Improving tools for landslide prevention

The 'Landslide modelling and tools for vulnerability assessment preparedness and recovery management' (LAMPRE) project continues to work to prevent such crises by creating and instituting successful techniques for assessing landslide vulnerability, mitigating risk/heightening preparedness, and improving post-landslide recovery/response. These techniques include the use of satellite imagery, innovative image processing techniques, advanced numerical modelling, and ground based thematic and environmental information.

During the first period of this project, interviews and questionnaires were conducted to establish realistic user needs. The specific geo-databases for the multiple project test sites were designed and populated and a general format adopted. New techniques for the semi-automatic mapping of landslides have also been developed and tested.

Landslide inventory maps were validated and the data has been acquired for a deterministic model for the simulation of the behaviour of a deep-seated landslide. In terms of prevention, statistical methods of determining landslide susceptibility were reviewed and its software developed. The validation criteria and procedures for such LAMPRE techniques were also determined and some were used at various test sites.

In regards to the dissemination of current and future project results, the LAMPRE project website continues to be updated. Also, the first workshop was organised for the Stakeholder User Group, a group of representatives from the EU and external countries.

LAMPRE products and services aim to transcend political or administrative boundaries and instead provide a method for cohesive measures of prevention and response. Thus, a variety of test sites are being used and a range of participants and feedback welcomed.

The desired end result of LAMPRE is a more refined and technologically advanced approach to landslide prevention. This hopefully will allows civil protection authorities, transportation organisations, and agricultural and forestry agencies to better manage expectations and mitigate risks or potential crises.