Guidelines for landslide hazard mapping in the Andes: speaking one language

Abstract

AbstractTo maximize the use of geoscience information across institutions and international borders, data must be collected and stored in a uniform manner so that they are readily accessible and understandable. There is seldom consistency in the representation of these data delivered to users between countries (and, sometimes, even within institutions in the same country). The Multinational Andean Project: Geosciences for Andean Communities (MAP:GAC (2002–2008)), identified the need to research, design and develop a common terminology, techniques, classification system, cartographic symbols and databases for landslide studies. MAP:GAC produced regional guides for landslide studies and mapping, through the first regional group for landslide studies (GEMMA). It is expected that these guides will facilitate the transfer and appropriation of information, and that the generation of products will be more easily understood and applied by land-use planners, emergency-management planners and other users. The standards have been adopted by the seven Andean countries (Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Venezuela) and were published in the book Movimientos en Masa en la Región Andina: Una Guía para la Evaluación de Amenazas (Landslide Hazards in the Andes) in 2007.