Mr Robinson collaborated with the Australian National University to create a new mathematical model which uses seismic wave recordings to more accurately map the extent of quakes.
“What we are talking about here are techniques which let us locate down to tens or hundreds of metres,” he said.
“So we can actually map the faults which are underground in a way that just isn’t possible with traditional location techniques.”
Mr Robinson says the information generated will improve building codes and insurance.
“If we can start to understand the earthquake processes in more detail, we will be able to do better earthquake hazard mapping,” he said.
“And it is this product, this earthquake hazard map, which leads directly into things like the building codes, insurance pricing, and various other risk mitigation processes.”
He says the model will particularly benefit people living in remote areas, where there are few seismic recording stations.