How to Build a Real-Time Tsunami Warning Visualization System

Simple Summary

A real-time tsunami warning visualizer that provides critical alerts and interactive maps to help coastal communities stay informed and prepared for potential tsunami threats.

Product Requirements Document (PRD)

Goals:

• Create a real-time tsunami warning system with visual map interface
• Provide accurate and timely alerts to users in potentially affected areas
• Offer educational resources on tsunami preparedness and safety

Target Audience:

• Coastal residents
• Emergency management officials
• Marine operators and coastal businesses
• General public interested in natural disaster information

Key Features:

1. Real-time data integration from seismic and ocean monitoring stations
2. Interactive map showing potential tsunami impact zones
3. Customizable alert system for users based on location
4. Historical tsunami data and educational resources
5. Mobile-responsive design for access on various devices

User Requirements:

• Easy-to-understand visual representation of tsunami threats
• Ability to set up personalized alerts
• Access to reliable, up-to-date information
• Integration with official warning systems and protocols

User Flows

1. New User Registration:

   • User visits the website
   • Clicks "Sign Up" and enters personal information
   • Verifies email address
   • Sets location preferences for alerts
   • Completes onboarding tutorial

2. Viewing Active Tsunami Warnings:

   • User logs in to the system
   • Navigates to the main map interface
   • Views color-coded areas indicating warning levels
   • Clicks on specific regions for detailed information
   • Opts to receive push notifications for selected areas

3. Accessing Educational Resources:

   • User selects "Learn" from the main menu
   • Browses categories of tsunami information
   • Views interactive simulations of tsunami formation
   • Takes a quiz to test knowledge of safety procedures
   • Receives a personalized safety plan based on location

Technical Specifications

Frontend:

• React for building the user interface
• Mapbox GL JS for interactive mapping capabilities
• D3.js for data visualization components

Backend:

• Node.js with Express for the server
• WebSocket for real-time data updates
• Redis for caching and pub/sub messaging

Data Processing:

• Python for data analysis and processing
• Apache Kafka for handling real-time data streams

Database:

• PostgreSQL with PostGIS extension for geospatial data

Authentication:

• JSON Web Tokens (JWT) for secure user authentication

Hosting:

• AWS EC2 for application hosting
• AWS RDS for database management

Monitoring:

• ELK Stack (Elasticsearch, Logstash, Kibana) for log management and monitoring

API Endpoints

• POST /api/auth/register
• POST /api/auth/login
• GET /api/warnings/current
• GET /api/warnings/history
• POST /api/alerts/subscribe
• GET /api/map/data
• GET /api/resources/educational
• POST /api/feedback

Database Schema

Users Table:

• id (PK)
• email
• password_hash
• name
• location
• alert_preferences

Warnings Table:

• id (PK)
• timestamp
• severity
• affected_areas
• description

Alerts Table:

• id (PK)
• user_id (FK)
• warning_id (FK)
• status

Resources Table:

• id (PK)
• title
• content
• category
• last_updated

File Structure

Implementation Plan

1. Project Setup (1 week)

   • Initialize React frontend and Node.js backend
   • Set up version control and project management tools

2. Data Integration (2 weeks)

   • Implement data fetching scripts for seismic and ocean data
   • Set up data processing pipeline with Kafka and Python

3. Backend Development (3 weeks)

   • Develop API endpoints for warnings and alerts
   • Implement user authentication and database integration

4. Frontend Development (4 weeks)

   • Create main components (Map, AlertBox, WarningList)
   • Develop user registration and login interfaces
   • Implement real-time data visualization with D3.js and Mapbox

5. Alert System (2 weeks)

   • Develop customizable alert preferences for users
   • Implement push notification system

6. Educational Resources (2 weeks)

   • Create content for tsunami education section
   • Develop interactive simulations and quizzes

7. Testing and Optimization (2 weeks)

   • Conduct thorough testing of all features
   • Optimize performance and responsiveness

8. Deployment and Launch (1 week)

   • Set up production environment on AWS
   • Deploy application and conduct final checks

Deployment Strategy

1. Set up AWS infrastructure using Terraform for infrastructure as code
2. Configure CI/CD pipeline using GitHub Actions
3. Use Docker containers for consistent deployment across environments
4. Implement blue-green deployment strategy for zero-downtime updates
5. Set up AWS CloudWatch for monitoring and alerting
6. Configure regular database backups to S3
7. Implement a content delivery network (CDN) for static assets
8. Conduct load testing and optimize based on results
9. Establish a rollback plan for quick recovery in case of issues

Design Rationale

The design focuses on providing clear, actionable information to users quickly and efficiently. The use of interactive maps allows for intuitive visualization of tsunami threats, while the customizable alert system ensures users receive relevant information. The educational component aims to improve overall preparedness and understanding of tsunami risks. The technical stack is chosen for its ability to handle real-time data processing and visualization, with a focus on scalability and reliability given the critical nature of the application.