Use of LIDAR in landslide investigations: a review

Abstract

This paper presents a short history of the appraisal of laser scanner technologies in geosciences used for imaging relief by high-resolution digital elevation models (HRDEMs) or 3D models. A general overview of light detection and ranging (LIDAR) techniques applied to landslides is given, followed by a review of different applications of LIDAR for landslide, rockfall and debris-flow. These applications are classified as: (1) Detection and characterization of mass movements; (2) Hazard assessment and susceptibility mapping; (3) Modelling; (4) Monitoring. This review emphasizes how LIDARderived HRDEMs can be used to investigate any type of landslides. It is clear that such HRDEMs are not yet a common tool for landslides investigations, but this technique has opened new domains of applications that still have to be developed.

Relationship between man-made environment and slope stability: the case of 2014 rainfall events in the terraced landscape of the Liguria region (northwestern Italy)

“…weather conditions, poorly reflecting of the surface, roughness). The laser resolution gives the level of detail of the point cloud preformed, and is divided into range and angular resolution (Jaboyedoff et al 2012). These parameters depend on the sampling interval, and on the laser beamwidth.…”

“…The renown Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) technique can provide threedimensional digital representation of the topographic surface, of large areas, by generating high-resolution digital terrain models (DTMs) Tarolli and Dalla Fontana 2009). A DTM is able to provide enough resolution to detect and identify landslides, observing not only their sizes, but also their effects with respect to the landscape analysed (Ardizzone et al 2007;Jaboyedoff et al 2012). The LiDAR survey and associated aerial photos allow acquiring qualitative and quantitative data for morphological features (Ardizzone et al 2007;Baldo et al 2009;Razak et al 2013).…”

The origin of sandstone boulder aprons along the escarpments of the Stołowe Mountains: are they all rockfall-derived? A new insight into an old problem using the CONEFALL 1.0 software

“…In the first stage, following (Jaboyedoff et al 2012), a Digital Elevation Model (DEM) based on high-resolution (1 × 1 m) airborne LiDAR data was studied in order to recognize geomorphic features potentially indicative of mass movements. In the case of two study sites, i.e.…”

A multidisciplinary approach for the investigation of a rock spreading on an urban slope

“…During recent decades, remote sensing techniques such as Laser Scanning or Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) and SAR Interferometry (InSAR) have also become essential tools for the study of landslides (Jaboyedoff et al 2012). InSAR allows the measurement of small displacements over wide areas and LiDAR provides three-dimensional topographic information of the slope, providing data of high interest for the study, understanding and subsequent risk mitigation associated to the slope instabilities.…”