design

RiskScape is designed using a generic framework for estimating natural hazard loss.

The model has three key input modules: asset, hazard and vulnerability. Data or models represented in each module are combined in a loss module to quantify asset impacts and losses for a natural hazard event or scenario.

Conceptual diagram of the RiskScape model framework

Data and Models

RiskScape input modules represent spatial data or vulnerability models that support natural hazard loss estimation.

Summary of data and model types used in the Riskscape model.

Module	Data or Model Type	Definition	Format
Hazard	Hazard Layer	Physical representation of a hazard event or scenario.	Vector data or raster data
Asset	Asset Layer	Spatial information about assets and asset attributes.	Vector data
Vulnerability	Vulnerability Model	A representation of asset vulnerability to direct or indirect loss from a hazard.	Statistical function and/or set of rules (algorithm)
Loss	Aggregation Layer	Spatial information about areas or locations for calculating loss values.	Vector data

Read more about Data and Models

Type Standards

The RiskScape system employs a type standard ‘language’ that connects module data and models to calculate natural hazard exposure and loss. System type standards enable compliant data and models to be uploaded and applied in a loss model without reconfiguring the software system.

This functionality supports the management and application of data and models at all spatial scales.

View type standards for RiskScape 1.0.

Glossary

Term	Definition
Aggregation layer	Aggregation units represented as raster and vector data.
Aggregation module	Loss model component containing information about areas or locations for calculating loss values.
Aggregation unit	Area or location for calculating loss values.
Annual exceedance probability (AEP)	The annual exceedance probability (AEP) is defined as the probability that a hazard event of a given magnitude or larger will occur in any one year
Asset	A person or made-made or natural resource that has a tangible or intangible value.
Asset Attribute	Quantitative or qualitative value or state characterising an assets vulnerability to loss when exposed to a hazard event.
Asset layer	Assets represented as raster and vector data.
Asset module	Loss model component containing information about assets and asset attributes.
Average recurrence interval (ARI)	The average, or expected, length of time in years between hazard events whose magnitude exceeds a given threshold.
Direct loss	Damage or impacts caused from the physical contact of a hazard with humans, buildings, infrastructure or any other assets.
Exposure	Assets exposed to a hazard event or scenario.
Fragility function	A statistical function that estimates the conditional probability (P) a damage or imapct state will be reached or exceeded for a given hazard intensity.
Graphical user interface	A visual way of interacting a software program using items such as windows, icons, and menus.
Hazard	A process, phenomenon or human activity that may cause loss of life, injury or other health impacts, property damage, social and economic disruption or environmental degradation.
Hazard event	The occurrence of a natural or human-induced phenomenon in a particular place during a particular period of time due to the existence of a hazard
Hazard intensity measure	A measure of a hazardous process or processes characterising a hazard event.
Hazard layer	Hazard represented as raster and vector data.
Hazard model	Physical representation of a hazard event or scenario.
Hazard module	Loss model component containing information about hazard events.
Hazard probability	Measure of the likelihood of a hazard event or scenario, often expressed as recurrence interval or annual exceedance probability
Indirect loss	Damages or impacts induced by a direct loss that occur in space or time outside of a hazard event.
Layer	The mechanism used to display geographic datasets
Loss	Direct or indirect asset loss caused by exposure to a hazard event.
Loss layer	Loss values represented as raster and vector data.
Loss model	A systematic process for combining information in hazard, asset, vulnerability modules to estimate direct and/or indirect loss from a hazard event.
Loss module	Loss model component containing information about losses sustained by assets exposed and/or damaged by a hazard event.
Metadata	Data [information] that provides information about other data.
Multi-hazard	The range of hazards that can occur at a specific location, or occurrence of multiple hazard events that occur simultaneously, cascadingly or cumulatively over time.
Raster format	File format type representing a raster layer.
Raster layer	A matrix of cells (or pixels) organized into rows and columns (or a grid) where each cell contains a value representing information.
Resource module	Loss model component containing information about assets, processes, phenomena or activities that interact with other model components.
Risk	Measure of probability and severity of potential loss of an asset exposed to a hazard event.
Standard Types	Hazards, asset, asset attribute and loss information the RiskScape software understands.
Vector format	File format type representing a vector layer.
Vector layer	Geographical features expressed as point, line or polygon geometries.
Vulnerability	The conditions determined by physical, social, economic and environmental factors or processes which increase the susceptibility of an asset or system to direct or indirect loss from a hazard.
Vulnerability function	A statistical function that estimates direct or indirect loss as a function of hazard intensity or loss.
Vulnerability model	A representation of asset vulnerbility to direct or indirect loss from a hazard.