Satellite Data for Structural Monitoring of Historical Building: The Temple of Minerva Medica in Rome

Abstract

The Differential Synthetic Aperture Radar Interferometry is a remote sensing technique to acquire deformation velocity and displacement time-series of large territorial areas. The aim of this work is to develop operational methodologies that allow to assess the structures conservation state by integrating information from traditional monitoring systems with the remote sensing application, in order to monitor permanently structures and infrastructure with a historical relevance and developing specific maintenance programs. It is verified that this processing technique is an adequate tool, even in real-time, to monitor any damage or potential critical issues in the case of exceptional events such as earthquakes or landslides. The case study is the Temple of Minerva Medica in Rome, a masonry building characterized by an important historical-artistic value. The data-analysis shows as the use of satellite monitoring can be a valid tool for the structural safety, allowing to identify a vulnerability map of archaeological sites and historical buildings. The data interferometric processing was carried out using a Graphic Information System (GIS) software.