Natural hazard mapping

Systematic natural hazard mapping in Japan was started after WW II using aerial photographs. Analysing the interaction between disaster occurrence and land conditions is the most useful method for establishing the disaster prediction system for three types of disaster, flood disaster, mass-movement disaster, and earthquake disaster, which are strongly related to land conditions. A series of maps on natural hazards were established based on the results analysed. In our opinion, the following problems of natural hazard mappings remain so far unsolved:

1. No clear distinction is made between natural hazard mapping and land classification.
2. Organization of information for natural hazard prevention is not yet established.
3. There is no established earthquake disaster prevention map.
4. Utilization of new machines and tools is inadequate.
5. Effect of human activity is not estimated.