Journal of Natural Disaster Science

Application of GIS and Remote Sensing for Landslide Disaster Management in Southern Thailand

Charlchai Tanavud*, Chao Yongchalermchai*, Abdollah Bennui** and Charlie Navanugraha***
*Faculty of Natural Resources, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai, Thailand
**Research and Development Office, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai, Thailand
***Faculty of Environment and Resources Study, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand

(Received for 27 April, 2000 and in revised form 4 Sep., 2000)

Abstract

Landslides are common geomorphic events on fragile, steep slopes of the granitic mountains in southern Thailand. The ensuing catastrophes have resulted in considerable economic losses to the country as well as to its people, and the disastrous consequences have significantly reduced the pace of sustained social and economic development. Although the occurrence of landslides can not be prevented, it is possible to reduce their effects on lives and property through prevention and mitigation measures. We used GIS and remote sensing to identify landslide hazard and risk areas in southern Thailand to ensure that appropriate measures are used to prevent and/or mitigate the negative impacts of landslides. Results showed that 73, 21 and 5 percent of the total land areas respectively faced low, moderate, and high landslide hazards. Areas facing high hazards lie on mountainous terrain, indicative of the pressing need for effective land use zoning and sustainable agricultural practices to maintain slope stability. Further analysis showed that 553,971 hectares, equivalent to 8 percent of the total land area, was subject to high risk. The prevention and mitigation measures required to reduce the risks of future landslides are discussed.

Key words

landslide, geographic information system, remote sensing, disaster management, hazard map, risk map, southern Thailand.