TXT-tool 1.039-1.1: Very-high resolution stereo satellite images for landslide mapping

Abstract

Landslides are common phenomena in mountainous countries, and play an important role in the evolution of landscapes. They also represent a serious hazard in many areas of the world. Acquiring systematic information on the type, abundance, and distribution of landslides, and preparing landslide inventory maps is of fundamental importance to mitigate landslide risk. Landslide inventory maps are essential for evaluating landslide hazard, vulnerability and risk, and for studying the evolution of landscapes dominated by mass-wasting processes. Landslide maps, including geomorphological, event, seasonal, and multi-temporal inventory maps, can be prepared using different techniques. We present the results of an experiment aiming at testing the possibility of using very high resolution, stereoscopic satellite images to map rainfall-induced shallow landslides. Three landslide inventory maps were prepared for the Collazzone study area, Umbria, Italy. Two of the maps were prepared through the visual interpretation of stereoscopic satellite images, and cover the periods January-March 2010, and March-May 2010. The third inventory map shows landslides occurred in the period January-March 2010, and was obtained through reconnaissance field surveys. We describe the statistics of landslide area for the three inventories, and compare quantitatively two of the landslide maps.