A 50-State Inventory of Landslides--a U.S. Geological Survey Pilot Study

Currently, the status of a United States Landslide Inventory is that each of the 50 states has tracked and evaluated landslides within state boundaries and provides this information to users according to the needs and accessibility that is unique to each state. The purpose of the Inventory Project is to provide a framework and tools for displaying and analyzing landslide inventory data collected in a spatially aware digital format from individual states, which a goal of eventually making United States landslide inventory data available in a more collective manner.

USGS has provided preliminary framework consisting of a website featuring both technical and socioeconomic landslide information, from individual state surveys and the U.S. Geological Survey and relevant information from other sources. The primary organizing entity is The Landslide Inventory Steering Committee, composed of members of USGS and State Geological Surveys and other state agencies, which will guide the growth, development, and oversight of a national landslide inventory database website.

The website will also provide a clearinghouse for mapping and data collection techniques utilized by the various agencies and surveys involved. The long-term goal is to promote more consistent landslide mapping and databases nationwide, as well as provide information on innovative mapping techniques.