Software engineering's contribution to earthquake engineering

Earthquakes are natural disasters regularly affecting Mexico. It is very important that all information about them is quickly obtained to speed up attention being provided for the affected population and, if possible, applying preventative action. Computer and specialised software are currently used for obtaining essential knowledge concerning seismic events. 22 software applications for seismic analysis have been examined in this study to define predominant characteristics, strengths and limitations, to determine the current status of this particular field and suggest lines for the advance for new developments or prototypes. This country's existing technological dependency is clearly shown (hardware and software). Academic cooperation between different branches of engineering should thus be encouraged for creating new domestic products.