Traditionally, assessing the susceptibility of buildings and infrastructure to the detrimental effects of swelling clays involved large-scale evaluations based on geological and climatic factors. However, a groundbreaking feasibility study conducted on the expansive clays of Cyprus has significantly advanced this approach. By integrating InSAR (Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar) data with soil moisture information, this study has demonstrated that susceptibility mapping can be performed at a highly detailed level, even down to individual buildings.

The innovative use of InSAR technology provided historical displacement data through satellite observations, which, when combined with remote sensing data on soil moisture levels, allowed for a detailed analysis of subsidence risk. This approach departs from conventional methods by offering a granular understanding of how swelling clays affect structural stability.

The integration of InSAR data with specially calibrated algorithms enables the consideration of both static geological and climatic factors and dynamic environmental variables. This results in a more accurate and nuanced portrayal of individual buildings' vulnerability to swelling clays and subsidence risk. The enhanced precision in susceptibility assessments not only revolutionizes how we evaluate subsidence risk but also has significant implications for risk mitigation and infrastructure planning.