Analytic network process model for landslide hazard zonation

Various controlling factors such as lithology, slope angle, slope aspect, landuse, channel proximity etc. are generally considered for the landslide hazard assessment. Although outer dependence of these parameters to a landslide is inevitably taken into account, inter-dependence among the factors is seldom addressed. Analytic Network Process (ANP) is the multi-criteria decision making (MCDM) tool which takes into account such a complex relationship among parameters. In this research, an ANP model for landslide susceptibility is proposed, priority weights for each parameter controlling the landslide were determined, and a hazard map was prepared of an area in a fragile mountainous terrain in the eastern part of Nepal. The data used in the example were derived from published sources, aerial photographs and a topographic map. However, the procedures developed can readily incorporate additional information from more detailed investigations.