The Euro-Med Seismological Center (EMSC) operates the second global earthquakes information system in the world. Over the last few years, it developed a strategy based on communication and social networks to collect in-situ observations from eyewitnesses. Alongside traditional crowdsourcing tools, it uses real time website traffic analysis to detect felt earthquakes and characterise their effects.
The aim of this talk is to present the overall strategy to attract and engage with citizens, as well as the role of social networks or
smartphones. We will underline the advantages of moving towards a partnership with citizens to augment data and offer better information services.