that can be applied to the population-at-risk array for obtaining at least order-of-magnitude estimates of potential impact. 8.3 Simulated impacts These generated patterns are mathematically superimposed upon the spatial arrays of popu- lation and property in the affected areas+ Interaction of the casualty and damage vulnerabilities 26 - of the population and property array together with these severity patterns provide a measure of impact potential of the simulated storm or earthquake, Summarization of the computed effects can be made by individual grid unit, country, state, wind speed, surge depth or,ground motion intensity category. Damage impact potential of a simulated storm or earthquake to a specific kind of property such as buildings of a given type, can be expressed in terms of the number of buildings that are exposed to wind, surge depth, or ground motion of a given intensity, the number of buildings that would be damaged, and the expected value of the damage to the affect- ed buildings. 8.4 Possible application to urban and regional planning In spite of many drawbacks, for example because of the lack of appropriate input data, computer simulation techniques provide one means of utilizing the meagre amounts of pertinent data and knowledge that are currently available, for making order-of-magnitude assessments of the potential impact of the various natural hazards. In many situations the results of simulation analyses, provide insights into the casualty and damage-producing capabilities of a natural phenomenon to a degree which cannot be obtained using other approaches. The interpretation of results can highlight the relative importance of various pieces of input information in determining the magnitude of the potential impact. The need for a better knowledge of the vulnerability of population and properties when a geophysical event of a given severity occurs, has been emphasized in the simulated impacts that have been calculated. 
**Analysis**
The text discusses the application of computer simulation techniques to estimate the potential impact of natural hazards such as storms and earthquakes on population and property. The focus is on quantifying the damage and casualties that could occur, and highlighting the importance of understanding the vulnerability of population and properties to such events. The text does not mention economic development or other specific sectors, but rather the broader context of natural hazards and disaster risk reduction.

**Category**
Humanitarian aid and relief, Science and technology