Geohazard Recognition and Inventory Mapping Using Airborne LiDAR Data in Complex Mountainous Areas

Geohazard recognition and inventory mapping are absolutely the keys to the establishment of reliable susceptibility and hazard maps. However, it has been challenging to implement geohazards recognition and inventory mapping in mountainous areas with complex topography and vegetation cover. Progress in the light detection and ranging (LiDAR) technology provides a new possibility for geohazard recognition in such areas. Specifically, this study aims to evaluate the performances of the LiDAR technology in recognizing geohazard in the mountainous areas of Southwest China through visually analyzing airborne LiDAR DEM derivatives. Quasi-3D relief image maps are generated based on the sky-view factor (SVF), which makes it feasible to interpret precisely the features of geohazard. A total of 146 geohazards are remotely mapped in the entire 135 km2 study area in Danba County, Southwest China, and classified as landslide, rock fall, debris flow based on morphologic characteristics interpreted from SVF visualization maps. Field validation indicate the success rate of LiDAR-derived DEM in recognition and mapping geohazard with higher precision and accuracy. These mapped geohazards lie along both sides of the river, and their spatial distributions are related highly to human engineering activities, such as road excavation and slope cutting. The minimum geohazard that can be recognized in the 0.5 m resolution DEM is about 900 m2. Meanwhile, the SVF visualization method is demonstrated to be a great alternative to the classical hillshaded DEM method when it comes to the determination of geomorphological properties of geohazard. Results of this study highlight the importance of LiDAR data for creating complete and accurate geohazard inventories, which can then be used for the production of reliable susceptibility and hazard maps and thus contribute to a better understanding of the movement processes and reducing related losses.