In a groundbreaking development that could revolutionize infrastructure monitoring, researchers from La Sapienza University of Rome have successfully integrated advanced technologies to create a powerful tool for detecting and analyzing land deformation. Led by E. Genovese from the Department of Civil, Building, and Environmental Engineering, this research combines Persistent Scatterer Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (PSInSAR), Building Information Modelling (BIM), and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to provide a comprehensive and interactive approach to monitoring infrastructure stability.
The study, published in ‘The International Archives of the Photogrammetry, Remote Sensing and Spatial Information Sciences’—translated to English as ‘The International Archives of Photogrammetry, Remote Sensing and Spatial Information Sciences’—focuses on the critical need for large-scale monitoring of deformation phenomena, such as land subsidence and uplift. These phenomena can significantly impact the stability of existing infrastructure, posing risks to safety and operational efficiency.
By leveraging data from the Sentinel-1A and Sentinel-1B satellites, processed through the StaMPS-MTI software, the research team integrated deformation data into an interactive Cesium-based environment. This integration allowed them to associate each BIM component with a deformation-related risk, calculated using the PSInSAR technique. “This association enabled us to identify the most vulnerable components of the structure,” explained Genovese. “For our case study, we revealed a slight subsidence trend near one of the structure’s foundations.”
The implications of this research are profound, particularly for the energy sector. Infrastructure such as pipelines, power plants, and renewable energy installations are often located in areas prone to geological changes. Early detection of subsidence or uplift can prevent catastrophic failures, reduce maintenance costs, and ensure the continuous and safe operation of critical energy infrastructure.
“The results highlight the strong potential of this integration, offering a valuable tool for more in-depth and advanced analyses in an intuitive and interactive way,” Genovese added. This innovative approach not only enhances the accuracy of deformation monitoring but also provides a user-friendly platform for stakeholders to visualize and understand the risks associated with their infrastructure.
As the energy sector increasingly relies on advanced technologies to maintain and expand its infrastructure, the integration of PSInSAR, BIM, and GIS 3D represents a significant step forward. It sets a new standard for infrastructure monitoring, paving the way for more proactive and data-driven decision-making. This research could shape future developments in the field, encouraging further exploration of how these technologies can be harnessed to safeguard critical infrastructure and ensure operational resilience.