New Zealand experts say a US plan to use smartphones as early warning systems for large earthquakes in poorer regions has limited application for them.

US researchers say the sensors built into the increasingly ubiquitous devices could help poorer regions that cannot afford higher-quality conventional equipment.

A study by scientists from the US Geological Survey and NASA found smartphones are capable of detecting surface displacements from moderate and larger quakes.

There are currently 1 billion smartphones in operation worldwide, and there could be as many as 5.9 billion by 2019.

“This economical approach warrants further development, although we do not suggest it is a substitute where monitoring of smaller, but still potentially destructive, earthquakes is required,” the report says.

However, GNS Science told insuranceNEWS.com.au the strategy would have limited use in New Zealand.

The country’s Alpine Fault is the only structure in which an earthquake early warning system could effectively be deployed, and the relatively small size of the country means there is less ground to cover.

“I do see value for larger countries that aren’t able to make that investment,” Geohazards Information Manager Kevin Fenaughty said.