ISO 37194

ISO/FDIS 37194
ISO/TC 268/SC 1
Secretariat: JISC
Smart community infrastructures — Disaster risk reduction —
Guidance for the process of selecting seismometer systems suitable
for specific purposes
FDIS stage
ISO/FDIS 37194:2026(en)
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ii
ISO/FDIS 37194:2026(en)
Contents
Foreword . iv
Introduction . v
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions . 1
4 Performance of seismometer systems . 1
4.1 General . 1
4.2 Process for adoption of seismometer systems . 2
4.3 Purpose of use, method and location of installation, and additional equipment for
seismometer systems . 5
4.4 Subcategory for additional functions . 9
4.5 Example of performance parameters and other information for categorization . 9
5 Process considerations for system implementers . 10
5.1 General . 10
5.2 Purpose of installation, category selection, scope of application . 11
5.3 Key performance parameters for seismometer systems in each category . 12
5.4 Category identification for selecting seismometer systems . 14
6 Process of classifying seismometer systems by supplier . 14
6.1 General . 14
6.2 Identification of categories for seismometer systems . 15
6.3 Performance parameters for seismometer systems in each category . 15
6.4 Communication of relevant category . 15
Annex A (informative) Example of seismometer system category declaration . 17
Annex B (informative) Examples of seismometer system implementation . 20
Bibliography . 51

iii
ISO/FDIS 37194:2026(en)
Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards
bodies (ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out through
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The procedures used to develop this document and those intended for its further maintenance are described
in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1. In particular, the different approval criteria needed for the different types of
ISO document should be noted. This document was drafted in accordance with the editorial rules of the
ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2 (see www.iso.org/directives).
ISO draws attention to the possibility that the implementation of this document may involve the use of (a)
patent(s). ISO takes no position concerning the evidence, validity or applicability of any claimed patent rights
in respect thereof. As of the date of publication of this document, ISO had not received notice of (a) patent(s)
which may be required to implement this document. However, implementers are cautioned that this may not
represent the latest information, which may be obtained from the patent database available at
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Organization (WTO) principles in the Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT), see www.iso.org/iso/foreword.html.
This document was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 268, Sustainable cities and communities,
Subcommittee SC 1, Smart community infrastructures.
Any feedback or questions on this document should be directed to the user’s national standards body. A
complete listing of these bodies can be found at www.iso.org/members.html.
iv
ISO/FDIS 37194:2026(en)
Introduction
Earthquakes are among the most devastating natural hazards. To achieve the goals set by the Sendai
[19] [11]
Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015–2030 ,, it is necessary for relevant stakeholders in
communities to prevent and reduce earthquake damage and maintain the level of service and quality of life
after an earthquake. The effective use of seismometer systems contributes to these objectives by enabling
better informed emergency responses, helping organizations develop and implement business continuity
plans, and reducing risks through improved seismic design regulations for new buildings and the seismic
rehabilitation of existing buildings.
ISO 37174 classifies the methods of implementing seismic disaster risk reduction (DRR) using seismometer
systems in smart community infrastructures into several categories according to their purpose. The
clarification of categories will enable all stakeholders involved in the implementation of seismometer systems
for various types of DRR actions to systematically understand their purpose and what each category of
seismometer system can achieve.
However, it has not been easy to confirm that a target seismometer system is indeed a product that can fulfil
the purposes of the 11 categories and 1 subcategory of ISO 37174. As the functions and performance standards
differ for each category of seismometer system, a simple comparison is not sufficient to determine if the
system meets the intended needs of the system implementer.
This document helps implementers of seismometer systems understand the recommended performance
parameters and specify DRR purposes to suppliers, based on the classification in ISO 37174. It provides
examples of recommended performance parameters for systems conforming to ISO 37174 and outlines a
process for suppliers to classify their systems into the appropriate categories. The intent is to facilitate
communication between implementers and suppliers, reduce discrepancies between required and supplied
systems, protect communities through the effective use of scientific data and observations, and enable the
implementation and supply of appropriate seismometer systems that meet DRR objectives.
By implementing appropriate seismometer systems in smart community infrastructures in advance,
communities can address earthquake-related risks by assessing conditions during an earthquake and
providing an effective response to reduce or avoid secondary disasters. Communities can also prepare in
advance for a range of risks and respond effectively when disasters occur.
NOTE This document does not provide guidance for organizations conducting seismic observations with well-
defined specifications that have been previously proven. For organizations conducting observations of global
environmental parameters, such as meteorological changes, volcanic activity, and seismic activity, specifications and
guidelines can be provided by governments, regulators, and observing authorities for systems with clearly defined
specifications.
v
Smart community infrastructures — Disaster risk reduction —
Guidance for the process of selecting seismometer systems suitable
for specific purposes
1 Scope
This document provides guidance on the selection of seismometer systems as part of smart community
infrastructures for DRR. It enables planners, developers, and community operators to determine whether
intended purposes are achieved by seismometer systems through examples of the selection and use of
seismometer systems based on the categories defined in ISO 37174.
In this document, a seismometer system refers to a combination of a sensor unit that measures vibrations
caused by earthquakes and a processing unit that records the measured data and outputs the results in some
form, and it does not include a network or management application that communicates the information.
2 Normative references
There are no normative references in this document.
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content constitutes
requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references,
the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
ISO 37179, Smart community infrastructures — Disaster risk reduction — Basic framework for implementation
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in ISO 37179 and the following apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminology databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at https://www.iso.org/obp
— IEC Electropedia: available at https://www.electropedia.org/
3.1
seismic intensity
measure of the effects of an earthquake at a specific location
Note 1 to entry: Seismic intensity scales vary from country to country.
Note 2 to entry: Seismic intensity is directly related to the severity of ground shaking and depends on the characteristics
of the built environment at that specific location. It can be estimated from direct observations or from seismic ground
motion records.
4 Performance of seismometer systems
4.1 General
The system implementers in this document refer to:
— — public agencies and research institutes responsible for selecting and making decisions on the adoption
of seismometer systems for DRR;
— — public and private operators engaged in the management and operation of social infrastructure.

ISO/FDIS 37194:2026(en)
The suppliers in this document refer to organizations that supply or manufacture seismometer systems, such
as:
— research institutes;
— private companies.
When selecting a seismometer system for specific purposes to reduce disaster risk, both the system
implementer and supplier should be aware of the categories of seismometer systems based on the purpose of
use. ISO 37174 provides categorization of the purposes for using seismometer systems.
When procuring seismometer systems, the implementer should have specialized knowledge (e.g. structural
engineering, earthquake engineering) to understand whether the proposed seismometer system has adequate
performance and functionfunctions that meet the purpose of use defined in the procurement specifications.
During the review of the proposed seismometer system, implementers should ensure ifwhether the
effectiveness of the seismometer system to reduce disaster risk is sufficient to achieve the purpose of
preventing disaster and reducing disaster risk. If system implementers lack seismometer specialists to advise
them, there is a risk that the installed system will not match what was originally planned, and the disaster
prevention and mitigation benefits of the seismometer system will not be realized
By clarifying the minimum performance requirements for each category, it will be possible to select
appropriate seismometer systems with higher accuracy even without specialized knowledge at the initial
stage of implementation. It will also help to determine which categories the proposed seismometer systems
best fit into by describing multiple categories in a comparable form in this document. Additionally, it enables
implementers to conduct a preliminary check for missing functions when considering the expansion of an
existing seismometer system into another category.
The identification of key performance parameters for each category is not intended to limit system
performance within that category but rather to support the development of new products in the future.
4.2 Process for adoption of seismometer systems
Figure 1 shows an example of a process for adoption of seismometer systemsystems.
When implementing a seismometer system for seismic risk reduction, the implementer and supplier should
clarify and share a common understanding of the system's purpose and requirements by following the process
outlined below:
a) Understanding and sharing of purpose
1) First, the system implementer should decide the purpose of implementation;
2) Next, the implementer and supplier should share a common understanding of the purpose of using
seismometer systems for DRR;
3) To ensure this shared understanding, the implementer should specify one or more categories of use
from those defined in ISO 37174 that align with the intended use. This helps prevent, reduce, or avoid
mismatches between the two parties.
b) Procurement and requirement specification
1) System implementers should clearly specify the performance characteristics necessary to achieve the
objectives in the procurement specifications.
c) Expected role of the supplier
ISO/FDIS 37194:2026(en)
1) SupplierThe supplier should:
i) provide accurate information to the implementer on the category defined by ISO 37174 to which
the seismometer system corresponds;
ii) recognize DRR purposes their own system cannot fulfil and ensure that they propose a system of
the appropriate category.
NOTE No seismometer system satisfies all categories.
ISO/FDIS 37194:2026(en)
ISO/FDIS 37194:2026(en)
Figure 1 — Example of process for adoption of seismometer system
4.3 Purpose of use, method and location of installation, and additional equipment for
seismometer systems
To assist system implementers and suppliers to make better informed choices of seismometer systems based
on categorizations of their purpose of use, this document describes examples of purposes for each category.
Seismometers should be installed with good coupling in non-seismic noise environments to maintain
measurement accuracy.
a) Hazardous area survey (Category A)
Seismometer systems in Category A:
1) are used to identify hazardous areas that are expected to be damaged in the event of an earthquake,
with geological and geomorphological information derived from data collected in advance;
2) are expected to be adopted by stakeholders such as researchers, academia and engineers to identify
hazardous areas based on geological conditions and other factors as a precautionary measure;
ISO/FDIS 37194:2026(en)
3) can be permanent or temporary seismometer systems used to aggregate seismic ground-motion data
from multiple locations. Permanently installed systems are placed either on the ground or
underground.
NOTE 1 For more information on geotechnical monitoring by field instrumentation, see ISO 18674-1.
b) Volcanic tremor survey (Category B)
Seismometer systems in Category B:
1) monitor and record micro-seismic and seismic ground motions in volcanic regions as signs of
potential volcanic eruptions;
2) are expected to be adopted by research institutes, survey organizations, and academic institutions to
observe seismic ground vibrations before volcanic eruptions occur, and to issue local and regional
evacuation alarms/, warnings/ or orders to reduce volcanic disaster risk;
3) are permanently or temporarily installed at one or more points on each volcano to monitor ground
vibration;
4) can observe micro-vibrations with a high degree of accuracy and need to operate under high
temperatures if installed underground.
c) Micro-seismic motion monitoring (Category C)
Seismometer systems in Category C:
1) aggregate information on vibrations in the ground caused by distant earthquakes, as well as local
small earthquakes and other events occurring on the Earth, and record that information;
2) are expected to be adopted by research institutes and survey organizations to provide a variety of
information both before and after an earthquake to reduce disaster risk;
3) can collect ground-vibration data from multiple sites and are connected to a network to calculate the
focus, epicentre, and magnitude of distant earthquakes.
NOTE 2 For more information on measuring vibrations and evaluating their effects on structures, see ISO 4866.
NOTE 3 For more information on array measurement of microtremors, see ISO 24057.
d) National disaster management (Category D)
Seismometer systems in Category D:
1) collect seismic motion data at either the regional and/or the national level, or both, after an
earthquake and map seismic intensity as data to preliminarily evaluate seismic disaster effects and
to allow efficient management of post-earthquake interventions;
2) are expected to be adopted by government agencies to understand conditions when to implement
recovery measures after an earthquake;
3) are permanently installed at multiple observation points and connected to a network to collect
ground-vibration data;
4) can also be used as seismometer systems in Category F by enhancing the network's quick response
capability;
ISO/FDIS 37194:2026(en)
5) can also be used as seismometer systems in Category A to provide data for seismic hazard studies and
seismic hazard zonation.
NOTE 4 For more information on instrumentation for national seismic systems, see Reference [12][20].
e) Local disaster management (Category E)
Seismometer systems in Category E:
1) collect vibration data from multiple points in a specific area during an earthquake to determine the
seismic situation;
2) are expected to be adopted by local government and private operators that provide public
infrastructure services, and used to check damage after an earthquake;
3) are often used to collect vibration data from multiple locations within an area controlled by the
employing organization;
4) are permanently installed and used;
5) can be used as seismometer systems in Category G for individual facilities.
f) Wide-area earthquake warning (Category F)
Seismometer systems in Category F:
1) are used to issue evacuation alerts, etc., for a wide area based on information from detected
earthquakes;
NOTE 5 The term 'wide area'“wide area” can be interpreted differently from region to region.
2) are expected to be adopted by various government agencies and private companies with large
facilities;
3) are used to call for immediate evacuation in the event of an earthquake;
4) are used to issue alerts over a wide area using seismic detection information from either a single point
or multiple points;
5) are, in most cases, permanently installed and can be connected to a network or speaker system that
broadcasts alerts and related information.
NOTE 6 For more information on the implementation of a community-based disaster early warning system, see
ISO 22328-1.
g) Earthquake evacuation warning (Category G)
Seismometer systems in Category G:
1) use information from detected earthquakes to issue evacuation alerts, etc., to specific facilities;
2) are expected to be adopted by institutions and private companies operating public infrastructure and
facilities, and to be used for immediate evacuation in the event of an earthquake;
3) use seismic detection information from a single point to issue alerts for evacuation, etc., to target
facilities;
ISO/FDIS 37194:2026(en)
4) are permanently installed and should be equipped with an external connection linked to a speaker or
with a built-in speaker function to issue alerts.
h) Emergency stoppage in the event of an earthquake (Category H)
Seismometer systems in Category H:
1) are used to issue earthquake alerts and other information to individual devices and infrastructure
equipment based on information from detected earthquakes;
2) are expected to be adopted for immediate response to earthquakes by institutions and private
companies that operate machinery and equipment that need to stop operation in the event of an
earthquake;
3) use seismic detection information from a single point to issue an earthquake alert to the target facility;
4) are permanently installed and should have an external connection that can be electrically interlocked
with the target facility to issue alerts.
i) Structural damage survey (Category I)
Seismometer systems in Category I:
1) use information from measured seismic vibrations to determine the overall structural condition of a
particular facility;
2) monitor mainly the vibration of buildings and other structures in response to earthquakes;
3) are expected to be adopted by institutions and private companies that operate public infrastructure
and facilities, and to be used to check the condition of the target facilities before and after an
earthquake;
4) operate using vibration data from multiple locations for a single facility;
5) are permanently installed and should be equipped with connections between systems to provide
accurate time synchronization for analysis, as they generally use vibration data from multiple
locations.
NOTE 7 For more information on performance parameters for condition monitoring of structures, see ISO 16587.
j) Structural deterioration survey (Category J)
Seismometer systems in Category J:
1) use information such as environmental vibrations, including earthquakes, to determine the overall
structural condition of a particular facility;
2) monitor normal deterioration of infrastructure caused by vibration;
3) are expected to be adopted by institutions and private companies that operate public infrastructure
and facilities, and to be used to check the condition of target facilities regardless of the occurrence of
an earthquake;
4) operate using vibration data from multiple locations for a single facility;
ISO/FDIS 37194:2026(en)
5) are permanently or temporarily installed and should be equipped with connections between systems
to provide accurate time synchronization for analysis, as they generally use vibration data from
multiple locations.
NOTE 8 For more information on dynamic tests and investigations on bridges and viaducts, see ISO 14963.
NOTE 9 For more information on evaluating measurement results from dynamic tests and investigations of
bridges, see ISO 18649.
k) Other purposes (Category Z)
When seismometer systems are used for a purpose that does not fall into the categories from a) to j),
category Z is applied. If a seismometer system is to be classified in Category Z, the supplier should:
1) clearly state its use and purpose;
2) provide a written specification of its functions and characteristics.
4.4 Subcategory for additional functions
The subcategory of the purpose of seismometer systems is defined to clearly indicate additional functions to
each category. The subcategory is indicated with a plus (+) after each category.
a) Long-period motion data (Subcategory +L)
Subcategory +L applies when the seismometer system is capable of measuring and detecting long-period
motions, in addition to the functions of each category. When using +L, the supplier should clearly state that
the seismometer system can measure vibrations with the long-period component described in ISO 37174.
4.5 Example of performance parameters and other information for categorization
Key performance parameters of seismometer systems are likely to differ for each target category. When
selecting a seismometer system from a category with multiple options, the system implementer should
compare performance characteristics and select the appropriate system for installation. Examples of
performance parameters that system implementers and suppliers should take into account when selecting a
seismometer system are listed in Table 1 below. Table 1 shows an example of common information for all
categories including performance parameters of seismometer systems, information related to their
installation and maintenance, and information related to managing their proper operation.
Table 1 — Example of performance parameters and other information for categorization
No. Item Contents Example
01 Category Applicable categories of ISO 37174 Category G +L
02 Country Country of installation Philippines
03 City or address City or address of installation Makati City
04 Installation place Installed structures and buildings Shopping mall
Controlled institutions (governments, ministries,
05 Purchaser
private companies)
06 Usage Applications utilizing the seismometer system Evacuation alarm
07 Operation date Approximate date when the operation was started
0 Main Sensing Items and specifications listed in Table B.3 and

8 Specifications Table B.4
ISO/FDIS 37194:2026(en)
No. Item Contents Example
01 Measured quantity Physical quantity actually sensed Acceleration
02 Minimum and maximum frequencies of measurable
Frequency range 0,04 to 32 Hz
vibration
a 2
03 Amplitude least count Minimum measurable value(Note1)value 0,04 cm/s (101 dB)
04 Amplitude range Maximum measurable value ±2 500 cm/s
05 Sample rate Sample rate for digital conversion 100 Hz
06 ADAnalog-to-digital
Conversion resolution for digital conversion 24 bit
resolution
09 Quantity Number of seismometer systems installed
Installed with anchor
10 Installation method Situation with sensing unit installed
bolts on concrete
11 Operation form Permanent or temporary Permanent
12 Network connection Stand-alone operation or network connection? Stand-alone
13 Maintenance period Target maintenance interval 3 years
Reference standards Standards, regulations, guidelines, etc., referred to
14 None
(p. 5) during installation
Problems encountered during or after installation
15 Special note None
(free description)
(Note 1) When the gain is calculated, the result is shown by the following formula.

VImin: Minimum measurable value (Amplitude least count),
VImax: Maximum measurable value (Amplitude range)
a When the gain is calculated, the result is shown by the following formula.
𝑉𝑉𝐼𝐼
𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚
G = 20log 𝐺𝐺:𝐺𝐺ain[dB],
𝑉𝑉𝐼𝐼
𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚
where
VImin: Minimum measurable value (amplitude least count);
VI : Maximum measurable value (amplitude range).
max
The items shown in Table 1 regarding the functionality, performance and installation of the seismometer
system are limited to the items that the system implementer should refer to in making category selections and
are not intended to require the supplier to provide all performance-related details. In addition, since there can
be differences in interpretation of performance parameters from category to category and from region to
region, this document does not restrict the way suppliers describe the performance of the seismometer
systems they provide. Examples of seismometer systems currently implemented and utilized for DRR are
summarized in Annex B.
5 Process considerations for system implementers
5.1 General
To procure seismometer systems suitable for the intended use, system implementers should have processes
to consider key factors including:
ISO/FDIS 37194:2026(en)
a) purpose of installation, category selection, scope of application:
1) system implementers should identify categories of purpose of use of seismometer systems that match
the objective they intend to achieve;
2) system implementers should be aware that for each objective of DRR, there can be multiple possible
categories to consider.
b) key performance parameters for seismic systems in each category;
c) category identification for selecting a seismometer system.
Subclauses 5.2, 5.3The following clauses and 5.4 provide guidance for system implementers when considering
these factors.
5.2 Purpose of installation, category selection, scope of application
5.2.1 Disaster management plan
When considering DRR in a smart community, the system implementer should be aware of the importance of
developing a disaster management plan in advance to ensure continuous functioning of infrastructure and
facilities that are under their responsibility. System implementers should consider the following list of
categories when developing a disaster management plan for earthquakes.
a) Hazardous area survey (Category A)
1) used to identify hazardous areas that are expected to be damaged in the event of an earthquake;
2) installed by research institutes to obtain ground vibration characteristics by vibration transmission
characteristics using multiple seismometer systems.
b) Volcanic tremor survey (Category B)
1) used to monitor earthquakes caused by volcanic activity;
2) used to prepare for major disasters such as eruptions.
c) Micro-seismic motion monitoring (Category C)
1) used to identify earthquake parameters based on seismic motions recorded at different locations;
2) site-specific predominant frequency and peak amplification are estimated using micro-tremor
monitoring;
3) used to estimate areas where earthquakes are likely to occur in the future based on information on
epicentres where past earthquakes occurred.
d) National disaster management (Category D)
1) used to collect information on seismic shaking intensity by using a high-resolution seismic
observation network;
2) used to promote measures such as evacuation planning to avoid secondary disasters.
e) Local disaster management (Category E)
ISO/FDIS 37194:2026(en)
1) used to collect information on seismic shaking intensity through an earthquake observation network
targeting limited areas and infrastructure;
2) used to promote measures such as evacuation planning and infrastructure lockdowns.
5.2.2 Evacuation alert
System implementers should consider the following category when developing evacuation alert functions
based on information from detected earthquakes.
a) Wide-area earthquake warning (Category F)
1) used to issue alert information that triggers evacuation warnings covering wide area.
b) Earthquake evacuation warning (Category G)
1) used to issue alert information that triggers evacuation warnings for specific facilities.
5.2.3 Safety management of industrial plants and infrastructure facilities
System implementers should consider the following category to manage the safety of industrial plants and
infrastructure facilities in the event of an earthquake.
a) Emergency stoppage in the event of an earthquake (Category H)
1) used to issue alert information, which is used to safely shut down equipment and facilities that have
the potential to cause secondary disasters in the event of an earthquake.
5.2.4 Managing health of structures (bridges, buildings, etc.)
System implementers should consider the following category to manage the health of infrastructures in the
event of an earthquake
a) Structural damage survey (Category I)
1) permanently installed and used to collect data for assessing the integrity of buildings and other
structures before and after an earthquake.
b) Structural deterioration survey (Category J)
1) temporarily installed and used to collect information on seismic and environmental vibrations, which
is used to temporarily assess the condition of transportation infrastructure and other structures.
5.3 Key performance parameters for seismometer systems in each category
Once a seismometer system category is selected for a specific purpose, the system implementer should
determine the relevant performance parameters for that category, thereby, refining the target of the system.
This chaptersubclause provides examples of performance parameters to consider when selecting a
seismometer system for each category.
a) Hazardous area survey (Category A)
The key parameters for obtaining ground vibration characteristics along with pre-obtained ground
information should include:
1) frequency range;
ISO/FDIS 37194:2026(en)
2) amplitude least count.
b) Volcanic tremor survey (Category B)
The key parameters for conducting long-term seismic monitoring associated with volcanic activity should
include:
1) installation method when the observation equipment is installed underground;
2) amplitude least count that is adequate for monitoring micro-tremors.
c) Micro-seismic motion monitoring (Category C)
The key parameters for monitoring distant earthquakes should include:
1) amplitude least count that is adequate for monitoring microtremors;
2) capability to measure vibration with the long-period component that can be applicable to subcategory
+L.
d) National disaster management (Category D)
Since seismometer systems in this category are installed and linked with many other seismometer
systems over a wide area, key parameters should include:
1) network connection compatibility with the core system;
2) standardized sampling rate to harmonize data from multiple sources.
e) Local disaster management (Category E)
To monitor the state of the infrastructure under system implementers’ control, key parameters should
include:
1) amplitude range that is adequate to observe large seismic motions (strong ground motions);
2) ability to modify the operational configuration to change the monitoring area.
f) Wide-area earthquake warning (Category F)
The key parameters for issuing evacuation warnings over a wide area should include:
1) maintenance period to ensure stable operation of the system;
2) amplitude range that is adequate to observe large seismic motions (strong ground motions);
3) quantity measured using standardized criteria (e.g. acceleration, velocity, displacement).
g) Earthquake evacuation warning (Category G)
The key parameters for issuing evacuation warnings to target facilities should include:
1) flexible installation method;
2) amplitude range that is adequate to observe large seismic motions (strong ground motions);
ISO/FDIS 37194:2026(en)
3) amplitude least count that is adequate to detect a seismic event.
h) Emergency stoppage in the event of an earthquake (Category H)
The key parameters for preventing incidents, such as the release of hazardous gases from chemical plants,
should include:
1) capability to measure vibration with the long-period component that can be applicable to subcategory
+L;
2) amplitude range that is adequate to observe large seismic motions (strong ground motions);
3) regular maintenance period to ensure stable operation of infrastructure and facilities.
i) Structural damage survey (Category I)
The key parameters for assessing structural damage (e.g. the structural damage caused by shaking of the
upper floors in a high-rise building) should include:
1) capability to measure vibration with the long-period component that can be applicable to subcategory
+L;
2) ability to operate in a network connection to allow installation of the seismometer system on each
floor in high-rise buildings.
j) Structural deterioration survey (Category J)
The key parameters for assessing structural deterioration (e.g. by measuring shaking of bridges) should
include:
1) ability to change operational configuration to accommodate the temporary installation of the
seismometer system;
2) amplitude range that is adequate to observe expected traffic and seismic vibrations.
5.4 Category identification for selecting seismometer systems
When selecting seismometer systems, implementers should determine the purpose of using the systems for
DRR and identify the categories and target performance parameters that correspond to the objectives they
intend to achieve. However, implementers should have sufficient knowledge and experience to conduct these
choices without discrepancies, and complicated installation conditions can lead to the selection of a
seismometer system that does not match the purpose.
To ensure the system implementer selects a seismometer system that meets its intended purpose, they should
confirm with the supplier which category the proposed seismometer system falls into, by referencing the
standardized category specified in ISO 37174.
6 Process of classifying seismometer systems by supplier
6.1 General
Suppliers should be aware of the importance of clarifying which category specified in ISO 37174 the
seismometer system they supply falls into. This clarification enables a straightforward correlation between
the system's intended purpose and its utilization by the system implementer.
ISO/FDIS 37194:2026(en)
To identify and present relevant categories of seismometer systems that they manufacture and sell, suppliers
should have processes to consider key factors including:
— identification of suitable categories for seismometer systems;
— performance parameters for seismometer systems in each category;
— communication of relevant categories.
6.2 Identification of categories for seismometer systems
Suppliers should clearly present the performance specification of each seismometer system to the system
implementer, so that the system implementer can identify which category the seismometer system falls into.
Suppliers should also present whether the functions of their seismometer system meet the requirements of
the intended purpose of use and the installation method necessary to achieve it.
Suppliers should provide the performance evaluation results of their seismometer systems measured using a
traceable test method so that the system implementer can verify the validity.
When determining the category of seismometer systems, suppliers should consider key factors such as
whether the seismometer system:
— can be installed on the surface or underground;
— is designed for permanent or temporary installation;
— has network connectivity;
— can connect to external alarm systems and has built-in evacuation warning speakers;
— has a control unit with electrical connection capability to the control unit of the subject facility;
— has highly accurate time synchronization capabilities;
— is capable of measuring and monitoring long-period seismic motions.
NOTE 1 There can be legal or other requirements (e.g. national or international standards) concerning the calibration
of seismometer systems.
NOTE 2 For more information on the method for calibration of seismometers with high accuracy, see ISO 16063-42.
6.3 Performance parameters for seismometer systems in each category
Suppliers should be aware of what performance parameters are important for the category of seismometer
systems they supply and provide information that willcan help the system implementer make an informed
decision when selecting a seismometer system. The performance parameters with specific information
provided by suppliers can be narrowed down by category. However, even within the same category, the
performance parameters that are important can be different depending on the intended application.
Therefore, when presenting information on seismometer systems, suppliers should provide not only the
category into which the system falls, but also the expected purpose to support DRR.
6.4 Communication of relevant category
When the supplier determines the applicable category for the seismometer system, they should incorporate
both the system's intended purpose and the corresponding category in the product information. This ensures
clarity for the system implementer, addressing any potential disparities in performance recognition between
ISO/FDIS 37194:2026(en)
the system implementer and supplier. For simplification, the supplier should prepare a self-declaration or a
similar document outlining the seismometer system categories to improve communication with the system
implementer regarding relevant information (See Annex A).
NOTE 1 The self-declaration is optional for suppliers to include with their seismometer systems and is not mandatory
for all seismometer systems.
NOTE 2 For more information on the supplier's declaration of conformity, see ISO/IEC 17050-1.
ISO/FDIS 37194:2026(en)
Annex A
(informative)
Example of seismometer system category declaration
Figure A.1 shows an example of a self-declaration sheet to declare the categories a seismometer system falls
into.
ISO/FDIS 37194:2026(en)
ISO/FDIS 37194:2026(en)
Figure A.1 — Example of self-declaration sheet to declare categories
A self-declaration sheet:
— is prepared for each seismometer system;
— can list multiple categories if the seismometer system is applic
...