USGS Remote Sensing Data Tracks Big Sur Landslides of 2024
The USGS has collected and released topographic data that show the changes to the Mud Creek landslide of Big Sur during the winter and spring of 2024.
These data were developed from photographs collected in partnership with Ecoscan Resource Data during June 2023 and February and April 2024. Photos have been processed with a digital technique called structure-from-motion photogrammetry to make accurate elevation models of the coastal landscape. Comparing these sets of data shows “before” and “after” perspectives of the 2024 winter season. These data have been released under USGS Emergency Use Data authorities for data that have immediate or time-sensitive relevance to public health and safety. The aerial photos that were used to build these topographic data are published and available in the USGS Remote Sensing Coastal Change Simple Data Service, where you can also view raw aerial photo thumbnails and full-size browse images in KML finding aids.
These files can be viewed with KML viewers and GIS software such as QGIS, Marble, and Google Earth.
Site 1 - Rocky Creek
Two images are provided of the Rocky Creek landslide that resulted in closure of California State Highway 1. The images below show views of the Rocky Creek landslide, California before (Feb. 23, 2024) and after (April 6, 2024) the slope failure. Images show oblique perspectives of the landscape topography colored by the actual colors from the photographs. The measurement of total topographic change shows both erosion (red) and accretion (blue), which reveals changes to the landscape. All 3-dimensional landscape data derived by USGS photogrammetry techniques.
Site 2 – Dolan Point
An image is provided of the Dolan Point landslide of Big Sur, California during Feb. 23 and April 6, 2024. Images show oblique perspectives of the landscape topography colored by the actual colors from the photographs. All 3-dimensional landscape data derived by USGS photogrammetry techniques.
Site 3 – Regent’s Slide
An image is provided of the Regent’s landslide of Big Sur, California during Feb. 23 and April 6, 2024. Images show oblique perspectives of the landscape topography colored by the actual colors from the photographs. All 3-dimensional landscape data derived by USGS photogrammetry techniques.
Site 4 – Lopez Point Slide
Two images are provided of the Regent’s landslide of Big Sur, California during Feb. 23 and April 6, 2024. The first image shows oblique perspectives of the landscape topography colored by the actual colors from the photographs. The second image shows shaded relief topography of the landscape during Feb. 23 and April 6, 2024, and the total topographic change between these dates, which shows both erosion (red) and accretion (blue) of the landscape. All 3-dimensional landscape data derived by USGS photogrammetry techniques.
Site 5 – Paul’s Slide
Three images are provided of Paul’s landslide of Big Sur, California during Feb. 23 and April 6, 2024. The first two images show different oblique perspectives of the landscape topography colored by the actual colors from the photographs. The third image shows shaded relief topography of the landscape during Feb. 23 and April 6, 2024, and the total topographic change between these dates, which shows both erosion (red) and accretion (blue) of the landscape. All 3-dimensional landscape data derived by USGS photogrammetry techniques.
Site 6 – Willow Creek
An image is provided of the Willow Creek landslide of Big Sur, California during Feb. 23 and April 6, 2024. Images show oblique perspectives of the landscape topography colored by the actual colors from the photographs. All 3-dimensional landscape data derived by USGS photogrammetry techniques.
Site 7 – Mud Creek Slide
Three images are provided of Mud Creek landslide of Big Sur, California during Feb. 23 and April 6, 2024. The first two images show different oblique perspectives of the landscape topography colored by the actual colors from the photographs. The third image shows shaded relief topography of the landscape during Feb. 23 and April 6, 2024, and the total topographic change between these dates, which shows both erosion (red) and accretion (blue) of the landscape. All 3-dimensional landscape data derived by USGS photogrammetry techniques.
Site 8 – County Line Slide
One image is provided of a landslide near the Monterey-San Luis Obispo County line of Big Sur, California during Feb. 23 and April 6, 2024. The image shows shaded relief topography of the landscape during Feb. 23 and April 6, 2024, and the total topographic change between these dates, which shows both erosion (red) and accretion (blue) of the landscape. All 3-dimensional landscape data derived by USGS photogrammetry techniques.
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