Landslide Hazard Mapping and Inventory of the Hoosier National Forest Using LiDAR Data

Indiana's landslide hazard inventory previously relied on records from the Indiana Department of Transportation, which focus on slope failures only near highway infrastructure. This study addresses the gap in documentation for landslides on naturally graded slopes and landforms within the Hoosier National Forest. Using slope maps derived from light-compliant detection and ranging (LiDAR) digital elevation data and orthoimagery, 295 landslide areas were identified and mapped as polygon features. Field verification of 28 sites (approximately 10 % of the total) validated mapping accuracy, linking abstract data to the physical landscape. Landslide features were photographed, cataloged, and integrated into Indiana Geological and Water Survey Digital Collections, creating a visual archive of the region’s geomorphological activity. The resulting data set delineates areas of slope instability within Hoosier National Forest boundaries. This study enhances the understanding of landslide distributions in Indiana's natural landscapes, offering valuable data for forest management, conservation, and hazard mitigation planning.