In this work, we propose a statistical approach to evaluate the coverage of a network based on the spatial distribution of its nodes and the target information, including all those data related to the final objectives of the network itself. This statistical approach encompasses descriptive spatial statistics in combination with point pattern techniques. As case studies, we evaluate the spatial arrangements of the stations within the Italian National Seismic Network and the Italian Strong Motion Network. Seismic networks are essential tools for observing earthquakes and assessing seismic hazards, while strong motion (accelerometric) networks allow us to describe seismic shaking and to measure the expected effects on buildings and infrastructures. The capability of both networks is a function of an adequate number of optimally distributed stations. We compare the seismic network with the spatial distributions of historical and instrument seismicity and with the distribution of well-known seismogenic sources, and we compare the strong motion station distribution with seismic hazard maps and the population distribution. This simple and reliable methodological approach is able to provide quantitative information on the coverage of any type of network and is able to identify critical areas that require optimization and therefore address areas of future development.

在这项工作中，我们提出了一种统计方法，用于基于其节点的空间分布和目标信息（包括与网络本身的最终目标有关的所有那些数据）来评估网络的覆盖范围。这种统计方法包括结合点模式技术的描述性空间统计。作为案例研究，我们评估了意大利国家地震台网和意大利强震台网内站点的空间布置。地震网络是观察地震和评估地震危害的重要工具，而强运动（加速度计）网络使我们能够描述地震震荡并测量对建筑物和基础设施的预期影响。这两个网络的能力是充足数量的最佳分布站的函数。我们将地震网络与历史和仪器地震活动的空间分布以及著名的地震源进行了比较，并将强运动台站分布与地震灾害图和人口分布进行了比较。这种简单而可靠的方法论方法能够提供有关任何类型网络覆盖范围的定量信息，并且能够识别需要优化的关键区域，从而解决未来发展领域。