An Approach to Persistent Scatterer Interferometry

Abstract

This paper describes a new approach to Persistent Scatterer Interferometry (PSI) data processing and analysis, which is implemented in the PSI chain of the Geomatics (PSIG) Division of CTTC. This approach includes three main processing blocks. In the first one, a set of correctly unwrapped and temporally ordered phases are derived, which are computed on Persistent Scatterers (PSs) that cover homogeneously the area of interest. The key element of this block is given by the so-called Cousin PSs (CPSs), which are PSs characterized by a moderate spatial phase variation that ensures a correct phase unwrapping. This block makes use of flexible tools to check the consistency of phase unwrapping and guarantee a uniform CPS coverage. In the second block, the above phases are used to estimate the atmospheric phase screen. The third block is used to derive the PS deformation velocity and time series. Its key tool is a new 2+1D phase unwrapping algorithm. The procedure offers different tools to globally control the quality of the processing steps. The PSIG procedure has been successfully tested over urban, rural and vegetated areas using X-band PSI data. Its performance is illustrated using 28 TerraSAR-X StripMap images over the metropolitan area of Barcelona.

Monitoring soil creep landsliding in an urban area using persistent scatterer interferometry (El Papiol, Catalonia, Spain)

“…It was based on 42 ascending StripMap TerraSAR-X SAR images that cover the period from December 2007 to June 2012. The images are uniformly distributed over the observation period; they have perpendicular baselines that range from − 333 to + 506 m. The main PSI processing steps are concisely described below (see Devanthéry et al (2014) for detail).…”

“…The PSI data processing and analysis over the El Papiol area were carried out using the PSIG approach described in Devanthéry et al (2014). It was based on 42 ascending StripMap TerraSAR-X SAR images that cover the period from December 2007 to June 2012.…”

Fast detection of ground motions on vulnerable elements using Sentinel-1 InSAR data

“…The analysis of the images has been carried out with a PSI approach subdivided in two phases: the first consists in the calculation of the stack of interferograms and coherences; the second involves the generation of the deformation maps. The latter are derived applying the approach described by Devanthery et al (2014) which exploits a 2+1D phase unwrapping using a set of redundant interferograms. The SRTM Digital Elevation Model (Farr et al 2007) is used to process the Sentinel-1 images.…”

Application of DInSAR in Mine Surface Subsidence Monitoring and Prediction

“…By comparing the performance of different bands, L-band SAR images have shown great capabilities in rural and vegetated areas 14,30 . After detailed review of the literature, persistent or permanent scatterer interferometry (PSInSAR or PSI) techniques and approaches [46][47][48][49][50][51][52][53] seem to be more promising, as they give estimates on point targets. PSInSAR technique is the innovation and development of DInSAR technique.…”