‘Stratigraphically Homogeneous Zones’: automated construction and restitution procedure for engineering geology use

This study presents an automated method for the construction and spatialization of stratigraphic columns, facilitating the creation of maps of Stratigraphically Homogeneous Zones (SHZ). This approach integrates GIS tools with custom Python scripts, streamlining the manual process traditionally used in Seismic Microzonation (SM) studies according to Italian standards. Our method allows for rapid, scalable processing and provides a detailed geological model of near-surface stratigraphy, essential for land management and seismic risk assessment. We employed our scripts to automatically produce the map of SHZ in the test area of Cariati (Northern Calabria), demonstrating their effectiveness by accurately replicating and extending the manually-derived stratigraphic columns. Additionally, this procedure enhances accessibility to geological data by enabling subsurface insights through spatialized 1D stratigraphic information, while preserving the simplicity of 2D visualization. This advancement holds promise for broader applications in territorial planning and infrastructure development, supporting informed decision-making in various fields of geoscience and engineering.− Automation and Integration: The study introduces an automated method that integrates GIS tools with custom Python scripts, enhancing the traditional manual process of creation of maps of Stratigraphically Homogeneous Zones (SHZ), required by Seismic Microzonation (SM) approaches.− Rapid and Scalable Processing: The new method allows for rapid and scalable processing of stratigraphic data, providing a detailed geological model of near-surface stratigraphy.− Method Evaluation: The method was successfully applied in the test area of Cariati (Northern Calabria), demonstrating its effectiveness by accurately replicating and extending manually-derived stratigraphic columns.− Broader Applications: This method supports informed decision-making in territorial planning and infrastructure development, with potential applications in various fields of geoscience and engineering, such as land management and seismic risk assessment.