This paper presents a short history of the appraisal of laser scanner
technologies in geosciences used for imaging relief by high-resolution
digital elevation models (HRDEMs) or 3D models. A general overview
of light detection and ranging (LIDAR) techniques applied to landslides
is given, followed by a review of different applications of LIDAR
for landslide, rockfall and debris-flow. These applications are classified
as: (1) Detection and characterization of mass movements; (2) Hazard
assessment and susceptibility mapping; (3) Modelling; (4) Monitoring.
This review emphasizes how LIDARderived HRDEMs can be used to investigate
any type of landslides. It is clear that such HRDEMs are not yet
a common tool for landslides investigations, but this technique has
opened new domains of applications that still have to be developed.