During our Innovation Webinar held at the start of July, climate change Professor Robert Nicholls mentioned that extreme weather events are likely to become more frequent and severe. These events pose significant risks to infrastructure assets such as bridges, highways, and buildings.
Ground displacement caused by such events can compromise structural integrity, leading to costly damages and safety hazards. With that in mind, let's see how we can increase infrastructure resilience to extreme weather events.
The Scale of the Problem
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, extreme weather events in the U.S. caused over $165 billion in damages in damages in 2022 alone.
The Global Facility of Disaster Reduction and Recovery reports that infrastructure failures due to natural disasters results in annual global losses exceeding $300 billion.
The Remote Sensing Solution
At Geofem, we utilise satellite remote sensing technologies to bolster infrastructure resilience in the face of extreme weather.
InSAR Analysis: Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) technology precisely measures ground displacement and subsidence with millimetre accuracy. This allows us to monitor and detect even the slightest ground movements that could signal potential structural issues.
Optical and Radar Imaging: By combining optical and radar satellite imagery, we can assess the condition of infrastructure before, during, and after extreme weather events. This dual approach provides comprehensive data on surface changes, erosion, and water levels.
Historical Data Comparison: We use historical satellite data to establish baselines and identify long-term trends in ground movement and environmental changes. This helps predict and prepare for future risks.
Rapid Assessment: Post-event analysis with satellite data enables rapid assessment of infrastructure damage, facilitating timely repairs and efficient allocation of resources.
The Benefits
Enhanced Safety: Early detection of ground displacement ensures timely interventions, reducing the risk of structural failures and protecting public safety.
Cost Efficiency: Proactive maintenance and risk management minimise repairs costs and downtime, optimising budget allocation and resource use.
Operational Continuity: Maintaining infrastructure integrity ensures uninterrupted services, supporting economic stability and community wellbeing.
Sustainability: Investing in resilience strengthens infrastructure, reducing the environmental impact of reconstruction and promoting long-term sustainability.
Contact us to discover how our InSAR-based remote sensing consultancy can fortify your infrastructure against the challenges of extreme weather.
Comments