WebGIS Simulator for Promotion of Seismic Retrofitting and Community Disaster Mitigation Activities

Abstract eng:
One of the most important aspects of disaster mitigation in urban areas is the preparations residents take to make their own houses, towns and their living environments safer. This paper describes a newly-developed information system dedicated to promoting such actions and describes its application to the community disaster mitigation practices of the residents themselves. The system is based on a simulator that provides realistic scenarios, based on actual seismic hazards, in order to help each resident gain awareness of his/her own hazard level, and to comprehend the need and methodology for preparations. The simulator is built around a web-based online geographic information system (WebGIS) and integrates a series of subsystems to provide features including a high-resolution hazard map system capable of making three-dimensional birds-eye overviews, a system for evaluating earthquake ground motion at a specific location as well as a system for simulating the earthquake effects and the possible collapse of a wooden house at the site, including risks of falling indoor furniture. Furthermore, to provide additional information on seismic hazards and disaster mitigation, various related programs that utilize online systems including WebLog, Wiki and other interactive interfaces have been incorporated. The system is also designed to assist user-groups that want to discuss and make preparations against disasters. The WebGIS-based system also makes it possible for user-groups to create and maintain their own disaster maps, and use those maps for disaster mitigation activities in their community. The system is already in use by various local communities and continuous development is projected.

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