How to avoid false interpretations of Sentinel-1A TOPSAR interferometric data in landslide mapping? A case study: recent landslides in Transdanubia, Hungary

I. P. Kovács (), T. Bugya, Sz. Czigány, M. Defilippi, D. Lóczy, P. Riccardi, L. Ronczyk and P. Pasquali
Additional contact information
I. P. Kovács: University of Pécs
T. Bugya: University of Pécs
Sz. Czigány: University of Pécs
M. Defilippi: sarmap SA
D. Lóczy: University of Pécs
P. Riccardi: sarmap SA
L. Ronczyk: University of Pécs
P. Pasquali: sarmap SA

Natural Hazards: Journal of the International Society for the Prevention and Mitigation of Natural Hazards, 2019, vol. 96, issue 2, No 8, 693-712

Abstract: Abstract It is a crucial issue to better understand the usability of Sentinel-1 satellites in geomorphologic applications, since Sentinel-1 and the Copernicus Program are considered to be the workhorse of Earth observation by the European Space Agency during the next decades. Yet, a very limited experience is available on the applicability of Sentinel-1 images in the detection and identification of surface deformations and especially landslide mapping and monitoring in densely vegetated (low-coherence) areas. Few Synthetic Aperture Radar images (not more than 20) are sufficient for a successful run of interferometric stacking algorithms. This number is really low compared to the tremendous data flow of Sentinel-1 images that are available for interferometric analysis nowadays. Despite the availability of acquisitions, only a few papers exist on the accuracy of Sentinel-1 data, signal-to-noise ratio and the value of the acquired imagery for geomorphologic interpretation. Two test sites and a control site—affected by active surface deformations—have been investigated using 40 Sentinel-1A images and conventional persistent scatterers (PSI) method. PSI results have been combined with the geomorphologic information of the studied sites. We verified that the given number of Sentinel-1A acquisitions provide a unique base for surface deformation recognition and mapping in low-coherence areas. We found that scatterers were corrupted by a strong noise if their line of sight (LOS) velocity was below ± 6–7 mm/year all over the three test sites, although noise can easily be reduced. Noise reduction was achieved by a significant increase of the length of time series, i.e., time range between the first and last image to reduce the effect of atmospheric phase screen (APS).

Keywords: Sentinel-1A; Persistent scatterer interferometry; High bluffs; Landslide; Atmospheric phase screen (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2019
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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DOI: 10.1007/s11069-018-3564-9

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