Design and Development of Advanced Geospatial Maps for Landslide Risk Assessment in Aqrah District Using Remote Sensing and Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

Abstract

     This research aims to design and develop landslide hazard maps for the Aqrah District using remote sensing techniques and Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Satellite imagery from Landsat-8 and the Digital Elevation Model (DEM) for the year 2025 were utilized to build a comprehensive spatial database. The study employed the Weighted Overlay analysis method and the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) to identify areas at risk. To enhance spatial representation, various classified maps were developed, including Raster Classified Maps, Hexagonal Maps, and Puzzle Maps. The results indicated that areas with low susceptibility to landslides were the most widespread at 34%, followed by very low susceptibility at 26%, moderate at 17%, high at 15%, and very high at 9%. Cognitive and statistical testing of the developed maps demonstrated that hexagonal maps provided the highest accuracy and efficiency in representing landslide hazards due to their visual clarity and functional compatibility with the GIS environment, making them a valuable tool for risk management and sustainable spatial planning.