Hi Roger,

In response to my inquiry I got back the opinion that there are no known programs which can do what you are suggesting but that such a program would be valuable to forecasters everywhere. And I was asked to encourage you to create it.

There is supposed to be what might be a more sophisticated program out there which does statistical work using locations on a computer generated map. But it is not an English language program. And it reportedly costs something like $1000.

A number of recommendations were made regarding program options including ones involving maps. But I think that the only one that you would be able to easily incorporate would be one which would let the researcher use earthquake record data from other sources besides the NEIC. That option could probably be included in the “format” file if there were one.

I am aware that just about any type of data processing can be done with a computer program if a person wants to spend enough time developing it. In this case something relatively simple would be a good starting point. If it developed into a popular program more features could be added with time.

I was also asked to extend what I believe was an offer of financial assistance to you. But I think that at this point it would be better to try to keep things as simple as possible and avoid getting into finances. We can see how things develop.