New Tools and Techniques of Remote Sensing for Geologic Hazard Assessment

The use of earth surface remote sensing in geology is increasing thanks to the continuous development of sophisticated sensors and the improvements in digital image processing techniques. Here we focus on new remote sensing tools and techniques capable of delivering high-resolution data for geologic hazard investigations. These include airborne imaging systems such as UAVs (Uninhabited Aerial Vehicles) and LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging), as well as new radar sensors onboard of Earth-orbiting satellites. We emphasize the applications of advanced synthetic aperture radar interferometry (InSAR) techniques referred to as multi-temporal interferometry (MTI). With the free imagery availability from the current (since 2014) European Space Agency (ESA) Sentinel-1 mission, MTI can now be more affordably exploited for long-term (years), regular (weekly-monthly), precise (mm) measurements of ground displacements over large areas (thousands of km2). This, in turn, means improved detection and monitoring capability of landslide/slope instability, seismic and volcanic hazards.