k. Geospatial Information Authority of Japan Initiatives

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

Across the nation and earthquake disaster prevention measure regions, the monitoring of crustal movements is boosted by continuous GNSS observations, GNSS surveying, and leveling through about 1,300 GNSS-based control stations (GEONET). Also, monitoring of crustal movements started using the interferometric SAR of the land observing satellite “DAICHI-2”.

## (b) Research on Natural Disasters Associated Following Earthquakes

From the results of geodetic observation such as GNSS, SAR interferometry and geodetic leveling, the mechanism 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, the Coordinating Committee for Earthquake Prediction is operated. Moreover 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 compared with the Great East Japan Earthquake, therefore to secure the safety of evacuees and stranded commuters in regions where population and 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 loosen various regulations in order to improve the disaster prevention capabilities of urban areas in cooperation between the public and private sectors. In the same year, the “Urban Safety Protection Promotion Project” was set to comprehensively assist creation of the urban reconstruction safety protection plan and implementation of non-structural and structural measures based on this plan. In 2013, the system for providing subsides was expanded to cover the areas around major stations, and special taxation measures were created for storage warehouses listed in the urban reconstruction safety protection plan.

### 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 will be disordered 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.

## (7) Snow Damage Measures

### a. Securing Winter Road Traffic (Snow and Winter Works)

In accordance with the “Act on Special Measures concerning Maintenance of Road Traffic in Specified Snow Coverage and Cold Districts”, to support safe and comfortable living, strengthen exchanges and cooperation between regions, the “Five Year Plan to Secure Road Transport in Special Snow and Low Temperature Regions” was established in November 2013. The Cabinet made this decision, along with promoting projects for removing snow, preventing snow, snow and frost damage on roads (snow and winter works). In addition, the Hokuriku Snow Damage Measures Technology Center was established in July 2012 and is promoting research and development, human resources development, assistance to local governments, as well as providing information and raising public awareness related to snow damage measures across the country. In case of unusual snowfall, traffic will be stopped at an early stage and concentrated snow removal will be carried out. Where large vehicles are stalled, they will be moved swiftly in accordance with the “Disaster Countermeasure Basic Act”, amended in November 2014, to ensure quick restoration of traffic. When large snowfall occurred mainly in Chugoku and Shikoku regions on December 5, 2014, the “Disaster Countermeasure Basic Act” was