Advancing hazard-resistant design demands an understanding of what happens when a disaster  occurs. Documenting and sharing the key lessons learned from extreme events around the world  contributes significantly to advancing research and practice in hazards engineering. Unanticipated  observations from major events often define new research directions. As an example, the recent studies of  the liquefaction of fine-grained soil have been largely motivated by observations in post-earthquake  reconnaissance efforts. 

Field observations are particularly important in earthquake engineering because it is difficult to replicate  in the laboratory the dynamic response of soil deposits built by nature over thousands of years. Detailed  mapping and surveying of damaged and undamaged areas provides the data for the well-documented case  histories that drive the development of many of our design procedures.  

Data must be collected quickly and completely before it is lost. Systematic collection of quantitative data  is required. Technologies, such as LiDAR, Structure-from-Motion (SfM), and UAVs, can capture ground  deformation and its effects. Important advancements are possible through research of extreme events if  their effects are captured and shared effectively. Thus, engineers should be ready to investigate the next  important extreme event.