Use of remote digital surveys to generate exposure models of residential structures in Chile

Abstract

This article describes a methodology used to build detailed exposure models of residential structures in three cities of Chile using remote digital surveys. The models provide the location of the structures classified into 18 different structural typologies. Two tools were used simultaneously to build the models: Google StreetView, and GEM’s Inventory Data Capture Tool. The method is described, a summary of the results of the exposure models is presented, and the detailed results of the local models are compared with a previously developed national exposure model for the whole country. The proposed methodology to develop exposure models proved to be useful, simple, and low cost, and can be replicated elsewhere with proper StreetView coverage. The methodology is accurate to count structures, despite presenting certain difficulties to classify the surveyed buildings into different structural typologies. The developed exposure models represent an important input for risk calculations, thus improving technical capabilities for seismic risk management of the country.