Abstract
In this study, we used an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) to collect a time series of high-resolution images over four years at seven epochs to assess landslide dynamics. Structure from Motion (SfM) was applied to create Digital Surface Models (DSMs) of the landslide surface with an accuracy of 4–5 cm in the horizontal and 3–4 cm in the vertical direction. The accuracy of the co-registration of subsequent DSMs was checked and corrected based on comparing non-active areas of the landslide, which minimized alignment errors to a mean of 0.07 m. Variables such as landslide area and the leading edge slope were measured and temporal patterns were discovered. Volumetric changes of particular areas of the landslide were measured over the time series. Surface movement of the landslide was tracked and quantified with the COSI-Corr image correlation algorithm but without ground validation. Historical aerial photographs were used to create a baseline DSM, and the total displacement of the landslide was found to be approximately 6630 m3. This study has demonstrated a robust and repeatable algorithm that allows a landslide’s dynamics to be mapped and monitored with a UAV over a relatively long time series.
Highlights
Landslides are a worldwide phenomenon that can have dramatic economic impact and sometimes tragically result in fatalities [1]
The remaining Ground Control Points (GCPs) were used as check points to assess the accuracy of the model, which was done by measuring the distance between GCPs in the orthophoto and the Digital Surface Models (DSMs), and its correct location
Digital Surface Models (DSMs) of a landslide with an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) and that this technique is robust and repeatable such that a substantial time series of datasets can be routinely collected. Another achievement was the development of a technique to check and correct for any co-registration errors between subsequent DSMs based on comparing non-active areas of the landslide, minimizing the alignment error to ±0.07 m on average
Summary
Landslides are a worldwide phenomenon that can have dramatic economic impact and sometimes tragically result in fatalities [1]. There are multiple factors that can make an area prone to landslide formation. Human factors such as drainage and land clearing (removal of vegetation) are some that can be controlled, and may expedite but not necessarily directly cause a landslide. Other environmental factors such as topography and the shear strength of the slope material are more difficult to control. Landslides are typically triggered by heavy rainfall events or sometimes by earthquakes [2,3].
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