Rosetta, a tool for linking accelerometric recordings and macroseismic observations: description and applications

Abstract

Investigating relationships between macroseismic intensity and strong-motion data requires the existence of these two records for the same seismic event and site. In Italy, this comparison is feasible through the cross-matching of the Italian Macroseismic Database (DBMI) and the Italian Strong-Motion Database (ITACA) which are the most comprehensive sources of both data. However, the two databases lack a direct link which would allow performing joint analysis of macroseismic data points and strong-motion recordings, making the comparison a time consuming job for the researcher. This paper demonstrates the usefulness of cross-database identifiers, and presents their use in a webtool called Rosetta, an initial proof-of-concept that helped testing linking procedures among DBMI and ITACA, and user friendly visual solutions. The development allowed the working group to exchange expertise on their respective database structures and workflows, laying the groundwork for a consistent, low-maintenance, and durable solution that will be easily updatable each time a new version of DBMI or ITACA will be released.