Development of an OpenStreetMap based safe zone routing system for west valley fault earthquake disaster in the Makati Central Business District, Philippines

Abstract

This study focuses on the development of a safe zone routing system for earthquake disasters in the Makati Central Business District, one of the Philippines' most populated urban areas. The system determines routes from locations within the area to predetermined safe zones. The edge cost of the road network of the system factors in the danger index of roads which is computed based on proximity to nearby buildings that are considered as threats in an event of an earthquake. The system uses data from OpenStreetMap which is then stored in a PostGIS database. The system recommends the optimal route to the optimal safe zone depending on the originating location of the user using a map interface. This study greatly contributes to disaster preparedness and response efforts for earthquake hazards brought about by the West Valley Fault, which runs across Metro Manila. The objective of the system is to provide a guide that users may follow as they travel towards a safe zone using the safest route as far away as possible from structures that are at risk of collapse during an earthquake.