Monteverde, Costa Rica - Land Use
Approaching the Problem with a Solution in Mind - Advanced GIS ArcMap Project in 2018
Problems Arise from Landslides:
- October 2017
- Tropical Storm Nate
- Multiple Landslides in and around Monteverde and Santa Elena, Costa Rica
- Many homes were lost and roadways that lead to the area were destroyed
Potential Solutions to Rebuilding with Least Concern (using GIS to identify areas with):
- Minimal slope (<11.5°)
- In sight of Santa Elena
- Near Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve
- Near Roadways
- Near Rio San Luis (but not within the 100m riparian zone where construction is not permitted)
Aerial Photography of Landslides
Cartographic Model
Photos of Project Progression
Study Area
The chosen study area was in and around the towns of Monteverde and Santa Elena on the continental divide in Central Costa Rica.
Buffers and Clips
Using known locations of homes and businesses, accessible roadways, and proximity to Rio San Luis were paramount in establishing acceptable locations.
Potential Locations
This project was not only a great learning experience, but very personal as well. One of my dear friends and his family lost their home in the 2017 landslides. They have since rebuilt and they utilized this map to help identify areas in which they could build with the most minimal impact from future natural disasters.