Geotrac’s Newest Database Indicates High-Risk Earthquake Areas for Industry

While nobody has the capability to predict earthquakes, Geotrac’s newest database of natural hazard variables shows that the Paso Robles’ area, hit by yesterday’s earthquake, has a high annual risk of
earthquake damage. The level of risk is in line with a high-risk flood zone area, in which the federal government requires flood insurance.

“By looking up an address, Geotrac can assess the distance to a fault,
provide the name of the fault, the latest and closest quake event, the magnitude, peak ground acceleration, soil liquefaction and other factors,” stated Jim Smith, president of Geotrac. “All of the information is fed into a computer model that calculates the annual probability of a damaging event.”

In response to an identified need in the insurance industry, Geotrac has been developing an extensive database of natural hazard variables, currently in Beta mode, that measures probabilities for risk such as storm surge, hail, wind, hurricane, and tornado. Geotrac, long known for its expertise in assessing flood risk, is using advanced Geographical Information Systems (GIS) technology to develop sophisticated algorithms to assess risks from a host of natural hazard variables.

For more information, contact Jim Smith, Geotrac president, at
1.800.436-8722, ext. 2060.