On the Use of MATLAB to Import and Manipulate Geographic Data: A Tool for Landslide Susceptibility Assessment

Most of the methods for landslide susceptibility assessment are based on mathematical relationships established between factors responsible triggering phenomenon, named conditioning factors. These usually derived from geographic data commonly handled through Geographical Information System (GIS) technology. According to adopted methodology, after an initial phase conducted GIS platform, need be transferred specific software, e.g., MATLAB, analysis and elaboration. GIS-based risk management platforms thus sometimes hybrid, requiring relatively complex adaptive procedures before exchanging among different environments. This paper describes how MATLAB can used derive most common factors, by managing in their typical formats: raster, vector or point data. Specifically, it is discussed build matrices parameters, needed assess susceptibility, using grid cell mapping units, them bypassing GIS. An application these preliminary operations a study area affected shallow landslides past shown; results show geodata managed as easily GIS, well being displayed fashionable way too. Moreover, raster resolution affects processing time. The sets future development fully implemented platform any available methods.