Urban plannning seismic risk parametres

Abstract

Confronting the impacts of a major seismic event in high density areas is largely based on the proper information dissemination and the level of readiness of the authorities and of the general population. The preparedness on behalf of the state includes the identification of the urban characteristics and their role in the event management. Such a management can be done in geographic terms. This is the aim of the geographic information system GEM (GIS Earthquake/emergency Management). The system is being designed in detail and simultaneously developed with use of visual programming (CASE tools) in GIS. Due to this detailed design it an be reproduced with the use of different commercial or open source GIS software. It comprises of four subsystems, i.e. the Analysis of the current situation, the Planning of the necessary interventions, the Information Dissemination and the post-event Operation. With the use of basic urban planning data it offers the capability of suitability appraisal of the refuge areas and the safety of the escape routes that lead to them, according to the specifications and local conditions. It prioritizes the interventions that concern the urban planning components of seismic risk, aiming at the rational management and the reduction of expected losses.