Python modules for GIS-based planning of Level 3 Seismic Microzonation investigation campaigns.

This repository contains the Python source codes implementing a GIS-based workflow developed to support the planning of Level 3 Seismic Microzonation (MS3) investigation campaigns.The workflow is designed to objectively analyse the spatial distribution, quality and representativeness of existing geotechnical and geophysical investigations through a Control Point–based approach. The scripts are intended to be used within the QGIS environment (PyQGIS) and operate on datasets structured according to the Italian national standards for Seismic Microzonation (Technical Commission for Seismic Microzonation, 2020 - https://www.centromicrozonazionesismica.it/it/strumenti/standard-ms/). The modular structure of the workflow allows transparent, reproducible and adaptable analyses, supporting evidence-based and cost-effective planning of new MS3 investigations in geologically complex areas, including volcanic settings. The repository includes four Python modules implementing the workflow: Module 1 - Construction of complete investigation layers: Python script for integrating geometric information, quality parameters and Level-1 zonation attributes into harmonized point and linear investigation layers. Module 2 - Construction and refinement of the Control Point (CP) network: Script for generating Type 1, Type 2 and Type 3 Control Points through regular grids, spatial filtering and assignment to Level-1 stable and unstable zones. Module 3 - Assignment of investigations to Control Points: Script implementing spatial matching, geological consistency checks, quality-based filtering, and computation of investigation statistics for each CP. Module 4 - Synthesis and production of final outputs: Script dedicated to aggregating results at the scale of Level-1 stable zones, generating summary GIS layers and exporting tabular reports. For the correct execution of the modules, the Level-1 Seismic Microzonation datasets must be imported into the GIS project through the MZSTools plugin (Cosentino et al., 2025 - https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17202163). MZSTools enables the import of SM1 datasets into the QGIS environment while ensuring a consistent field structure, a uniform coordinate reference system, and standardized naming conventions in accordance with national Seismic Microzonation standards.