Hazard map: Development of a methodology for assessing the risk of mass movements for the Free State of Saxony

Term: 01.07.2022 - 31.12.2024

Commissioned by: Saxon State Office for the Environment, Agriculture and Geology (LfULG)

Mass movements, including landslides and rockfalls, jeopardize material assets such as infrastructure, buildings and agricultural and forestry land, as well as the safety of people. Damage caused by mass movements occurs time and again, particularly in areas with pronounced relief, e.g. in narrow river valleys in the low mountain ranges. Due to the predicted climate change with increased and more intense weather events as triggers of mass movements, an accumulation of damage events is to be expected in the future.

The Saxon State Office for Environment, Agriculture and Geology documents known events and provides expertise in the risk assessment of conspicuous localities. In contrast to this local hazard assessment, hazard maps can provide an overview of the hazard posed by mass movements for large areas. Hazard maps thus form an important technical basis for spatial and land use planning in order to prevent or at least minimize damage. However, such an overview on a regional scale does not yet exist in Saxony. In addition, no standardized methodology for the creation of hazard maps has been established. The procedure and selection depend heavily on regional conditions, the data basis and the type of hazard under consideration.

The aim of the R&D project is therefore to develop a methodology that can be used to create hazard maps of different types of mass movement for the Free State of Saxony. The applicability will be tested in the processing of pilot areas, so that the project will result in hazard maps for the first regions in Saxony.