Abstract
This article presents a synthesis of the methodologies used to insert the natural threat and vulnerability in the Territorial Planning as the variables that condition the land occupation. It is based on previous studies and experiences. The Latin American cities have occupied large urban and suburban areas that not suitable to live in as these are under threats of flooding, seismic and geologic risks, mass movements, among others. These factors endanger the population and properties therein. In the las decade the socio-natural risk has become important as a factor conditioning the occupation of territories in order to change from a paradigm of immediate response to a paradigm of disaster prevention and mitigation in the medium and long term. The territorial planning is now taken as an opportunity to progress in this direction by incorporating the analysis of threats (location, intensity and frequency) as well as how the population is exposed to these events.