Start with the event record
The European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC) publishes earthquake parameters using contributions from seismological institutes and reports from eyewitnesses. For a map marker, read the origin time, coordinates, depth, magnitude and linked provider together. A pin marks an estimated epicentre, not the outer limit of shaking. The event's time is also different from the time you opened or refreshed a map.
EMSC's earthquake map provides regional context. National networks may also publish their own solutions. For example, Italy's INGV observatory provides Italian monitoring and seismicity maps. If the two services show slightly different magnitudes or coordinates for the same origin time and region, inspect their event pages before counting them as two earthquakes.
Why numbers move after the first report
Early locations and magnitudes can change when more station measurements are processed. The EMSC FAQ explains revisions and the distinction between magnitude and intensity. Magnitude describes event size; intensity describes effects at a particular place. Different communities may report different shaking for the same earthquake. Neither the magnitude label nor the distance from the epicentre alone is a building-damage estimate.
Eyewitness reports are useful context but are not a calibrated substitute for instrumental measurements. Participation is uneven: a location with many reports may simply have more people or better connectivity. Conversely, an event without felt reports is not evidence that nobody felt it. Keep the report type visible whenever you quote a map.
Comparing Europe-wide and local views
Open the PocketWorld earthquake overview and inspect the named source on a selected event. Follow that agency link for its most recent record. For Italy, Greece or another country, also check the responsible national institute if you need local detail. Compare the origin time and approximate location before comparing numerical estimates. Our magnitude-versus-intensity guide gives a longer explanation of the two measurements.
Do not assume that the density of map dots measures national hazard or risk. Monitoring networks, reporting thresholds and time windows differ. A catalogue of recent events and a long-term seismic hazard map answer different questions. Neither predicts the next event from an apparently quiet interval.
Limits of an informational map
PocketWorld may retain a snapshot when a provider is unavailable. Check source freshness before sharing a screenshot, and do not use an empty or stale map as an all-clear. During an incident, follow the local emergency authority and the original monitoring agency. Our source registry describes the feeds available in the explorer.
Data sources
References are linked beside the explanations above. This evergreen guide does not report current incidents.