InSAR: Remote Sensing of Ground Movement to Millimetre Accuracy

InSAR is a remote sensing tool that is able to measure ground movement to millimetre accuracy. Radar sensors mounted on satellites emit microwave signals toward the earth and then capture the amplitude and phase characteristics of the returning signals that reflect off objects on the ground. By comparing the amplitude and phase properties of the back scattered signals in a stack of images covering a selected area of interest, powerful algorithms are able to generate a time history of movement over large areas.

Radar image data stacks are available for a large part of the world extending back, in many cases, to 1992 when the first satellites with SAR sensors were launched for commercial purposes. Newer satellites are coming on stream and these produce much higher resolution imagery.

The technology has been used to analyze tectonic and seismic behavior as well as subsidence, settlement and landslide activity in a variety of applications in the oil & gas, mining, transportation, emergency preparedness, utility and municipal sectors. It has also been used as evidence in litigation.

The presentation will outline how the technology works, discuss its accuracy, illustrate its use on a number of geosciences and engineering applications, and demonstrate GIS for viewing the results.

To ensure adequate seating please preregister with the Calgary APEGGA Office at 262-7714 or register online noting any dietary restrictions prior to Tuesday, December 1, 2009. Calgary Branch accepts Visa, MasterCard, or American Express.

APEGGA Calgary Office will be closed for the holiday season from:

12:00 Noon - December 23, 2009
Re-opening on Monday, January 4, 2010

Season's Greetings to Calgary Branch members.