A GIS-based statistical model for rapid landslide susceptibility mapping in the Beichuan-Pingwu area, Sichuan, China

Abstract

The 2008 Wenchuan earthquake, with a magnitude of Mw 8.0, induced numerous landslides. Remote sensing planes were sent out to take high resolution aerial photographs, from which the geologic hazards could be instantly interpreted. However, aerial images covering all of the study area could not be obtained in a short time because of the limitations of the planes and the influence of weather conditions. This studyestablishes a statistical model based on the landslide interpretation results of one photographic strip inside the Beichuan-Pingwu area. It has strong applicability and can be applied to other places without such data. Finally, we produced a landslide susceptibility map, which providesscientific support for the instant evaluation of disaster information and post-disaster reconstruction.