Yokohama City University has built a citizen-participation-type seismic wave measurement network using commercially available small sensors that can be introduced in ordinary homes and schools.In addition to collecting more detailed data than conventional earthquake measurements, we aim to actively deepen the understanding of earthquakes and disaster prevention among citizens.

 According to Associate Professor Kim Ai of the same university, seismographs that cost one million yen are usually installed in one place every 20 to 30 km square in Japan.However, it is not possible to measure points during that period, and as citizens are becoming more interested in earthquakes and disaster prevention, detailed information that can be easily accessed is required.Therefore, Associate Professor Kim worked on building a citizen-participation-type network using a sensor unit that can be assembled for about 1 yen and can be installed inexpensively even in ordinary households.By using this unit, it is possible to obtain data on areas that were previously blank areas, and it is possible to know where the shaking is intense even in the same area or building.It is said that this can lead to disaster mitigation.

Furthermore, if linked with social media, it can be expected to be used as a teaching material and for real-time monitoring of shaking.However, in order for these sensors to become widespread, ideas that can be widely used not only as home seismographs but also in daily life are required.For example, by attaching a camera to the sensor unit, there is an attempt to use it as a watching application in an aging and solitary society.By soliciting ideas from the general public, we will strive to popularize such seismic wave measurement units.

 At universities, not only cutting-edge research that takes a little time to reach the world, but also such efforts to directly protect the safety of citizens are being actively carried out.Not only will these efforts contribute to the safety and security of citizens, but the amount of data that can be obtained will be enormous, which will help advance advanced research.

Source:[Yokohama City University] Citizen participation type seismic wave measurement network using sensors that catch "shaking"

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