Rapid Response Landslide Detection Using ICEYE

Abstract

Satellite synthetic aperture radar (SAR) data provides the best opportunity to quickly detect landslides for hazard response because SAR can image the ground regardless of weather or daylight conditions. The recent failure of the Sentinel-1B satellite has significantly reduced our ability to generate landslide maps in a timely manner across certain parts of the world leaving a gap in rapid response support. The ICEYE constellation may fill this gap because it can acquire repeat imagery over the same area every 24 hours and can be tasked to acquire data in specific areas. In addition, ICEYE acquires data with a higher spatial resolution, which is better suited for detecting smaller landslides. The high revisit time and high resolution of ICEYE significantly increases the capability to rapidly detect landslides and can provide key information to first responders. The main goal of this work was to test applicability/suitability of SAR imagery from ICEYE to generate rapid response landslide products.