The Suitability of UAV-Derived DSMs and the Impact of DEM Resolutions on Rockfall Numerical Simulations: A Case Study of the Bouanane Active Scarp, Tétouan, Northern Morocco

Abstract

Rockfall simulations constitute the first step toward hazard assessments and can guide future rockfall prevention efforts. In this work, we assess the impact of digital elevation model (DEM) resolution on the accuracy of numerical rockfall simulation outputs. For this purpose, we compared the simulation output obtained using 1 m, 2 m and 3 m resolution UAV-derived DEMs, to two other models based on coarser topographic data (a 5 m resolution DEM obtained through interpolating elevation contours and the Shuttle Radar Topographic Mission 30m DEM). To generate the validation data, we conducted field surveys in order to map the real trajectories of three boulders that were detached during a rockfall event that occurred on 1 December 2018. Our findings suggest that the use of low to medium-resolution DEMs translated into large errors in the shape of the simulated trajectories as well as the computed runout distances, which appeared to be exaggerated by such models. The geometry of the runout area and the targets of the potential rockfall events also appeared to be different from those mapped on the field. This hindered the efficiency of any prevention or correction measures. On the other hand, the 1m UAV-derived model produced more accurate results relative to the field data. Therefore, it is accurate enough for rockfall simulations and hazard research applications. Although such remote sensing techniques may require additional expenses, our results suggest that the enhanced accuracy of the models is worth the investment.