Validation of landslide susceptibility maps; Examples and applications from a case study in northern Spain

A procedure for validating landslide susceptibility maps was applied in a study area in northern Spain and the results obtained compared. Validation was used to carry out sensitivity analysis for individual variables and combinations of variables. The validity of different map- making methods was tested, as well as the utility of different types of Favourability Functions. The results obtained show that validation is essential to determine the predictive value of susceptibility maps. It also helps to better select the most suitable function and significant variables, thus improving the efficiency of the mapping process. Validation based on a temporal strategy makes it possible to derive hazard maps from susceptibility maps.