Abstract
In this paper, we discuss a geographical methodology supported by specific geo-technologies which we are testing for the study of territories damaged by the L’Aquila earthquake of 6 April 2009 and which can be used in similar situations. Subsequently, we provide an overview of the current situation and make a comparison between some aerial photographs obtained from an overflight in March 2012 and some photos made during our first field study in February 2010, in order to show the work undertaken or not during this period and to substantiate any considerations regarding the choices adopted and the necessary future planning. Moreover, we provide an example of the added value provided by the analysis of aerial photographs in both visible and thermal light for recognizing the provisional non-painted metal roofing of buildings in a post-earthquake urban area. In fact this technique can be useful for the rapid identification of damaged buildings and zones with provisional covering. In the present paper, we focus attention on L’Aquila town centre which provides a significant example of a “City of Stone” almost “minus” the presence of people.
Highlights
A disaster which involves urban areas damages both buildings and inhabitants, workers and students living in the town
We discuss a geographical methodology supported by specific geo-technologies which we are testing for the study of territories damaged by the L’Aquila earthquake of 6 April 2009 and which can be used in similar situations
We provide an overview of the current situation and make a comparison between some aerial photographs obtained from an overflight in March 2012 and some photos made during our first field study in February 2010, in order to show the work undertaken or not during this period and to substantiate any considerations regarding the choices adopted and the necessary future planning
Summary
A disaster which involves urban areas damages both buildings and inhabitants, workers and students living in the town. Rural suburban areas have changed their land use destination to become urban areas in order to build new permanent settlements The effects of these policies have been: weakness in the relationship territory-community; increasing confusion and loss of sense of place; abnormal growth in land value; creation of anonymous peripheries without any characteristic functions. In our research project, we attempt to show how the revolution in the town’s shape and the landscape of suburbs has adversely affected the way of life of the inhabitants of L’Aquila This approach enables us to measure the negative impacts of some planning choices in order to show different kinds of damage management. The interplay between different tools and various kinds of geographical observation allow us to test out an articulate geographical methodology for the study of territories damaged by earthquakes
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