Anurag Kumar and Anil Kumar
Department of Environmental Engineering, National Institute of Advanced Manufacturing Technology (NIAMT), Ranchi, Jharkhand-834003, India
Cite this article: Kumar, A., Kumar A., 2025. Spatial mapping and visualization of earthquake data using Quantum Geographic Information System (QGIS) for seismic activity. J. Appl. Sci. Innov. Technol. 4 (2), 79-85.
Highlights
- The study presents spatial mapping and analysis of earthquake data (1975-2025) at global and Indian scales using QGIS software.
- The integration of earthquake and fault datasets reveals significant clustering of seismic events along major global and regional fault lines.
- Thematic mapping highlights variations in earthquake magnitude and associated impacts across different regions.
- Heat map analysis identifies major earthquake hotspots and high-intensity seismic zones.
- GIS enhances seismic risk assessment and supports disaster preparedness strategies.
Abstract
Earthquakes are highly destructive natural hazards that cause severe risks to human
life, infrastructure, and economic stability. The effects of earthquakes are analyzed
using a Geographic Information System (GIS). This study explores the spatial
distribution and impacts of earthquakes across different geographical regions utilizing
QGIS 3.42.0, an open-source GIS software. The integration of historical earthquake
data with the global fault data base and socio-economic variables enabled a
comprehensive system for interpreting seismic activity and its consequences. Multiple
GIS-based information layers were generated, including active faults, and map
depicting earthquake magnitude, intensity, estimated damage, fatalities, and high
seismic zones. Heat map analysis was employed to generate density surfaces that
highlight areas with higher frequencies of seismic activity, aiding in the identification
of high-risk zones. Heat map analysis identified seismic hotspots and visualized the
spatial concentration of earthquake occurrences across affected regions. The attribute
tables linked with the dataset provide detailed information for each earthquake event,
facilitating targeted decision-making for disaster management and emergency
response. This research highlights the potential of GIS-based methodologies in
enhancing seismic risk assessment, thereby aiding in urban planning, risk reduction,
and emergency response strategies.
Keywords: QGIS; Earthquake mapping; Active faults; Spatial visualization; Heat map
Scope: Environmental Science & Engineering
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