Geomorphological assessment of complex landslide systems using field reconnaissance and terrestrial laser scanning

Malcolm Whitworth, I. Anderson, G. Hunter

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter (peer-reviewed)peer-review

Abstract

Digital terrain models (DTMs) generated using ground-based laser scanning provide high-resolution bare earth models of the terrain surface suitable for the geomorphological studies. Using the elevation models, features such as scarps, back-tilted slope units, lobate accumulation zones and irregular topography can be enhanced to allow delineation and classification of landslides. The study identified that a combination of shaded relief models and the application of slope, curvature and topographic roughness filters provided the optimum method for landslide mapping using the terrestrial DTM data. This chapter describes a case study on the application of terrestrial laser scanning to a complex landslide terrain in the United Kingdom and illustrates the use of the topographic filters for landslide identification. The output from the topographic filters has been compared to a field-based geomorphological map; the results show that terrestrial laser scanning can provide for rapid and very detailed geomorphological assessment of landslide terrains that is comparable in accuracy and detail to field-based mapping.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationGeomorphological Mapping — Methods and Applications
EditorsM. Smith, P. Paron, J. Griffiths
PublisherElsevier
Pages459-474
Number of pages16
Edition15
ISBN (Print)9780444534460
Publication statusPublished - 2011

Publication series

NameDevelopments in Earth Surface Processes
PublisherElsevier
Number15

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