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This study presents an evaluation of a comprehensive dataset with information on about 700 recorded rockfall events in Germany for the first time. The focus is on the analysis of monthly distributions of three rockfall clusters in German low mountain ranges and of three elevation classes to provide an overview of the characteristic seasonal occurrence of rockfalls in Germany. Each rockfall distribution is correlated with records of meteorological station clusters which are representative for the long‐term climate conditions of the particular rockfall cluster and elevation class, respectively. The stored parameters in the dataset (year of occurrence, rock volumes, slope angles, affected objects) are evaluated to complete the extensive and differentiated overview of rockfalls in Germany. The analyses of the distributions of the three rockfall clusters show a distinct event concentration in the winter months. Differences are apparent between the monthly distributions of the elevation classes in which clear peaks are partially visible. Freeze–thaw cycles are considered to be the major trigger of winter rockfalls in Germany. Overall, the presented results may serve as a basis for further studies in the German low mountain ranges. © 2020 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Federal Republic of Germany has long been among the few European countries that lack a national landslide database. Systematic collection and inventory of landslide data still has a long research history in Germany, but one focussed on the development of databases with local or regional coverage. This has changed in recent years with the launch of a database initiative aimed at closing the data gap existing at national level. The present paper reports on this project that is based on a landslide database which evolved over the last 15 years to a database covering large parts of Germany. A strategy of systematic retrieval, extraction, and fusion of landslide data is at the heart of the methodology, providing the basis for a database with a broad potential of application. The database offers a data pool of more than 4,200 landslide data sets with over 13,000 single data files and dates back to the 12th century. All types of landslides are covered by the database, which stores not only core attributes, but also various complementary data, including data on landslide causes, impacts, and mitigation. The current database migration to PostgreSQL/PostGIS is focused on unlocking the full scientific potential of the database, while enabling data sharing and knowledge transfer via a web GIS platform. In this paper, the goals and the research strategy of the database project are highlighted at first, with a summary of best practices in database development providing perspective. Next, the focus is on key aspects of the methodology, which is followed by the results of three case studies in the German Central Uplands. The case study results exemplify database application in the analysis of landslide frequency and causes, impact statistics, and landslide susceptibility modeling. Using the example of these case studies, strengths and weaknesses of the database are discussed in detail. The paper concludes with a summary of the database project with regard to previous achievements and the strategic roadmap. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]