Flood Risk Communications Through Maps: Challenges, Perception Theories and Approaches

ABSTRACT Flood risk communication is a core component of flood risk management, yet persistent challenges limit its effectiveness in supporting public understanding, preparedness and adaptive behaviour. Here, we examine flood risk maps as communication tools at the interface of scientific modelling, visual design, and human risk perception. Using a narrative and scoping approach, we synthesise conceptual, theoretical and empirical literature, with particular attention to risk perception theory, framing and map design. We show that flood risk maps often fail to communicate effectively due to poor readability, technical language, inconsistent colour conventions and cognitive biases that shape interpretation and response. Although probabilistic flood maps have been developed to better represent spatial variability and uncertainty in flood risk, they are frequently misunderstood without appropriate framing and contextual support. Our review highlights the critical role of framing choices, communication channels and trust in information sources in shaping how flood risk information is interpreted and acted upon. We further show that participatory mapping can enhance local relevance, understanding and trust by incorporating lived experience, but its application is constrained by issues of scalability, institutional capacity and potential bias. We, therefore, argue that flood risk maps are most effective when embedded within broader, multi‐channel communication strategies.