Long-Term Remote Monitoring of Ground Deformation Using Sentinel-1 Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR): Applications and Insights into Geotechnical Engineering Practices

Seung-Rae Lee,Ryan Ramirez,Tae-Hyuk Kwon

doi:10.3390/app10217447

Abstract

Development of synthetic aperture radar (SAR) technology and the dedicated suite of processing tools have aided the evolution of remote sensing techniques for various Earth Observation (EO) applications. Interferometric SAR (InSAR) is a relatively new geodetic technique which provides high-speed and reliable geographic, geologic, and hazards information allowing the prognosis of future environmental and urban planning. In this study, we explored the applicability of two differential interferometry techniques, conventional and advanced differential InSAR (A-DInSAR), for topographic mapping and long-term geotechnical monitoring by exploiting satellite data, particularly Sentinel-1 SAR data, which is publicly shared. We specifically used the open-source tools of SeNtinel Application Platform (SNAP) and Stanford Method for Persistent Scatterers (StaMPS) for interferometric data processing to implement A-DInSAR. This study presents various applications, which include generation of a digital elevation model (DEM), mapping of seismically induced displacement and associated damages, and detection and long-term monitoring of tunneling-induced ground deformation and rainfall-induced landslide. Geometric and temporal decorrelations posed challenges and limitations in the successful implementation of Sentinel-1 SAR interferometry specifically in vegetated areas. The presented results proved the validity and reliability of the exploited SAR data and InSAR techniques for addressing geotechnical engineering related problems.

Highlights

High precision geodetic measurements with coarse-to-fine spatial and temporal resolutions significantly complement geological, seismic, and geotechnical investigations and characterizations of geodynamic processes related to natural and human-induced activities
An interferometric pair with the shortest temporal baseline and the highest perpendicular baseline assessed the digital elevation model (DEM) based on Sentinel-1 synthetic aperture radar (SAR) data over Seogwipo
The interferometric fringes are clearly shown in the lowlands towards the coast, which is a good indication of topographic information, but are not visible in the vicinity of Mt

Summary

Introduction

High precision geodetic measurements with coarse-to-fine spatial and temporal resolutions significantly complement geological, seismic, and geotechnical investigations and characterizations of geodynamic processes related to natural and human-induced activities. The continual development of synthetic aperture radar (SAR) technology and the dedicated suite of processing tools over the past years have introduced numerous opportunities in the fields of remote sensing and civil engineering. Interferometric SAR (InSAR) and advanced differential InSAR (A-DInSAR) are relatively new geodetic techniques in these fields which have proven their capability of providing centimeter- to millimeter-level change records of terrain topography and surface deformations. SAR pixel-based derived classifications and measurements promote it from the sparse point Global Positioning System (GPS) technology, while processing both SAR amplitude and phase information make it unique and advantageous over conventional imaging techniques.

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion