Application of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) in Landslide Studies: A Comprehensive Review

ABSTRACT Landslides are natural hazards that result in fatalities, damage to infrastructure, and harm to the environment. In recent years, the advancement of remote sensing technology, particularly the UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) in the domain of landslide studies, enables easy data acquisition, mapping, and monitoring with improved spatial coverage and temporal frequency. Additionally, it optimises fieldwork by accessing inaccessible areas safely. This paper provides an in-depth review of the application of UAVs in landslide studies. Different types of drones, hardware and software components and the steps and stages for operating UAVs are presented. This paper gives an overview of the published literature and documented cases that describe the advancements and applications of UAVs in landslide studies. This paper also includes a case study depicting the application of UAVs in the Indian Himalaya. Furthermore, this review delves into the challenges and prospects of UAVs in landslide mapping and monitoring, leading to enhanced early warning systems and better decision-making processes to mitigate the impact of landslides.