Use of Unmanned Aircraft Systems for Deciphering Landslide Dynamics
Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) provide high-resolution imagery and topographic data in a rapid manner at a low cost. In active landslide areas, these data can be used for search and rescue operations and for mapping and interpretation of landslide dynamics, without the need to expose people to dangerous ground conditions. The USGS, the Colorado Geological Survey, the County of Mesa in Colorado and the U.S. Forest Service recently utilized UAS data in cooperative work at the West Salt Creek landslide in western Colorado.