Utilizing digital technologies for rapid damage assessment and reconnaissance: the February 6, 2023 Kahramanmaraş-Türkiye earthquakes (Mw 7.7 and Mw 7.6)


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ERSÖZ A. B., PEKCAN O., ALTUN M., TEKE T., AYDOĞMUŞ Ö.

Bulletin of Earthquake Engineering, vol.1, 2024 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 1
  • Publication Date: 2024
  • Doi Number: 10.1007/s10518-024-01925-w
  • Journal Name: Bulletin of Earthquake Engineering
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Academic Search Premier, PASCAL, Agricultural & Environmental Science Database, Aquatic Science & Fisheries Abstracts (ASFA), Compendex, Geobase, INSPEC, Civil Engineering Abstracts
  • Keywords: Collaborative research, Digital disaster management, Earthquake reconnaissance, Rapid damage assessment
  • Middle East Technical University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

This paper presents a comprehensive overview of the rapid damage assessment and reconnaissance efforts following the devastating earthquakes on February 6, 2023, in Türkiye. It specifically focuses on implementing the SiteEye Disaster Plugin, an additional component of SiteEye software developed by i4 Company engineers and Middle East Technical University researchers. This tool played a critical role in managing and analyzing a massive dataset comprising over 28,000 images and videos. The research highlights the plugin’s innovative features, such as offline data collection, georeferenced-based layering, and an integrated damage classification system, significantly improving earthquake impact assessments’ accuracy and efficiency. It also underscores the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration involving national and international teams and the role of open data in disaster management. The findings demonstrate how digital technologies can transform the field of disaster response, offering new approaches for rapid assessment and effective management in the aftermath of seismic events. This research contributes valuable insights into enhancing disaster preparedness and response strategies, particularly in earthquake-prone areas.