Volcano

Synonyms / Other Terms Used

Volcano Fumarole, Volcano Eruption

Category

Nature, Natural Attractions, Recreation, Tourism

Message / Function

For notice in general and to indicate the location of a volcano

	Source	Description
	Colombia 2015	Irregular form with tilted trapezoid on the right, S like shape above with cloud on top
	Good Women	Side view of volcano with irregular jagged top, several curved lines above
	Guemil	Isosceles trapezoid, on top several curved lines each ending in a dot, one dot in the middle
	Ecuador	Isosceles trapezoid, on top irregular shape indicating snow, several curly lines above
	Bolivia	Isosceles trapezoid, above irregular curved shape indicating smoke
	Guemil	Isosceles trapezoid, irregular curved shape indicating smoke above
	RomanP	Isosceles trapezoid with concave lateral sides, irregular filled curved shape indicating smoke above
	PMP RI	Isosceles trapezoid with concave lateral sides, irregular curved shape in outline indicating smoke above
	Chile MST	Bird’s-eye view of symmetric volcano with jagged base and two parallel curved lines near crater indicating smoke
	CNFC	Isosceles trapezoid, at top crater like round opening and shape with jagged lower edge implying snow
	EJP	Isosceles trapezoid with concave lateral sides, top with white cap and jagged lower edge, implying snow

Discussion

As the sparse collection of pictograms above already indicates, the visual representations signifying a volcano in many cases are focusing on side views, mostly displayed as isosceles trapezoids, and sometimes with curved lateral sides. To enhance comprehensibility several variants show either an eruption or a smoking volcano. Sometimes also a white cap with jagged lower edge is shown to indicate snow. As the variation is basically rather limited, this gives the impression that most renderings follow some kind of visual stereotype.

In our research we did not discover any test data on comprehensibility of pictograms used to indicate a volcano, but we have the impression that several variants could be well comprehensible.

Recommendations

Due to the fact that no data concerning comprehensibility of any pictogram variant is available, we recommend to conduct research using the Comprehensibility Estimation procedure for eliminating poor variants and identifying the best of the set available, followed by a Comprehension Test. These studies should deliver useful data for recommending one or several pictograms. Detailed information about the most frequent responses given in each of the response categories of the Comprehension Test should be provided to correctly judge comprehensibility and improve designs.

Tests of pictograms of referent Volcano

No data from research or tests is available in our database.