Utilization of drone-based photogrammetry for feasibility analysis of potential relocation area in Maleber District, Kuningan Regency, West Java

Abstract

A landslide in Cipakem Village, Maleber District, Kuningan Regency, West Java has cut off the main access of two isolated hamlets. These two isolated hamlets are located in a hilly steep slope region that is very vulnerable to mass movement processes. To prevent repetitive events that could result in the two hamlets being completely isolated, the government of Kuningan considered the relocation of the 560 impacted families to the potential relocation area in Cikaso Block, Cipakem Village. A feasibility analysis is required to assess whether this area is feasible or not. Drone-based photogrammetry has been utilized to analyse the feasibility of the potential area based on the criteria of settlement area and land suitability. These methods have produced a Digital Elevation Model (DEM) and orthophoto that represent the actual geomorphological and landform features in detail at a relatively low cost. The results showed that the geomorphology of the potential area consists of undulating hills with a dip slope of 10° at the hilltop, and more than 50° at the valley. The hilltop is dominated with shrubbery, while the hillside is dominated by heterogeneous trees, and rain fed rice fields are scattered in the valley. The potential relocation area is located in an area identified as having an intermediate level of vulnerability to landslides. Due to these conditions, the proposed area in the Cikaso Block is considered suitable for relocation under certain technical conditions. However, it does not have enough area to accommodate all of the impacted families.