Maps for land management: from geology to seismic hazard.

Seismic microzonation maps usually represent local seismic hazard through amplification factors, i.e. relative values, and reference seismic hazard maps do not consider the local effects that may derive from local geological and morphological conditions. For the implementation of policies to reduce the seismic risk, authorities responsible for territorial management need realistic seismic hazard maps comparable on a national scale. Thanks to the available data on geology and seismic hazard and to the procedures indicated by the Regional and national guidelines, it is possible to produce, quickly and cost-effectively, site seismic hazard maps at any scale. The use of the HSM parameter for this mapping makes it possible to consider both the reference seismic hazard and the local effects and makes the final results comparable on a national scale; therefore, it allows a realistic classification of the seismic hazard applicable to all scales. The results of tests conducted on local and regional scales, according to national and Regional guidelines, are shown and discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]