ShakeMap
Overview
ShakeMap
ShakeMap is an open source tool developed by the USGS for creating and displaying maps of strong-ground motion in near-real time, including peak ground acceleration (PGA), peak ground velocity (PGV), macroseismic intensity (MMI), and peak response spectral acceleration amplitudes (at 0.3, 1.0 and 3.0 sec periods). ShakeMap is used to contour and display recorded seismic information and to predict peak ground shaking where no such sensors exist. It can be used with existing seismic network monitoring (e.g., as part of an automatic earthworm system) or manually executed in stand-alone mode. To be most effective, it is preferred to have information about the sub-surface amplification of the monitored region (Vs30 grid); however, the USGS’s Vs30 server can supply a grid derived from local topographic data. ShakeMap can incorporate different ground motion prediction equations (GMPEs) based on earthquake and recording point locations.