Katarzyna Petru
Since 2021, Google has been building something that would have sounded like science fiction a decade ago – an earthquake detection network based on smartphones. By utilising over two billion Android devices, the company has created a system that analyses motion sensor data in real-time and alerts users before tremors occur. Sounds unbelievable? Yet it works – and with an accuracy comparable to professional seismometers.
Mass rather than costly devices
Traditional seismic systems rely on expensive, stationary devices. Google has opted for scale – millions of phones functioning as miniature sensors. Algorithms collect data from various regions, taking into account local geology and types of buildings, and even detect subtle vibrations. Over three years, the number of users receiving alerts has increased tenfold, covering 98 countries today.
A system that learns (and can make mistakes)
February 2023 – two tragic earthquakes in Turkey exposed the weaknesses of the system. Google sent out 4.5 million alerts, but many of them lacked the appropriate level of urgency. Subsequent analysis showed that with the algorithm update, the alerts would have reached 10 million people and been much more decisive. This demonstrates that the system is not infallible, but is constantly learning.
Scientists praise, but want more transparency
Experts from California and Washington commend Google’s solution for its potential, but at the same time call for greater transparency. Although the company declares openness, it does not make its algorithms or data publicly available, which complicates independent evaluation of the system. Google emphasises that this is merely a complement to official systems, not a replacement for them.
If you have a smartphone – you are part of something bigger. The earthquake warning system based on Android may be one of the most innovative life-saving tools ever created. And although it is not yet perfect, its potential grows with each additional phone connected to the network.
