Monitoring ground deformation of cultural heritage sites using SAR and geodetic techniques: the case study of Choirokoitia, Cyprus

Abstract

Nowadays, assessing geo-hazards in cultural heritage sites in most cases takes place after the hazard has occurred. Monitoring structural and ground deformation resulting from geo-hazards facilitates the early recognition of potential risks and encourages effective conservation planning. This paper presents an integrated ground deformation monitoring approach based on the combined use of Satellite SAR data, campaign-based GPS/GNSS observations and aerial images from UAVs within the Choirokoitia UNESCO World Heritage Site in Cyprus. The Neolithic settlement of Choirokoitia is one of the most important prehistoric sites in the eastern Mediterranean. The site is located on a steep hill, which makes it vulnerable to rock falls and landslides. As part of the PROTHEGO project, a series of field measurements were collected at the Choirokoitia site and compared against Satellite SAR data to verify kinematic behavior of the broader area and to assist in monitoring potential geohazards over time. The results obtained indicate displacement rates of the order of 0.03 m/year. These results indicate that ground deformation should be monitored in the area surrounding the Choirokoitia using long-term, low-impact monitoring systems such as SAR images, UAVbased and geodetic techniques. The combination of such monitoring technologies can be compared to monitor and assess potential geo-hazards on archaeological sites with increased accuracy.

Review of Works Combining GNSS and InSAR in Europe

“…In Slovenia, 3 works have been dedicated to the deformation monitoring of the Potoška Planina [128][129][130], while 2 peer-reviewed publications set in Malta deal with slow-moving coastal landslides [131] and landslide susceptibility modeling [132] of the Northwestern coast. Scientific contributions are also found investigating the Triesenberg-Triesen landslide in Liechtenstein [89], the Trifon Zarezan landslide in Bulgary [133], the ground deformation affecting the Choirokoitia UNESCO World Heritage site in Cyprus [134], the La Vallette landslide in France [135], the deformation phenomena that occurred in the Tatra Mountains in Slovakia [109], the ground deformation affecting Kulcs village in Hungary [136], and the investigation of the Grande da Pipa river basin in Portugal [67].…”

Evaluation of Low-Cost GNSS Receiver under Demanding Conditions in RTK Network Mode

“…Geodetic measurement techniques are one of the basic solutions for monitoring displacements and deformations of buildings and ground surfaces [ 1 , 2 ]. They provide the representation of observation results in an external, absolute reference system.…”

Ground Deformation Patterns Detection by InSAR and GNSS Techniques

“…In Slovenia, 3 works have been dedicated to the deformation monitoring of the Potoška Planina [128-130], while 2 peer-reviewed publications set in Malta deal with slow-moving coastal landslides [131] and landslide susceptibility modeling [132] of the Northwestern coast. Scientific contributions are also found investigating the Triesenberg-Triesen landslide in Liechtenstein [89], the Trifon Zarezan landslide in Bulgary [133], the ground deformation affecting the Choirokoitia UNESCO World Heritage site in Cyprus [134], the La Vallette landslide in France [135], the deformation phenomena that occurred in the Tatra Mountains in Slovakia [109], the ground deformation affecting Kulcs village in Hungary [136], and the investigation of the Grande da Pipa river basin in Portugal [67].…”