Advancing geohazard risk assessment – A digital tool for steep slope management

Abstract

Growing climatic variability and rapid urbanization have increased landslide occurrences, posing significant challenges for risk assessment. Traditional paper-based evaluation methods, still widely used in South Korea, are time-consuming, prone to errors, and incapable of real-time analysis, limiting their effectiveness in disaster management. This study aims to address these inefficiencies by developing the Steep Slope Risk Assessment Tool (SSRAT), a digital platform designed to modernize landslide risk evaluations and improve decision-making. To achieve this, a scoping review was conducted to identify gaps in existing assessment methodologies, followed by a targeted survey of risk management professionals to understand practical challenges in the field. These insights informed the design of SSRAT, which features streamlined data entry, automated scoring, and real-time risk analysis. The tool's proof-of-concept validation through user testing demonstrated enhanced work efficiency, improved data integrity, and heightened risk awareness. The findings suggest that SSRAT has the potential to support adaptive landslide management and influence national disaster policies. Future research should extend pilot studies across diverse regions and climatic conditions to refine its functionality and facilitate broader adoption in disaster risk management practices.