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The combination of heavy rain, steep slopes, and, in some cases, deforestation, makes landslides a serious risk in Mesoamerica. The USGS mapped 11,500 landslides in Guatemala occurring as a result of Hurricane Mitch in 1998. Landslides occurring in populated areas can destroy buildings, take lives, and permanently alter the landscape.

In response to the need to better plan for landslide events, SERVIR research partner SSAI has generated a prototype regional landslide susceptibility map. Landslide Susceptibility is identified using slope and elevation thresholds known to correspond with landslide events (see Coe et al 2000, below for more details).

This is a preliminary product created to test the usefulness of this methodology for identifying regional susceptibility to landslides. Please see the links below and the metadata (available from the SERVIR Data Portal) for a full description of how the product was created and caveats associated with its use.

The landslide susceptibility map can be downloaded using the SERVIR Data Portal (search for key word "Landslide") or viewed along with other key framework layers in SERVIR-VIZ. Additional links and resources below include a PDF map of landslide susceptibility, a link to the Coe et al paper that describes the original methodology, and links to various USGS landslide research projects.

Mesoamerican Landslide Products
• Click on the SERVIR-VIZ icon to download to download and install a 3D Earth viewer to
view, animate, and compare these products with other datasets
• Click on the SERVIR Data Portal icon to search and download related data products
• Download a map of landslide susceptibility in Mesoamerica (jpg)
Developed by SERVIR Research Associate SSAI
• Download paper describing the methodology used to develop the landslide susceptibility:
Coe, J.A. et al, 2000. Landslide susceptibility from topography in Guatemala, in, Lacerda Landslides:
Evaluation, and Stabilization, Taylor & Francis Group, London, p. 69-78.
• USGS Landslides Hazard Research