Persistent Scatterer Interferometry Processing of COSMO-SkyMed StripMap HIMAGE Time Series to Depict Deformation of the Historic Centre of Rome
Cigna, Francesca ; Lasaponara, Rosa ; Masini, Nicola ; et al. ; - ASI Sponsor
Jun - 2014
DOI: 10.3390/rs61212593
ISSN : 2072-4292 ;
journal : Remote Sensing

Volume : 6 ; Issue : 12
type: Article Journal

Abstract
We processed X-band COSMO-SkyMed 3-m resolution StripMap HIMAGE time series (March 2011–June 2013) with the Stanford Method for Persistent Scatterers (StaMPS), to retrieve an updated picture of the condition and structural health of the historic centre of Rome, Italy, and neighbouring quarters. Taking advantage of an average target density of over 2800 PS/km2, we analysed the spatial distribution of more than 310,000 radar targets against: (1) land cover; (2) the location of archaeological ruins and restoration activities; and (3) the size, orientation and morphology of historical buildings. Radar interpretation was addressed from the perspective of conservators, and the deformation estimates were correlated to local geohazards and triggering factors of structural collapse. In the context of overall stability, deformation was identified at the single-monument scale, e.g., for the Roman cistern and exedra in the Oppian Hill. Comparative assessment against InSAR processing of C-band imagery (1992–2010) published in the literature confirms the persistence of ground motions affecting monuments and subsidence in southern residential quarters adjacent to the Tiber River, due to the consolidation of compressible deposits. Vertical velocity estimated from COSMO-SkyMed PS exceeds −7.0 mm/y in areas of recent urbanization.

keywords : synthetic aperture radar; persistent scatterer interferometry; COSMO-SkyMed; deformation monitoring; subsidence; Rome; cultural heritage

Notes : This research was performed in the framework of the project “Smart management of cultural heritage sites in Italy and China: Earth observation and pilot projects”, funded by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. COSMO-SkyMed data were provided by the Italian Space Agency, under licence agreement Archeocosmo.