Identifying and Mapping Landslides with LiDAR
We conduct landslide mapping using LiDAR within our surficial mapping projects. On our surficial maps, we may indicate individual landslides by symbology and landslide terrain which is included within broader slope debris polygons.
LiDAR is Useful for Landslide Mapping
Landslide mapping using LiDAR is useful because the slow creep or intermittent movement style of many landslides in the plains of Alberta can make even active or recently active landslides difficult to recognize. These landslides often remain covered in vegetation which obscures ground surface features that indicate the presence of landslides in air photos, satellite images, or even in the field. High-resolution LiDAR penetrates the vegetation to produce an accurate image of ground surface features, allowing us to identify even old, inactive landslides.