Geohazards Inventory in Central Asia Using the Geohazard Mapping Module of the FAO Collect Earth and Earth Map Tools

Abstract

Different national agencies in Central Asia assess and conduct long-term observations of dangerous geomorphological processes (geohazards) in their countries. However, these surveys are being conducted predominantly on those sites where direct threats and risks to the population or to critical infrastructure are observed. Neither field data acquisition nor regular remote sensing based observations cover the entire territory of Central Asia countries. With the recent developments in Earth Observation and cloud technologies, these observations and monitoring easily cover entire countries or regions. In this case study, the authors demonstrate the benefit of using the FAO Collect Earth and Earth Map tools for monitoring of geohazards in the Uzgen region of Kyrgyzstan.It is argued that by integrating the knowledge, skills and experience of local experts with the latest developments in EO and cloud computing, geohazards mapping will be carried out with high accuracy and without big financial investment. This study aims to outline good practice for data management that will ensure the required quality of information produced within this study. The successful result of this case study will be a starting point for broad use of this approach for observation and monitoring of geohazards, and for developing a Geohazards Inventory in Kyrgyz Republic and further in Central Asia.