Application of Geographic Information System (GIS) in landslide susceptibility mapping in a mountainous region.

Thesis Abstract

Abstract
Landslides pose a significant threat to human lives and infrastructure in mountainous regions, making accurate landslide susceptibility mapping crucial for effective disaster management and mitigation strategies. Geographic Information System (GIS) technology has emerged as a powerful tool for analyzing and mapping landslide susceptibility by integrating various spatial data layers. This thesis focuses on the application of GIS in landslide susceptibility mapping in a mountainous region, aiming to improve the accuracy and reliability of landslide hazard assessments. The introduction provides an overview of the research problem, highlighting the increasing frequency and impact of landslides in mountainous areas. The background of the study establishes the importance of understanding landslide susceptibility and the role of GIS in spatial analysis. The problem statement identifies the gaps in current landslide mapping techniques and underscores the need for more advanced methods to enhance prediction accuracy. The objectives of the study include developing a GIS-based approach for landslide susceptibility mapping, assessing the limitations of existing models, defining the scope of the study area, and evaluating the significance of the research in improving landslide risk management. The structure of the thesis outlines the organization of chapters, guiding the reader through the research methodology, findings discussion, and conclusion. The literature review chapter explores existing studies on landslide susceptibility mapping, GIS applications in hazard assessment, and relevant spatial analysis techniques. Key topics covered include terrain analysis, remote sensing data integration, and statistical modeling approaches for landslide prediction. The research methodology chapter outlines the data collection process, including topographic maps, satellite imagery, and field surveys. The methodology also describes the GIS techniques used for spatial analysis, such as overlay analysis, multicriteria decision analysis, and geostatistical modeling. The chapter details the steps involved in developing a landslide susceptibility map, from data preprocessing to model validation. The discussion of findings chapter presents the results of the GIS-based landslide susceptibility mapping, highlighting the key factors influencing landslide occurrence in the study area. The analysis compares different modeling approaches, evaluates the accuracy of the susceptibility map, and discusses the implications for disaster risk reduction strategies. In conclusion, this thesis summarizes the key findings and contributions of the research, emphasizing the importance of GIS in improving landslide susceptibility mapping accuracy. The summary highlights the potential for future research in refining modeling techniques, incorporating real-time monitoring data, and enhancing community resilience to landslide hazards in mountainous regions. Keywords Geographic Information System, Landslide Susceptibility Mapping, Mountainous Region, Hazard Assessment, Spatial Analysis, GIS Technology, Disaster Management.