ITALIAN LANDSLIDE INVENTORY (IFFI)

The indicator provides information about the landslide number and distribution in Italy, based on data contained in the Italian Landslide Inventory (IFFI). The Inventory is created by ISPRA (Italian Institute for Environmental Protection and Research), the regions, and autonomous provinces of Trento and Bolzano, as well as the ARPA (Regional Environmental Protection Agencies) responsible for the matter. ISPRA has the role of guidance, coordination, and control of activities, managing the database, producing national reports and statistics, and disseminating data. The regions and autonomous provinces of Trento and Bolzano play a crucial role in the collection, archiving, digitization, and validation of landslide data. Italy is the European country most affected by landslide phenomena, accounting for two-thirds of the landslides recorded in Europe (EuroGeoSurveys Survey, 2015). Landslides are widespread due to the geological and morphological characteristics of Italy’s territory, which is 75% mountainous and hilly. The aim of the Italian Landslide Inventory is to identify and map landslides along the country using standardized and shared methods. The IFFI database includes maps, alphanumeric parameters, and any photos, videos, and documents associated with landslides and landslide events. A landslide is defined as the movement of a mass of rock, soil, or debris along a slope, and it is representative of a phenomenon in a specific portion of the territory. A landslide event represents a specific point in time (activation/re-activation) of a landslide; multiple events can thus be associated with a single landslide. Landslides in the IFFI are recorded through the completion of a Landslide Form and are represented by a point (Landslide Identification Point - PIFF) located at the crown of the landslide, by a polygon when the area is mappable at the adopted survey scale, or by a line when the width of the landslide cannot be mapped (e.g., rapid debris flows). Each landslide is uniquely identified throughout the entire national territory with an identification code (Landslide ID). Landslide events are recorded through the completion of an Event Form, which contains a selection of fields from the Landslide Form and a smaller number of mandatory fields. The geometry can be represented with either a point or a polygon, regardless of the size of the landslide. If the event is represented solely by a point, it may be located at the crown, toe, or another position (e.g., a damaged building or road), with varying degrees of positional accuracy: exact, <100 m, <1,000 m, <10,000 m. The Event Form can be used to collect data quickly, particularly in emergencies; it can be employed to record a new landslide event, or the reactivation of an existing IFFI landslide. The Italian Landslide Inventory is a useful basic knowledge tool for assessing landslide hazard, land-use planning, and the programming of risk mitigation interventions.