Earthquake Hazard Maps PDF

Prepared: Mary Joy P. Araneta, SST-I  Hazard Maps are maps that highlight areas that are affected by or are vulnerable to particular hazard. They are typically created for natural hazards, such as earthquakes, volcanoes, landslides, flooding and tsunamis. Hazard maps help prevent serious damag...

Prepared: Mary Joy P. Araneta, SST-I  Hazard Maps are maps that highlight areas that are affected by or are vulnerable to particular hazard. They are typically created for natural hazards, such as earthquakes, volcanoes, landslides, flooding and tsunamis. Hazard maps help prevent serious damage and deaths.  An Earthquake Hazard Map is an example of a typical hazard map that focuses on earthquake-related potential risks associated with a particular place being emphasized by using different elements such as colors and symbols found within the map.  Before using a hazard map, we should first differentiate the term Magnitude with Intensity. You may have heard these words during a news broadcast about an earthquake incident. Magnitude of an earthquake refers to the amount of energy released, measured by the amount of ground displacement or shaking. It is calculated based on record of the earthquake (seismograph). It is represented by Arabic numbers (e.g., 4.8, 9.0) Intensity is the strength of an earthquake as perceived and felt by people, objects, environment and structures in the surroundings. The intensity is generally higher near the epicenter. It is represented by Roman Numerals (e.g., II, IV, IX). In order to utilize Earthquake Hazard Map, we must identify its parts. Please see Figure 2 on the next page for reference: 1. Title. Every map needs a title. The title indicates the theme of the map, explaining what represented in the image you see. 2. Data Frame. Is the portion of the map that displays the data layers. This section is the most important and central focus of the map document. 3. Map Scale. Explains the relationships of the data frame extent to the real world. This can be shown either as a unit to unit or as one measurement to another measurement. 4. Legend. Serves as the decoder for the symbology in the data frame. Therefore, it is also commonly known as the key. Descriptions detailing any color schemata, symbology or categorization is explained here. 5. Citation. The citation portion of a map constitutes the metadata of the map. This is the area where explanatory data about the data sources and currency, projection information any caveats are placed. Citations help the viewer determine the use of the map of their own purposes. 6. Inset Map. Is a smaller map featured on the same page as the main map. It is used as a locator map that shows the area of the main map in a broader, more familiar geographical frame of reference.