ALPSLOPE

The project aimed at developing and demonstrating a method for assessing and monitoring the risk of unstable slopes based on widest use of satellite remote sensing data both from the microwave and optical domains, processed with advanced methods; and at combining the data layers in a user-friendly way on COTS software.

While the methods used so far were mainly based on punctual measurements via GPS or laser devices and field observations, the main element of this service was to derive the geometric surface changes in their spatial distribution, which ideally could be done using satellite remote sensing data, especially using ERS and ENVISAT processed with differential interferometric methods.

The methodology was developed and demonstrated within two test sites in the Alps of South Tyrol (i.e. Corvara and Nals) defined together with the Geological Survey as committed key user of the project. The products were, on one hand, the mapping of unstable slopes, integrated in the Risk Zone Plan and, on the other, the monitoring of slope instabilities. The method has a clear perspective to be used in other Alpine regions and regions of Italy.