Biogeophysical characterization of a landslide zone using remote sensing for disaster risk management at San Vicente Volcano, El Salvador
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.35622/j.rca.2026.03.001Keywords:
geomorphology, landslide, photogrammetry, remote sensing, risk managementAbstract
Landslides represent one of the most frequent natural hazards in mountainous and volcanic regions, causing significant impacts on infrastructure, ecosystems, and human communities. The objective was to characterize the biogeophysical conditions of an area affected by a landslide using remote sensing and drone-based photogrammetry (UAV). A quantitative approach with a descriptive scope was adopted, aimed at the biogeophysical characterization of a landslide located on San Vicente Volcano, El Salvador. To this end, UAV photogrammetry and geospatial analysis using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) were integrated. Based on the processing of aerial images captured by drone, orthomosaics, digital surface models (DSM), digital elevation models (DEM), point clouds, and three-dimensional models were generated. Additionally, Sentinel-2 satellite imagery was used to calculate the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) to assess changes in vegetation cover associated with the event. The results identified a landslide with slopes exceeding 70°, an estimated area of 9,570.50 m², a perimeter of 570.66 m, and an approximate volume of 191,410 m³ of mobilized material. The products derived from UAV photogrammetry and Sentinel-2 image analysis revealed changes in vegetation cover, the morphological evolution of the landslide, and the transport and deposition of material associated with topographic and geomorphological conditions that favor slope instability. It is concluded that the information generated provides input for strengthening resilience capacities, monitoring strategies, and hazard assessment.
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