UniMap:Disaster Insurance Risk Assessment from Earthquake and Flood Analysis Qorus-NTT DATA Innovation in Insurance Awards 2026

Concept and Objectives

UniMap is a GIS-based(Geographical Information System), coordinate-driven model developed to analyze earthquake and flood hazards in greater detail and at larger scales compared to the generalized and low-resolution query capabilities of traditional risk maps (e.g., 1:100,000 scale for earthquake hazard in the Marmara Region and İzmir, and 1:1,000,000 scale for all of Türkiye). The model is built on multi-hazard risk assessment criteria and enables location-specific analysis.

The core approach of the project is to move beyond traditional maps that mainly focus on proximity to fault lines and can only analyze hazards at a regional scale. Instead, it introduces an analytical methodology based on multiple hazard criteria, incorporating parameters such as local soil characteristics and seismic amplification factors, enabling risk assessment at a precise, point-based level.

While many structures classified as high-risk through generalized conventional methods are often rejected by insurance companies, point-based analysis enables many assets located in high-risk areas to become insurable.

Rather than relying on generalized regional assumptions at small scales, UniMap evaluates each asset with the highest possible precision based on its exact geographic coordinates. Numerous scientifically validated hazard parameters are integrated into a single analytical framework, allowing asset-level risk analysis.

As a result:

• Risk differences can be clearly identified even within the same district or street.

• Point-based ground hazard classification can be performed.

• Measurable and technical outputs that can be directly used in underwriting processes are generated.

The main objectives of UniMap are:

• Increasing underwriting accuracy through coordinate-based analysis

• Integrating local multi-hazard criteria into risk assessment

• Strengthening reinsurance processes with measurable and technical outputs

• Improving the claims-to-premium balance through accurate risk segmentation

• Enhancing financial resilience through analytical risk intelligence

The model has been integrated into Unico Sigorta’s underwriting processes, enabling the hazard classification of the relevant coordinates to be directly displayed during risk assessment.

Reasons Behind the Project

TThe 2023 Kahramanmaraş earthquake clearly demonstrated that damage intensity cannot be explained solely by proximity to fault lines. Significant differences in destruction levels were observed over very short distances, highlighting the critical role of local soil conditions and geological characteristics at specific coordinates.

Traditional risk maps commonly used in the insurance sector generally:

• Rely primarily on distance to fault lines,

• Evaluate large regions under a uniform risk assumption,

• Apply macro-scale classifications.

However, major disasters have shown that local geological and hydrological factors must be analyzed on a coordinate basis in order to assess risk realistically.

Within this framework, the main parameters considered include:

• Soil amplification characteristics

• Site-specific ground acceleration values

• Distance to active faults

• Fault rupture direction

• Surface and subsurface permeability

• Hydrogeological structure

This need has made it necessary to develop a new analytical framework based on multidimensional and local criteria, forming the foundation of the UniMap model.

State of Competition

Risk maps are widely used in the insurance sector; however, most existing models are still based on fault-line–centric approaches and regional generalizations. Most systems:

• Classify risk at the district or regional level

• Do not produce coordinate-based outputs

• Rely on a limited number of parameters

UniMap differentiates itself through the following features:

• Conducting point- and coordinate-based analysis

• Using multiple local hazard criteria rather than a single indicator

• Producing asset-level risk classifications

• Integrating earthquake and flood hazards within the same GIS infrastructure

• Being a patented analytical model developed and owned by the company

With these characteristics, UniMap offers a structurally different model from traditional fault-oriented mapping approaches.

 Sources of Inspiration

The primary inspiration for the project was the 2023 Kahramanmaraş earthquake and its consequences, which clearly demonstrated that:

• Ground conditions significantly influence damage severity

• Risk assessment must incorporate multi-dimensional geological factors

• Traditional hazard maps require modernization through scientific and data-driven approaches

Additionally, the integration of scientific methodology with GIS-based visualization provided the foundation for building a robust and operational analytical system.

The multi-hazard criteria and methodology developed within the project have received international academic recognition and are scheduled for publication in a Springer journal.

 Departments and Institutions Involved

The project was developed through interdisciplinary collaboration between:

• Kocaeli University

• Unico Sigorta – Risk Engineering Department

• Unico Sigorta – Underwriting (UW) Department

• Unico Sigorta – IT Department

This collaboration ensured that the model is scientifically grounded, technically robust, and seamlessly integrated into underwriting systems. The project is patented and owned by Unico Sigorta.

 Main Results Achieved So Far

• Ground earthquake hazard categories are now fully visible via the UNIMAP platform.

• Flood hazard categories have been integrated into the system (Phase II).

• Risks can be evaluated on a coordinate-based, point-specific level.

• Significant improvements have been achieved in risk quality and underwriting selection processes.

• Underwriting decisions are now supported by scientifically validated multi-hazard data.

As a result, UNIMAP has directly contributed to improved risk assessment accuracy, underwriting discipline, reinsurance alignment, and financial optimization.