Assessment of military destruction in Ukraine and its consequences using remote sensing

Abstract

The article raises the problem of using Earth remote sensing data to collect evidence of damages caused by the military actions of the Russian army in Ukraine. The core data set obtained by deciphering aerial photographs reflects the general current and operational situation in the affected area, reducing the subjectivity and uncertainty of damage characteristics on the ground. Earth remote sensing data visualize visible damage to the environment, which can be recognized and assessed using images of different spectral bands with appropriate resolution. Among the damage caused to the environment as a result of hostilities, according to the Earth remote sensing data, it is possible to study: degradation of land resources, destruction of natural ecosystems by fires, destruction of structures (buildings) and structures. Satellite images with a very high resolution (≤ 1 m) make it possible to quantify the degree of damage to the soil surface due to shell explosions: the amount of metal fragments and chemicals that have entered the soil, damage to the biological cover, etc. Images with a resolution of less than 30 meters in the short-wave infrared (SWIR) range allow to depict the devastating effects of forest and steppe fires caused by military actions. Using two different time frames, one before the fire and one after, will ensure the accuracy, objectivity and reliability of the evidence collected. These very high resolution Earth remote sensing images are used to investigate the destruction of structures (buildings) and constructions. The analysis of satellite images guarantees the diagnosis of the condition of the building in three degrees of destruction: completely destroyed, partially destroyed or not destroyed. In order to ensure the storage, quick search, analysis and visualization of all useful information obtained from the data of Earth remote sensing, it is necessary to use geoinformation systems.The proposed methodology for assessing military destruction is characterized by simplicity, accuracy and versatility, and does not require the use of expensive equipment.