have been strengthened and calculation software is going to be revised to improve the accuracy and swiftness of the information. Preparations to utilize data gathered from seismographs installed by relevant organizations in the sea and deep underground are also underway.

In addition, to provide useful information that will contribute to the initial response immediately after the earthquake such as the early detection of human and fixture damage caused by long-period ground motion, from March 2013, observation information on long-period ground motion is being announced on a trial basis. Also, technical studies regarding the prediction of long-period ground motion have begun.

### j. Japan Coast Guard Initiatives

To elucidate the physical mechanism of huge earthquakes, observations of seafloor crustal movements are conducted on the landward slope of the major trenches along the Pacific side of Japan such as the Japan Trench and the Nankai Trough where the large earthquakes have repeatedly occurred. To monitor crustal movements GNSS observations are also conducted in coastal areas and the Izu Islands.

### k. Geospatial Information Authority of Japan Initiatives

## (a) Observing Crustal Movements and Strengthening Monitoring Frameworks

Across the nation and the area under intensified measures against earthquake disaster, the monitoring of crustal movements is boosted by continuous GNSS observations through 1,300 GNSS-based control stations, GNSS surveying, and geodetic leveling.

## (b) Research on Natural Disasters caused by Earthquakes

From the results of geodetic observation such as GNSS, SAR interferometry and geodetic leveling, the mechanics of earthquake occurrence is being elucidated and research is being conducted to improve observations and analysis. Also, national fundamental geospatial information and past disaster record as well as seismic intensity is combined and analyzed to research and develop method to promptly obtain and provide disaster information soon after disasters. Additionally, for the purpose of exchanging information on surveys, observations and research outcomes regarding earthquake prediction between relevant government organizations and universities as well as conduct academic deliberations based on this, and for research on crustal movements, the Coastal Movements Data Center, is being operated in order to gather, archive and provide tidal records observed by relevant government organizations.

### I. Stranded Commuter Measures

If a large-scale earthquake occurs in a major city, urban functions will be paralyzed and more commuters will be stranded than the Great East Japan Earthquake, therefore to secure the safety of evacuees and stranded commuters in regions where urban functions are concentrated, the Urban Reconstruction Safety Protection Plan System was newly established in 2012. Across the nation, 62 regions are designated as urban reconstruction emergency development regions to create a urban reconstruction safety protection plan, conclude agreements on urban reconstruction safety protection facilities, and carry out deregulation for cooperation between the public and private sector for a system designed to improve the disaster prevention capabilities of urban areas. Also, in 2013, special taxation measures were created for storage warehouses and budgetary measures were expanded to facilitate refugees and stranded travelers in the vicinity of major stations.

### m. Safety and Security Measures of the Underground Malls

Underground malls, serve as important public spaces within the city, but there are concerns that evacuees may get confused when a large-scale earthquake occurs along with the fact that facilities are aging, therefore, a guideline was created on safe evacuation measures for underground malls to promote disaster prevention measures for the safe evacuation of users and others.