A database of landslides investigated using satellite DInSAR

Area of Science:

• Geosciences
• Remote Sensing
• Geohazards

Background:

• Advancements in Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite missions and Differential SAR Interferometry (DInSAR) have enhanced ground deformation monitoring capabilities.
• Landslide analysis has significantly benefited from these technological progresses, necessitating a consolidated overview of existing research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a comprehensive global analysis of landslide investigations utilizing satellite DInSAR data.
• To create a geo-referenced inventory of DInSAR-based landslide studies from 1995-2024.
• To support researchers with spatial access to a broad spectrum of peer-reviewed DInSAR landslide studies.

Main Methods:

• A systematic literature review was performed using the Web of Science database, screening 2,739 contributions.
• A geo-referenced inventory of 1,480 Point Identification Numbers (PINs) was created through accurate geo-tagging of landslides.
• The inventory's spatial accuracy was validated against global landslide susceptibility maps and independent landslide inventories, notably the Italian landslide inventory.

Main Results:

• The systematic review yielded a geo-referenced inventory of 1,480 landslide case studies analyzed using DInSAR.
• The inventory differentiates between site-specific and area-wide analyses, highlighting regional concentrations in China, Italy, and the US.
• Validation confirmed a strong correspondence between the compiled PINs and existing landslide data, particularly for Italy.

Conclusions:

• The developed database provides a valuable resource for researchers studying landslides with DInSAR.
• It facilitates spatial access to a wide range of peer-reviewed DInSAR landslide research globally.
• The findings underscore the growing application and geographical distribution of DInSAR techniques in landslide investigations.