Canberra: A groundbreaking data visualization tool developed by Australian Catholic University researchers promises to give disaster and health authorities a crucial edge in responding to emergencies such as heatwaves, bushfires, floods, or industrial accidents.
The innovative system, named the Bubble-Wall Plot, is designed to capture, analyse, and display hazard-related data in an intuitive format, enabling rapid decision-making and potentially saving lives. According to the study, public health officials and managers of critical infrastructure could leverage the tool to monitor risks in real time and react before situations escalate.
“We’ve created a visualisation tool that does more than just present information – it alerts you when danger is approaching,” said Professor Niusha Shafiabady, ACU’s head of IT discipline and co-author of the study. The Bubble-Wall Plot simplifies complex datasets into a one-dimensional chart that tracks a target variable within predefined safe thresholds.
Each variable is represented by a circle whose colour changes according to the level of risk: green indicates normal conditions, yellow signals an anomaly, and red flags a critical warning. This dynamic colour-coding allows users to instantly assess potential hazards at a glance.
The tool was validated through a case study in an underground coal mine, where it was used to monitor gas levels and other safety parameters. The system successfully interpreted the data to generate alerts, demonstrating its potential to act as a real-time hazard alarm system.
“This technology can transform raw hazard data into a visual early-warning system,” Professor Shafiabady explained. The research team collaborated with the University of Technology Sydney and Shanxi Normal University in China to refine the tool’s analytical capabilities and test its applications across different risk scenarios.
Experts say the Bubble-Wall Plot could be applied in multiple high-stakes environments, from heatwave response planning and bushfire monitoring to flood management and industrial safety oversight. By providing an immediate visual cue when variables move out of the safe range, authorities can act swiftly to prevent harm and coordinate resources efficiently.
“This is about giving decision-makers a clear, intuitive picture of risk as it develops,” Professor Shafiabady said. “In fast-moving emergencies, that kind of insight can make the difference between life and death.”