Broadly speaking, maps on volcanic hazard and risk are of different types:
- Scientific maps: scientific description of the geological structure and volcanological details (type of rocks, fractures, morphology, etc., gas emission points, hot water sources, etc.). The volcanic hazard map (describing where the different hazards are likely to happen) is the most important scientific map as it is the basis of development plans and emergency plans made by authorities;
- Emergency maps: description of the affected areas, the elements at risk, the escape routes, etc.;
- Land planning maps: description of usage and policies that have to be applied to the different land areas;
- Risks & resources community-made maps: description made by local communities (schools, organizations, etc.) of associated risks and existing resources (civil protection forces, meeting areas, safe sites, etc.) in order to raise people’s awareness.
In general, these different types of maps are available from:
- Local authorities: Municipality, Prefecture, Civil Protection;
- Universities, scientific centres and volcano observatories;
- Local citizen organizations.
In some cases, access to some of the most sensitive data in emergency maps can be restricted as they must be managed only by authorities and operational structures in case of crisis (i.e. banks, health centres, large strategic infrastructures, military sites, industries, etc.).
