Satellite-based landslide distribution mapping with the adoption of deep learning approach in the Kuantan River Basin, Pahang

Abstract

Landslides are one of the major geological phenomena that is widespread across the globe and have caused destructive outcomes to human life and the overall economic system. Tedious work is required to conventionally collect all evidence of multiple sizes of landslide occurrences in such a huge, developing city, including the Kuantan River Basin (KRB). In fact, landslides are difficult to identify in remote areas, such as in thick and mountainous areas, if no aerial devices or sensor technology is provided at the incident area. Ironically, the landslide distribution map is a useful tool that helps in staging the landslide mitigation plan for landslide-prone areas. Thus, the objectives of this study are (i) to identify landslide events using deep learning and vegetation index approaches on optical satellite data; and (ii) to develop landslide distribution mapping in KRB using the best approach. Remotely sensed optical images of Landsat 8 OLI and Worldview-2 were used to map the landslide distribution and study the spectral pattern of the landslide area. Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) were generated for two consecutive years, which is from the year 2022 to 2023. Spectral bands in red and infrared are used to generate the NDVI for visual interpretation of landslide occurrences. The deep learning based on Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) model were used for the pixel classification process. The main output of this study would be a landslide distribution map for the KRB area with high accuracy. The result has also been verified using drone monitoring at the incident sites, which was able to improve landslide detection in tropical environments. Landslide distribution maps accuracy was measured by using the ROC-AUC method, the map accuracy is 88.9%. This map should help the government and private sector plan for the city’s urban development and provide proper planning for geohazard mitigation. An accurate landslide distribution map could be a source of reference for the National Disaster Management Authority (NADMA) for a quick rescue during emergency.