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Improvements in the integration of remote sensing and rock slope modelling

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Abstract

Over the last two decades, the approach to the investigation of landslides has changed dramatically. The advent of new technologies for engineering geological surveys and slope analyses has led to step-change increases in the quality of data available for landslide studies. However, the use of such technologies in the survey and analysis of slopes is often complex and may not always be either desirable or feasible. In this context, this paper aims to improve the understanding of the use of remote sensing techniques for rock mass characterization and provide guidance and on how and when the data obtained from these techniques can be used as input for stability analyses. Advantages and limitations of available digital photogrammetry and laser scanning techniques will also be discussed in relation to their cost and the quality of data that can be obtained. A critique of recent research data obtained from remote sensing techniques is presented together with a discussion on use of the data for slope stability analysis. This highlights how data use may be optimized to reduce both parameter and model uncertainty in future slope analyses.

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Acknowledgements

The authors wish to thank Ms. Megan Dewit and Ms. Allison Westin (Simon Fraser University, BC, Canada) for their support during the remote sensing survey along the See to Sky Highway (BC, Canada). We are extremely grateful to Dr. Silvia Riccucci for her assistance during the photogrammetric surveys in the Carrara marble district and Northern Italy. Moreover, we would like to express our gratitude to the reviewers who provided important and constructive suggestions for improving the quality of the paper.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Camborne School of Mines, University of Exeter, Penryn, Cornwall, UK

    Mirko Francioni & John Coggan

  2. Department of Environment, Earth and Physical Sciences and Centre of Geotechnologies, University of Siena, San Giovanni Valdarno, AR, Italy

    Riccardo Salvini

  3. Department of Earth Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada

    Doug Stead

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  1. Mirko Francioni
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  2. Riccardo Salvini
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Correspondence to Mirko Francioni.

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Francioni, M., Salvini, R., Stead, D. et al. Improvements in the integration of remote sensing and rock slope modelling. Nat Hazards 90, 975–1004 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11069-017-3116-8

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