Integrated Approaches for Field Mapping by Traditional Investigation and Satellite PSInSAR Data: Results from the Montemartano Landslide (Central Italy)

The study presents an integrated investigation of a complex landslide based on multitemporal stereo aerial photographic interpretations, existing geotechnical monitoring data, and different PSInSAR datasets. The available information allowed for the quantification of the deformation history, also in periods with no monitoring in the field, making it possible to revise the geometry of the landslide compared to the official landslide mapping. Data from sparse inclinometers are compared with more spatially continuous satellite measurements, showing that the two monitoring techniques are consistent in terms of cumulative deformation trend and in terms of response to prolonged drought and wet periods. Therefore, reliable landslide mass displacements can be monitored using satellite products when ground instrumentations are no longer operating. Understanding the landslide behavior to rainfall conditions offers an important insight into the velocities and cumulative displacements expected during similar stages of enhanced landslide activity. The findings can be helpful to support urban planners in re-evaluating hazard and risk classification and implementing efficient mitigation techniques to reduce landslide damage.

Automated summary

The study integrates different data sources to investigate a complex landslide, including aerial photography, geotechnical monitoring data, and satellite measurements. It demonstrates that satellite products can reliably monitor landslide mass displacements when ground instrumentations are no longer operating. Understanding the landslide behavior to rainfall conditions can provide important insights for urban planners to re-evaluate hazard and risk classification and implement effective mitigation techniques.