A GIS tool for objective suitability evaluation of the differential radar interferometry method for deformation monitoring of landslides

Abstract

Differential radar interferometry (D-InSAR) is a powerful remote sensing technique for detection and deformation monitoring of landslides. However, as a consequence of the radar specific imaging geometry spatial distortions, such as the layover and shadowing effect occur in the radar image, which have a negative impact on the suitability of the radar images for D-InSAR applications. Therefore we present a GIS-routine to accurately predict the areas which will be affected by layover and shadowing, before recording the area of interest by radar. Furthermore, the measurable percentage of movement of a potential landslide can be determined. The main types of land cover are classified in regard to the applicability of the D-InSAR-technique, depending on the characteristics of the sensor used. These analyses allow stakeholders without expert knowledge of the D-InSARmethod to objectively evaluate the applicability of the D-InSAR-technique for landslides on a detailed, site specific or regional scale.