Classification of topography for ground vulnerability assessment of alluvial plains and mountains of Japan using 30 m DEM

Abstract This study aims to create a terrain classification of Japan that allows both geomorphological and geoengineering classifications coexist without large contradictions distinguish landform elements even in urban plains which include noise associated with digital elevation models (DEMs). Because is susceptible natural disasters, we designed the reflect ground vulnerability alluvial mountains through application data landslide susceptibility seismic zoning. We updated an existing DEM-based method for high-resolution 30 m DEM. used topographic measurements do not amplify manmade unevenness or noise, are usually main problems use DEMs high vertical accuracies. selected height above nearest drainage (HAND), slope gradient, surface texture, local convexity as geometric signatures, were devised so detect noise. Segment polygon units derived from raster HAND. The classified into 40 clusters using attributes slope, HAND, texture; then they grouped 16 legends following comparisons geological maps supplementary reclassification by HAND convexity. classification, except cuts fills, showed similarities expert-driven some association areas where shallow landslides floods frequently occur. Based on trial California DEM, concluded proposed can be adopted other regions outside Japan.