Output: serving user needs

GEM is going through a continual user-needs assessment effort, to ensure that the software and tools that are being developed meet the needs of users. GEM potential users are broad and have different characteristics. GEM’s products will therefore be attuned to the needs of both basic and expert users. Partnerships and an active user-community are the ingredients that support the initial use of the tools and subsequent adoption of the information the global earthquake model produces, a necessary first step toward awareness and risk mitigating behaviour.

The main output of GEM’s first five-year working programme will be the OpenGEM platform, which will allow basic and expert users to run applications, access seismic risk information on local, national and regional scale, and visualize the latter in maps, curves, tables and export these in compatible formats. Basic users are likely to want to view output produced by the global earthquake model, perhaps that related to the location of their own house. Expert users will be able “plug in” their own data and run their own calculations. Furthermore users will have the possibility to share data and experiences within the GEM user network.

Because not everyone will be able to access an internet portal, or would like to run calculations through the internet, a stand-alone OpenGEM software package will be an important derivative.

GEM will however produce more than a platform for risk assessment. Global harmonized databases within the fields of earthquake hazard, vulnerability, exposure and socio-economic impact will be made available, such as a global earthquake consequences database and a global historical seismic catalogue. GEM will also produce best practices and standards related to many aspects of seismic risk assessment, which will help the community to work together under a common framework at a global scale. A community development platform for the computational engine will allow for true open-source and object-oriented development of the GEM risk engine by the community. Programmers and other experts will be able to test, use and further improve GEM’s software code.

Finally there will be technical reports for the (scientific) community to build upon and technical training programmes and workshops for diffusion of the knowledge on GEM software and use, especially in areas where risk assessment tools and data are currently less available.