Turning Satellite Data into Geotechnical Insight: Q & A with Dr. Andrew Lees

Satellite monitoring is transforming how engineers understand and manage ground behaviour and risk. But raw satellite data only becomes truly valuable when interpreted through a geotechnical lens — turning numbers into actionable insights for risk assessment, asset management, and safety. 

In the first instalment of our expert Q&A series, Geofem Founder, Dr. Andrew Lees CEng FICE — a geotechnical engineer with extensive experience in both numerical modelling and satellite-based monitoring — shares his perspective on how satellite data leads to more reliable and economical design. 

Below, we explore his approach and learn how satellite monitoring can inform safer, smarter engineering. 

Geofem specialises in the geotechnical interpretation of satellite data. How do you translate complex satellite measurements into clear insights that engineers and decision-makers can act on?  

We understand the needs of geotechnical engineers and speak their language, so it comes naturally to us to interpret satellite data and communicate our findings using engineering terminology.  Our strong foundation in geotechnical engineering and deep understanding of ground processes is essential to achieving this.   

Interpreting satellite data requires both remote sensing and engineering expertise. What are the main challenges in this process, and how does Geofem address them?  

We have two main, highly technical groups at Geofem: satellite remote sensing and geotechnical engineering. The challenge is to prevent those groups from becoming siloed. By fostering a teamworking spirit from day one, we have developed an impressive overlap between those groups.  

Our satellite remote sensing group knows quite a bit of geotech and our geotechs know quite a bit of remote sensing. They now work seamlessly together on every project because they understand each other. In many cases, they know what each other is going to say before they say it! 

From an engineer’s perspective, what do you see as the greatest advantage of using satellite remote sensing for ground monitoring and risk assessment?

There are many advantages, but the greatest for me is the archive of satellite data. For any site, you can obtain 10 years or more of historical satellite data, so you can see how trends have changed.  

With all other techniques you need to wait months for data to accumulate and then interpretation is still difficult based only on a few months of data. With the satellite data archive, you can understand more fully what’s happening today by comparing it with what was happening before. 

How can satellite-based monitoring work alongside traditional methods such as ground sensors, site inspections, and geotechnical investigations to strengthen overall analysis?

We geotechs always complain about a lack of data! Well, here we have an alternative data source entirely independent of the others. This adds reliability to the whole data set because you can compare the data sources with each other.  

Also, satellite data is great as a screening tool to cover large areas and pinpoint higher risk locations. It acts as a planning tool to optimise the locations of intrusive investigations and in situ sensors. You can actually save money overall while reducing uncertainty. 

Satellite remote sensing is evolving rapidly, especially alongside transformative developments in AI. What recent developments do you believe are most significant for geotechnical and environmental monitoring?  

Measuring soil moisture content with SAR satellite data is the most significant development. Every geotechnical engineer knows that soil moisture is the trigger for most geohazard failures. Detecting raised moisture levels means potential failures can be identified and addressed proactively and cost-effectively before they start. This enables even earlier detection than is possible with InSAR displacement monitoring. 

Looking ahead, how do you see satellite data shaping the future of geotechnical decision-making and early risk detection?

Climate change is leading to greater weather extremes and a more dynamic geohazard landscape. Assessing vast infrastructure networks for geohazard susceptibility is becoming too big a task for conventional methods. Geotechnical engineers need the assistance of AI and satellite data to undertake a broad-brush assessment, pinpointing the most prone areas or newly prone areas that require detailed attention.  

About Dr. Andrew Lees 

Dr. Andrew Lees CEng FICE founded Geofem in 2007, bringing together advanced numerical analysis and remote sensing to drive better decision-making in geotechnical engineering.  

Passionate about geotechnical engineering and innovation, he enjoys applying cutting-edge technology to solve real-world challenges. His focus is on delivering high-quality insights and practical applications that truly benefit the engineering community.  

Andrew is an active member of the NAFEMS Geotechnical Working Group, where he authored their first guidebook on obtaining parameters for numerical analysis, and played a key role in the Professional Simulation Engineer scheme. He also authored a widely recognised textbook on geotechnical FEA, published by the Institution of Civil Engineers in 2016. Additionally, he contributed to the redrafting of Eurocode 7, shaping the future of geotechnical design with advanced analysis methods.  

Above all, Andrew is driven by curiosity, innovation, and a commitment to helping engineers unlock new possibilities through technology.  

Find out more about Geofem’s unique offering here.