Existing landslides in the Langhe Hills, NW Italy, have been identified using digital remotely
sensed imagery on the basis of their textural and spectral characteristics. Landsat Thematic
Mapper and multi-temporal SPOT Panchromatic images reveal landslides produced by a storm
event which occurred in 1994, on the basis of key soil properties. High clay content in the soils
and weathered rock profile enhances moisture retention, particularly in hollows and on concave
slopes. Soil moisture assumes the role of a conditioning factor, alongside smectite and ironoxides
which have been leached from the rocks, and facilitated by groundwater flow through
fractures. Digital images, produced from Landsat TM, representing hydrated mineral (clay), ironoxide
and soil moisture content have enabled identification of areas where conditioning factors
are present.