People who know their elevation are one step ahead in their preparations
June 3rd is 'Surveying Day'.
Can you state the elevation of the place where you currently live?
When you hear the word 'elevation,' you might think it's a topic about mountains.
But in reality, knowing the elevation of your home subtly changes how you approach disaster preparedness.
Elevation is basic land information that you should know before looking at hazard maps. You can check it today in one minute using the Geospatial Information Authority of Japan's 'GSI Maps'.
Let me talk to you about that today.
Where should I start with 'preparedness'?
I think I need to get disaster supplies, but I don't know where to start.
I've had that feeling too.
Water? Food? Flashlights? The more I look into it, the more I think 'I need this, I need that,' and eventually time passes without me doing anything.
But now I think:
The true starting line for preparedness is knowing the ground beneath your feet.
Before buying supplies, first know the 'land you live on.'
The first step to that is elevation.
What changes when you know your elevation?
What you can learn from elevation
Elevation is the height of the land based on sea level.
It has the same meaning as the expression 'meters above sea level.'
Knowing this number allows you to see things like this:
Whether it is a place prone to flooding during heavy rain
How much risk there is if a tsunami occurs
Whether it is a higher or lower location compared to nearby evacuation sites
Hazard maps are maps that use colors to show 'where it is dangerous,' but elevation is the number that serves as the premise for that.
By knowing the height at which your land is located, the way you view hazard maps will also change.
Low elevation doesn't always mean dangerous
People tend to think 'low elevation equals dangerous,' but in reality, it's a bit more complex.
Even on land that is 2 meters above sea level, the situation changes if there is a solid levee.
Conversely, even if the elevation is high, there is a risk of landslides if it is on a mountain slope.
The important thing is not to judge based on numbers alone.
Elevation should be used strictly as an 'entry point to knowing your own land.'
What you can do today | Check your elevation with GSI Maps
The 3-step method to check is easy
There are no difficult operations. You can even do it on your smartphone.
1. Search for 'GSI Maps'
This is a free map service operated by the Geospatial Information Authority of Japan.
2. Enter your home address
Just by entering your address in the search box, the map will move to your home area.
3. Place the cursor on your home
The elevation of that point will be displayed at the bottom or bottom-right of the screen.
That's all there is to it.
Please try it today.
Make a note of it once you've checked
Once you know the number, it is important not to just leave it at that.
Elevation of my home: 〇 meters
Elevation of nearby evacuation site: 〇 meters
Elevation of your workplace or school: XX meters
When you compare multiple locations, you may find things you wouldn't notice just by looking at a map, such as
“my home is at a higher elevation than the evacuation site”
or
“the area around my workplace is surprisingly low-lying.”
Summary
June 3rd is “Surveying Day.” A day to take the opportunity to learn about your land.
Elevation is “basic land information” you should know before checking hazard maps.
You can check it today in just one minute using the “GSI Maps.”
Comparing the elevations of your home, evacuation site, and workplace can lead to new discoveries.
The number is just the starting point. Use it as the first step toward understanding your land.
When we think of disaster preparedness, we often imagine stocking up on goods and food.
However, the very first thing you should do might be to learn about the land where you live.
That single number—elevation—quietly increases the resolution of your preparations.
Please try it out today for just one minute.