Operative Monographies: Development of a New Tool for the Effective Management of Landslide Risks

Abstract

Active landslide risk assessment and management are primarily based on the availability of dedicated studies and monitoring activities. The establishment of decision support for the efficient management of active landslides threatening urban areas is a worthwhile contribution. Nowadays, consistent information about major landslide hazards is obtained through an interdisciplinary approach, consisting of field survey data and long-time monitoring, with the creation of a high populated dataset. Nevertheless, the large number and variety of acquired data can generate some criticalities in their management. Data fragmentation and a missing standard format of the data should represent a serious hitch in landslide hazard management. A good organization in a standard format can be a good operative solution. Based on standardized approaches such as the ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization), we developed a standard document called operative monography. This document summarizes all available information by organizing monitoring data and identifying possible lacks. We tested this approach in the Aosta Valley Region (NW Italy) on five different slow moving landslides monitored for twenty years. The critical analysis of the available dataset modifies a simple sequence of information in a more complex document, adoptable by local and national authorities for a more effective management of active landslides.

The Importance of a Dedicated Monitoring Solution and Communication Strategy for an Effective Management of Complex Active Landslides in Urbanized Areas

“…As mentioned before, one of the most important element that we considered for the definition of a correct communication strategy are needs and background of stakeholder. In order to adopt a "usable science" approach [53], owners of monitoring data are responsible not only for a correct acquisition and analysis, but also for a correct dissemination of obtained results. The correct dissemination makes the difference between a simple monitoring data management and an effective support to decision-makers and population in particular during emergencies.…”

“…The ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) operation manual inspires the Operative Monography structure. A complete description of this document is described in Giordan et al [53].…”

Low-Cost GNSS Solution for Continuous Monitoring of Slope Instabilities Applied to Madonna Del Sasso Sanctuary (NW Italy)

“…As presented and discussed in [23], one of the most critical elements that often characterized slope instabilities monitored or studied for a long time is the availability of many data without a good organization and representation of obtained results. Very often, data have been acquired by different working groups and preserved by different private companies or administrations.…”

“…We also propose a possible monitoring strategy that considers the use of semi-automatized procedures for the identification of anomalous trends. The strategy is part of a risk communication procedure based on the use of bulletins [16] and Operative Monographies [23].…”

“…The production of an operative monography (OM). In this project, we decided to adopt the OM approach [23] for the acquisition and organization of all available information (e.g., monitoring data, thematic studies, publications, and maps). The first step of the project has been the collection, analysis, and organization of the available material.…”