ShakeMap

ShakeMap is an open-source tool developed by the USGS to create and display near-real-time maps of strong ground motion, 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-second periods. It contours and displays recorded seismic data and predicts peak ground shaking where no sensors exist. ShakeMap can work with existing seismic network monitoring systems (e.g., as part of an automatic Earthworm system) or be manually run in stand-alone mode. For best results, it uses sub-surface amplification information (Vs30 grid), but the USGS’s Vs30 server can provide this data from local topography. ShakeMap can also incorporate different ground motion prediction equations (GMPEs) based on the locations of the earthquake and recording points.