GENERAL

Generally the project can be divided into three principal areas.

Optimisation of early warning systems on a regional scale, where landslide prone areas are detected and classified.
On local scale active zones are detected and observation methods and devices are optimised for the specific case.
Issues related with the transfer of information about possible hazards to the affected population. The aim of this information transfer is an increased awareness of the impending hazards and effective alerting in the case of a catastrophic event.

At the beginning of the project proper study objects have to be selected. Additionally a database concept has to be designed that helps to manage all acquired data. It is planned to set up a central data server on which all relevant data will be accessible for the participants of the project. This server will also offer a number off www-Services that will help to support information exchange between the participants.

For the work on the regional scale the first three quarters of 2002 will serve for the acquisition of necessary data. The system for detection and classification of landslides will partly be based on statistical analyses of historical landslides which should take place within the second half of 2002 and the first half of 2003. The realisation of the regional landslide detection system will started in the 3rd quarter of 2002 and will be performed by a multidisciplinary group.

On the local scale the first 3 quarters of 2002 are dedicated to the design of observation networks. From the 2nd quarter 2002 on the systems will be acquired and installed. It is absolutely crucial for the progress of the project that the systems will operate at the earliest moment in order to ensure a maximum period for observations that will allow comprehensive data analysis and optimisation of the measurement devices. This work is a core activity of the project and will last till the end of the project.
Concerning the information transfer to the population the year 2002 is dedicated to the design of information systems and LBS. In 2003 and the first half of 2004 it is planned to setup the systems in the test areas. This process will be accompanied by a quality checking mechanism that will investigate the functioning of the systems and the acceptance by the population.

Draft of the vertical structure of the research project

For detailed information on the workpackages click here.