Satellite radar interferometry for engineering applications

Satellite radar interferometry allows the measurement of ground displacements to millimeter accuracy. SqueeSAR'M, the latest evolution of "multi interferogram" techniques, is one of today's most advanced technologies for ground deformation analysis and monitoring. It exploits long temporal series of satellite radar data, acquired over the same area of interest at different times, to identify "natural radar targets", that return stable radar reflections over time back to the satellite, where millimetre precise displacement information can be retrieved. The technique does not require the installation of any ground instrumentation. Objects identified by satellite typically correspond to man-made structures (such as buildings, street lights) or natural targets (such as rock outcrops and un-vegetated surfaces).