From pixels to prevention: gigapixel imaging for landslide assessment

The increasing occurrence of geohazards such as landslides, rockfalls, and slope instabilities, often exacerbated by climate change and human activities, highlights the urgent need for innovative tools to assess and monitor these phenomena effectively. While conventional techniques in the field of Remote Sensing such as laser scanning (LiDAR), aerial photogrammetry, satellite interferometry (InSAR), have proven invaluable for geohazard analysis, they often require significant financial and technical resources. In this context, Gigapixel imaging emerges as a promising, cost-effective alternative, providing ultra-high-resolution visual data capable of supporting geohazard assessment and fostering awareness among stakeholders and the general public. This work explores the use of Gigapixel imaging - a technique based on the capture of ultra-high-definition optical images composed of billions of pixels - for geohazard assessment and analysis. This approach, coupled with traditional photogrammetric techniques (e.g. Structure from Motion) enables the generation of detailed visual representations, both in two and three dimensions, of geological features and processes. The practical implications of this research extend to geotechnical monitoring, early warning systems, geoscience education and public awareness campaigns. For example, the detailed visualizations produced by Gigapixel imaging can be used to communicate geohazard risks to policymakers and local communities, fostering better understanding and preparedness. Additionally, the system’s affordability and ease of use make it accessible to a wide range of users, including researchers, professionals, public entities, and NGOs.