Integrated Sentinel-PSI and GNSS technical facilities and procedures for the determination of 3D structure deformations caused by environmental processes

The project supported by the European Space Agency aims to use space geodetic methods and developments in the monitoring of tectonic processes. Integration of the traditional GNSS measurements with the latest ESA Sentinel-1 radar interferometric observations provides 3D and high precision imaging of deformation spaces. The project will be implemented in collaboration with the School of Earth and Environment Sciences, University of Leeds and the Department of Broadband Communications and Electricity Science.

Artificial backscatters (so-called reflectors) based on geodynamic, electromagnetic and geodetic considerations are developed in the project that are suitable for detecting long-term tectonic processes based on Sentinel-1. Electromagnetic design of reflectivity is based on analytical and numerical simulations as well as analogue model experiments. Geodynamic design of benchmarks ensures optimal placement and orientation of points for satellite configurations in addition to long-term stability. The combined processing of quasi-continuous radar interferometry and campaign GNSS observations is performed by a Kálmán filter based mathematical method.

Using the integrated benchmarks developed in the frame of project, monitoring networks will be established in geodynamic active areas (Kulcs, Dunaszekcső, Fonyód).