Earthquake-Prone Cities and Urban Information Systems

New and accurate information can help decision makers in planning and controlling the normal situation. This type of dynamic information is of more importance for emergency and responsive planning. The data gathered in hours, days, months, and years after an unfortunate incident can improve policies and practices to reduce risks and increase the effectiveness of emergency planning, awareness, preparation and search. Earthquake is one of the oldest enemies of man which today can be represented and analyzed. The Geographic Information System (GIS) is used to analyze the population and infrastructure positions. This paper, describing a study on the preparedness of a section of Istanbul (Turkey) against the earthquake, shows how to it is possible to minimize the effects of earthquakes by using GIS, plan emergency response and prepare a list of urban information.