Using the interferometric high resolution space radar survey for monitoring structural deformation

Abstract

In recent years, the most effective and relevant techniques are the ones applying remote sensing of the Earth using satellite radar interferometry (the method of interferometry using synthetic aperture radars (SAR)). As it is known, according to the results of multipass space radar surveys of the same territory, performed with the same parameters and geometry of the survey, it is possible to estimate the displacement of the earth's surface, including various buildings and structures. Using the SAR interferometry method, it is possible to register the displacements of natural and man-made objects in any selected area with an accuracy of 1 mm. To solve this problem, satellite monitoring is carried out in a continuous mode. The city of Nur-Sultan of the Republic of Kazakhstan is located in places of weak soil with an aquifer close to the surface. As practice shows, the construction of high-rise buildings over time causes their subsidence and deformation. The buildings «Transport Tower» and «Baiterek» were chosen for the study of subsidence zones. The initial data for the subsequent interferometric processing were space radar images of these objects and adjacent territories, taken from the COSMO-SkyMed 1–4 satellites (e-GEOS, Italy) for three years. As a result of interferometric processing of radar satellite images in different years and seasons, displacements and deformations of the earth's surface and structures were revealed. This can be useful in the planning and construction of high-rise buildings and their operation.

Keywords

• earth remote sensing
• interferometric processing
• synthetic aperture radar