Using coherent scatterers in time series of high resolution SAR images for the monitoring of construction activity

Abstract

In this paper, we present a method for detecting and quantifying changes due to construction activity in time series of high resolution SAR images. We propose to detect these changes by the appearance or disappearance of a large number of coherent scatterers, rather than by looking at changes in SAR amplitude or coherence. These coherent scatterers, which appear mainly in buildings and other man-made structures, will be detected in each individual image by analysing their stability across multiple frequency sub-bands. This implies that long time series are not required, unlike for other similar approaches based in persistent scatterer interferometry, and that this approach can be applied for the monitoring of fast changing areas such as temporary settlements. The presented approach will be applied for monitoring the construction activity taking place during the preparations for two large festivals in Munich, Germany.