Integration of Geological Survey and Digital Mapping Tools for Geological Modeling to Investigate the Relationship Between Geological Structures and Landslide Distribution

Abstract

Geological structures are crucial in determining rock mass characteristics and slope stability, directly influencing the occurrence and distribution of landslides. Traditional geological surveys are often limited by terrain, vegetation, and resolution constraints. With the rapid advancement of remote sensing technologies, such as LiDAR and UAV-based photogrammetry, the ability to investigate terrain, geomorphology, and rock discontinuities has significantly improved. These tools improve spatial resolution and data quality, making it easier to interpret geological features, rock engineering parameters, and terrain variability. This study investigates a structurally complex area along the Southern Cross-Island Highway in Taiwan, near the boundary between slate and schist belts. A combination of surface geological surveys, remote sensing analysis, and UAV-based digital mapping was used to create a geological model. The findings highlight the importance of combining geological modeling with remote sensing data to analyze landslide-prone areas. The developed model not only reveals the structural controls on landslide occurrence but also provides a practical foundation for hazard assessment and highway maintenance planning.