Exploring RiskChanges as a Public User
RiskChanges can be accessed by users without registering or logging in. Registered users can make selected parts of their projects publicly available, allowing other users to explore the data without requiring an account.
This page explains how non-registered users can access and explore public RiskChanges projects using a smartphone, tablet, or computer.
The functions available to public users depend on what the project owner has made publicly available.
Make Projects Publicly Available
To make existing projects publicly available, the registered user (the owner of the project) can activate it in the Project Settings. Go to the Share to Public section and activate the Public Project button. The registered user must also define which layers can be available to public. Otherwise, the public will be available without any layers in it. This includes the analysis results (e.g., Exposure, Loss, Risk, CBA). As for the Vulnerability, only the Public Vulnerability will be available to public.
Project Settings to Activate Public Share
Once this settings is applied, any visitors (non-registered users) of RiskChanges can view the project and the layers, as described in below sections.
Accessing Public Projects
Public projects can be explored without creating a RiskChanges account. Users can access available projects through the public project interface.
Go to the RiskChanges landing page and click the top-right button Explore RiskChanges.
Projects can be viewed either as cards or through a map view, allowing users to find projects based on their location or topic.
Public Projects in Card View
The project card view provides an overview of available public projects.
A project card may provide information such as:
Project name.
Project location.
Hazards included in this project.
Project members (only the initials are shown).
Public Card
Select a project card to open the project and explore its publicly available datasets.
Map View
The map view allows users to explore available public projects spatially.
Users can:
Navigate around the map.
Zoom in and out.
Identify available public projects.
Select a project from the map.
Open a project to explore its available datasets.
This provides a convenient way to find projects based on their geographic location.
Public Projects in Map View
Exploring a Public Project
After opening a public project, users can explore the datasets and visualizations made available by the project owner.
The available information can be explored directly through the map interface without requiring the user to log in.
Depending on the project configuration, users can use the following visualization tools:
Standard 2D map visualization.
3D visualization.
Split-screen map comparison.
Location-based exploration.
Exploring Public Project
3D Visualization
RiskChanges provides a 3D visualization option for exploring spatial datasets in three dimensions. The 3D view can help users understand the relationship between datasets and the surrounding terrain.
To explore a dataset in 3D, users can activate the 3D button at the top of the map canvas. Then, users can navigate around the 3D scene to explore the dataset.
Users can navigate the 3D scene by:
Zooming in and out.
Moving around the scene.
Rotating the view.
Changing the viewing angle.
Exploring different areas of the dataset.
3D visualization of a public dataset.
Comparing Two Maps
RiskChanges provides a split-screen visualization that allows users to compare two maps or datasets side by side. The two map views can be explored together, allowing users to identify differences in the same geographic area.
This can be useful for identifying spatial differences between two datasets, such as:
Two different scenarios.
Different time periods.
Baseline and alternative conditions.
Different hazard datasets.
Other comparable spatial datasets.
To compare two maps, users must activate the Compare button at the top of the map canvas. Then on the map layer list on the left panel, users will see options to make each layer to be either on left, right, or both sides of the screen. This would define the map layers to be compared.
After both maps are settled, users can adjust the map view as needed, and navigate across the map to compare the two datasets spatially.
Split-screen visualization for comparing two maps.
Users can also do the comparison in 3D Visualization.
Split-screen visualization for comparing two maps (in 3D Visualization).
Using My Location
The Use My Location function allows users to navigate directly to their current geographic location and explore the available RiskChanges data in the surrounding area. This function can be particularly useful when exploring a public project from a smartphone or tablet while in the field. However, users must allow the browser to access your location if prompted.
Using My Location to explore nearby data.
Additionally, users can also input a coordinate location (longitude and latitude) to the platform so it will navigate to a designated location of your choice.
Once set, the map will zoom to the defined location. Explore the available datasets and information around the location.
Using a defined coordinate set to explore nearby data.
Note
Location access must be enabled in the browser or device settings for the Use My Location function to work. The accuracy of the displayed location depends on the device and its available positioning services.
Using RiskChanges on Different Devices
The public RiskChanges interface can be accessed from different types of devices.
Smartphones
On smartphones, the interface can be used to:
Browse public projects.
Explore map data.
Use My Location to explore nearby information.
Navigate 3D visualizations.
Compare maps using split-screen visualization.
Tablets
On tablets, users can explore public projects and datasets using the larger screen to interact with maps, 3D scenes, and comparison views.
Computers
On computers, users can use the full available screen area to explore public projects, datasets, 3D visualizations, and split-screen comparisons.
Video Tutorial
A short video tutorial can be provided to demonstrate how non-registered users can explore public RiskChanges projects.
The video demonstrates:
Opening a public RiskChanges project.
Browsing available projects using cards and the map view.
Opening a dataset.
Using the 3D visualization.
Comparing two maps using split-screen visualization.
Using My Location to explore data around the current location.