GEO CONTRIBUTES IN A NEW PROJECT FOR THE EUROPEAN SPACE AGENCY (ESA)

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GEO PLAYS AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN A NEW DANISH PROJECT SUPPORTED BY THE EUROPEAN SPACE AGENCY (ESA)

Geo is excited to be part of a new ESA-supported project that will reveal new information on vertical land movements, and show how much surface of the earth raises or settles locally. The project will enable better risk mapping and stability calculations of construction and infrastructure projects by the use of locally calibrated satellite data. As an example, it can relate to underground pipelines and the design of future dikes, ramparts and harbour constructions – all of which are important structures considering a future with increased climate challenges related to precipitation and sea level changes. It is the first time ESA supports a project of this type here in Denmark.

As subsurface experts, Geo will contribute with a study of land movements from a geological and geotechnical perspective; how does the local composition of the subsurface influence the vertical land movements?

Moreover, how can we make use of our detailed knowledge of the earth's geotechnical properties to strengthen local risk models?

The new calculated data, model analysis and risk maps will be easily accessible via Geo's web portal GeoAtlas Live. GeoAtlas Live is Denmark's most comprehensive digital archive on the Danish subsurface.

GeoPartner and DTU Space will together develop an algorithm to calculate the new time series data and relate these to the land surveyors' physical levelling of the earth's surface.

The satellite data for the project comes from the radar satellite Sentinel 1, which in the future passes us every 6 days. The new time series data enables better monitoring and updating of terrestrial surface movements. The project runs for 2 years, and it is part of ESA's INCUBED program.

This short video explains the project and its potential:

A project supported by ESA on the practical use of satellite data for ground movements and its coupling to geotechnical models of the subsurface.
The project and the products are particularly relevant for utility and construction companies, infrastructure and ports, as well as other companies and authorities that work with climate adaptation, coastal protection, settlement problems, etc. 

Contact:

Mads R Mølgaard, Department Director and Geo’s Project Manager
Mobile: +45 31740188, mail: mrm@geo.dk