In Pursuit of Intel
Imagine being able to notice even the smallest changes in the ground surface under important buildings after an earthquake. What if we could monitor these changes in near-real time, making it possible to act quickly to secure assets and prevent further damage?
Doubling Down
When an earthquake strikes, the immediate shock isn't the only problem. The ground movement that follows can create hidden weaknesses in structures. This can lead to long-term stability issues. Traditional inspects can miss subtle displacements, making it difficult to fully assess the extent of the damage.
Eye in the Sky
Satellite-based Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) provides a new way to observe changes in detail over large areas. It offers insights that can greatly improve our understanding after a disaster.
Anatomy of an Earthquake
Earthquakes can cause complex patterns of deformation. Damage to buildings and roads often spreads out. Small shifts are hard to see without detailed, high-quality data. Traditional assessment methods are labour-intensive, and often lack the precision to catch millimetric shifts.
How it Works
Which is where SAR, particularly Interferometric SAR (InSAR), changes the game. By processing SAR data, analysts can find small ground changes over time.
This helps them gather important information about asset stability that we cannot see with our eyes. Satellites can cover large areas with each pass. This means SAR provides quick assessments and near real-time insights.
Proactive Priorities
Now, infrastructure managers have a powerful tool to address the extent of damage after earthquakes occur. We can use SAR data to track ground movement.
This helps us find areas at risk of geohazards. It also allows us to set priorities for inspections and repairs based on data. This proactive approach enables decision-makers to reduce long-term risks and optimise resources.
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