Learn how to map avalanche risk zones using satellite data, terrain analysis, snow cover, and Google Earth Engine (GEE)
Avalanches pose serious threats to lives, infrastructure, and ecosystems in mountainous regions around the world. In this course, you’ll learn how to harness the power of Remote Sensing and Google Earth Engine (GEE) to map and analyze avalanche-prone zones using satellite-based snow cover and elevation data.
What you’ll learn
- Use Google Earth Engine (GEE) to access, process, and visualize remote sensing data for mountainous regions..
- Calculate slope from DEM data and analyze terrain for avalanche risk mapping..
- Process MODIS snow cover data and integrate it with terrain data to identify snow-accumulated zones..
- Create and classify avalanche risk maps using multi-criteria analysis and export results for use in GIS..
Course Content
- Introduction –> 6 lectures • 1hr.
Requirements
Avalanches pose serious threats to lives, infrastructure, and ecosystems in mountainous regions around the world. In this course, you’ll learn how to harness the power of Remote Sensing and Google Earth Engine (GEE) to map and analyze avalanche-prone zones using satellite-based snow cover and elevation data.
Designed for beginners and intermediate GIS users, the course guides you step-by-step through the process of using terrain slope derived from DEM (Digital Elevation Model) and snow cover data from MODIS to identify areas at risk. You will write JavaScript code in the GEE Code Editor, visualize high-resolution maps, classify avalanche risk into low, medium, and high levels, and export your results for use in reports or GIS software.
We’ll cover topics like:
- Terrain modeling and slope extraction
- Using MODIS NDSI snow cover data
- Boolean logic for risk zone mapping
- Visualization techniques with custom color palettes
- Exporting maps as GeoTIFFs
By the end of this course, you’ll have the tools and knowledge to perform avalanche risk analysis independently, making this course ideal for students, disaster risk managers, researchers, or environmental planners.
No prior coding or remote sensing experience is required—just a passion for geospatial data and a willingness to learn.
Prepare to build real-world mapping skills with global impact—right in your browser using Google Earth Engine.