A physics-informed machine learning solution for landslide susceptibility mapping based on three-dimensional slope stability evaluation

Landslide susceptibility mapping is a crucial tool for disaster prevention and management. The performance of conventional data-driven model is greatly influenced by the quality of the samples data. The random selection of negative samples results in the lack of interpretability throughout the assessment process. To address this limitation and construct a high-quality negative samples database, this study introduces a physics-informed machine learning approach, combining the random forest model with Scoops 3D, to optimize the negative samples selection strategy and assess the landslide susceptibility of the study area. The Scoops 3D is employed to determine the factor of safety value leveraging Bishop’s simplified method. Instead of conventional random selection, negative samples are extracted from the areas with a high factor of safety value. Subsequently, the results of conventional random forest model and physics-informed data-driven model are analyzed and discussed, focusing on model performance and prediction uncertainty. In comparison to conventional methods, the physics-informed model, set with a safety area threshold of 3, demonstrates a noteworthy improvement in the mean AUC value by 36.7%, coupled with a reduced prediction uncertainty. It is evident that the determination of the safety area threshold exerts an impact on both prediction uncertainty and model performance.