AI and Satellite Tech Identify 3,000 Actively Moving Slopes Across UK

The British Geological Survey (BGS) has successfully identified 3,000 slopes moving at rates exceeding 2.5mm per year across the UK, utilising artificial intelligence and satellite interferometry data. The groundbreaking research, conducted in collaboration with the University of Florence between 2018 and 2022, reveals that these unstable slopes affect approximately 14,000km of roads and 360km of railways nationwide.

Context and Background

Researchers employed a semi-automated approach combining AI algorithms with Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) satellite data to analyse ground movement patterns across Britain. The study represents a significant advancement in large-scale geohazard management, moving beyond traditional manual assessment methods that were both time-intensive and limited in scope.

The identified slopes affect 2.4% of the national road network and 1% of the railway infrastructure, highlighting the widespread nature of geological instability across the UK. This comprehensive mapping provides unprecedented insight into areas where ground movement poses ongoing risks to critical transportation networks.

Alessandro Novellino from BGS emphasised that “Our new, semi-automated approach supports the work of landslide specialists and provides a practical solution for large-scale geohazard management.”

Looking Forward

The research team plans to refine their analysis by integrating more detailed topographical data and developing capabilities to automatically map individual landslides within unstable slopes. This enhanced approach will enable more precise risk assessment and targeted intervention strategies.

Camilla Medici from the University of Florence highlighted the immediate practical applications: “This approach already provides a powerful disaster-management tool, allowing decision makers to quickly identify areas that are currently at risk from ground motion.” The findings are being shared with local authorities, infrastructure owners, and the Natural Hazards Partnership to inform risk management strategies.

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