Assessing accessibility to gathering areas in the event of an earthquake: Bursa Doganbey National Garden, Turkiye case

Abstract

Earthquakes are natural hazards that can turn into disasters if precautions are not taken. People instinctively seek refuge in safe areas away from buildings at risk of collapsing. Public open spaces often become crucial gathering points during earthquakes, offering safety from falling debris. This study aims to ensure quick and reliable accessibility to gathering areas with minimal earthquake risk. Do & gbreve;anbey Nation Garden in Bursa and five surrounding neighborhoods were selected for the study. Initially, a natural and cultural inventory of the area was conducted. ArcGIS software was then used to analyze earthquake susceptibility and assess risk. Additionally, the HQIS plugin in QGIS software conducted Network Analysis to determine the accessibility of gathering areas. The analysis identified ten locations within the five neighborhoods, being moderately risky in terms of earthquake susceptibility but accessible within a 3-10 minute walk. This research emphasizes transportation and earthquake risk in planning gathering areas. By highlighting the importance of easy access to safe zones during earthquakes, it offers valuable insights for urban planning and disaster management strategies.