The web GIS interface plays an important role in communicating with local authorities. During a volcanic crisis, scientists have to cope with a huge quantity of data which makes drawing proper conclusions a difficult task even for an experienced scientist. The web GIS interface therefore acts as a decision support system where the most significant data are presented in such a way that decisions can be supported. Besides assisting scientists, it also has to provide clear and concise information to the local authorities which are in charge of the crisis and rely on the scientific input. Only then they are able to effectively proceed in managing the crisis and disseminate official decisions regarding the state of activity including the alert level or even a call for evacuation. The VFRS therefore provides only volcano monitoring technology and a decision support system, whereas the final decisions are always made by the local experts and authorities.

The system is only intended for the use by scientist and experienced local authorities and not for the use by the public as information may be misinterpreted by unexperienced user leading to unforeseeable situations in communities. Usually scientist prepare different views of the data which are then presented to the local authorities for discussion and improving the decision making process. The strength of the system is that due to its browser based interface experts form abroad can also be consulted during the decision making process as they have access to the all data through the interface.