Mapping Ground Displacement Near the Former Dhrovjani Salt Mine Using Differential Radar Interferometry

Abstract

Remote sensing and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are essential tools for estimating and monitoring land subsidence. Over the past fifteen years, various applications of deformation analysis using Differential SAR Interferometry (DInSAR) have been developed. This study employs the two-pass interferometric method to assess ground deformation near a closed rock salt mine in southern Albania. By analyzing two radar images captured at different times from the same satellite position, we measure phase differences to create an interferogram. This interferogram illustrates phase shifts that can be converted into a ground deformation map, indicating surface changes in the radar line-of-sight (LOS) direction. The methodology, termed differential interferometry, allows for detecting relative surface deformation with high precision. The interferometric processing workflow, consisting of core registration, interferogram generation, phase unwrapping (executed using SNAPHU), and displacement mapping, showcases the method’s effectiveness in capturing and analyzing surface movement. Accurate interpretation at each phase is vital for reliable results.