Decadal Surface Changes and Displacements in Switzerland

Abstract

Multi-temporal, high-resolution, and homogeneous geospatial datasets acquired by space- and/or airborne sensors provide unprecedented opportunities for the characterization and monitoring of surface changes on very large spatial scales. Here, we demonstrate how an off-the-shelf, open-source image correlation algorithm can be combined with SwissALTI3D LiDAR-derived elevation data from different tracking periods to create country-scale surface displacement and vertical change maps of Switzerland, including Liechtenstein, with minimal computational effort. The results show that glacier displacement and ablation make up the most significant fraction of the detected surface changes in the last two decades. In addition, we identify numerous landslides and other geomorphic features, as well as manmade changes such as construction sites and landfills. All produced maps and data products are available online, free of charge.