When I think of "mapping Hazards" I am instantly reminded of one of the first projects I completed this semester in geography 405 (GIS I). The project was to complete a map depicting a hypothetical cyanide spill into the Danube River which flows around the boarder of Romania. The situation, though imaginary, could happen. The river is heavily fished and without a kind of warning system for those downstream people's lives would be at risk. The maps we designed were a kind of warning showing, in Romanian, what the rate of downstream spread would be. These types of maps are valuable tools for dangerous situations.The first map I have included on the right is from the US geological Survey and is showing earthquake probability in New York and Pennsylvania. This type of map could be extremely valuable to perhaps a potential home buyer in the area that does not necessarily want to live in an area where earthquakes are highly probable for obvious reasons. On the other side of that same use the maps may be valuable to insurance comp
anies when determining a customers earthquake insurance premium. Another example on the lower right shows flood hazards all across Europe. again this is a not only a valuable safety tool, but one that can be utilized by land buyers and sellers as well as insurance agencies and other businesses worldwide. For instance this type of flood hazard information is crucial for a developer when deciding what exactly the use of his land will be. Without planning for this, financial losses could be huge. Things like flooding and earthquake information is also critical tools for engineers and architects when designing structures. Hazard mapping will continue to be utilized for years to come.
anies when determining a customers earthquake insurance premium. Another example on the lower right shows flood hazards all across Europe. again this is a not only a valuable safety tool, but one that can be utilized by land buyers and sellers as well as insurance agencies and other businesses worldwide. For instance this type of flood hazard information is crucial for a developer when deciding what exactly the use of his land will be. Without planning for this, financial losses could be huge. Things like flooding and earthquake information is also critical tools for engineers and architects when designing structures. Hazard mapping will continue to be utilized for years to come.