Pre-survey suitability evaluation of the differential synthetic aperture radar interferometry method for landslide monitoring

Abstract

The active remote-sensing technique differential radar interferometry (D-InSAR) is a powerful method for detection and deformation monitoring of landslides. But the radar-specific imaging geometry causes specific spatial distortions in radar images (as e.g. the layover and shadowing effect), which have a negative impact on the suitability of these images for D-InSAR applications. To address this issue, we present a geographical information system (GIS) procedure to accurately predict the areas in which layover and shadowing will occur, before the area of interest is recorded by radar. Additionally, the percentage of measurability of movement of a potential landslide can be ascertained. In the third part of the GIS procedure, the main types of land cover are classified in regard to their influence on applicability of the D-InSAR technique, depending on the characteristics of the sensor used. The results of the analyses are objective pre-survey estimation of the potential applicability of the D-InSAR technique for landslide monitoring prior to the costly investment of a radar survey.