Objectives of the service
Ground deformation is an increasing challenge for both infrastructure operators and the insurance sector. Phenomena such as subsidence, landslides and soil shrink–swell can damage buildings, transport networks and energy infrastructure, leading to costly repairs, operational disruptions and growing insurance losses. Yet monitoring ground stability across large territories remains difficult. Traditional approaches rely on localized inspections or expert studies that are often expensive and difficult to scale.
The service explored in this activity aims to transform satellite observations into practical information that helps organizations better understand and monitor ground deformation risks. By using radar images from satellites and interferometric analysis techniques, it becomes possible to detect very small ground movements over large areas and over long periods of time. These measurements can then be translated into indicators highlighting areas where ground stability may be evolving.
Such information can support infrastructure operators responsible for the safety of critical assets, as well as insurance companies seeking improved insight into the risks affecting buildings and territories.
The activity supported by the European Space Agency focused on refining this service concept, engaging with potential users and identifying practical pathways for future pilot implementations and operational deployment.
Users and their needs
The service targets two main user communities currently exposed to ground deformation risks: infrastructure operators and insurance stakeholders. During the activity, discussions were conducted with representatives from both sectors to better understand their operational challenges and expectations.
Infrastructure operators manage extensive networks such as pipelines, railways, roads and industrial facilities, where ground movements may threaten structural integrity and operational continuity. Insurance and reinsurance organizations are increasingly confronted with financial losses linked to ground instability affecting residential buildings and infrastructure assets.
The initial user engagement mainly focused on stakeholders located in France, where soil shrink–swell linked to clay-rich soils represents a major hazard for residential buildings. However, similar challenges are observed across several European countries, where ground instability affects infrastructure and built environments.
Key user needs identified during the activity include:
- Access to consistent and spatially comprehensive information on ground deformation over large territories
- The ability to monitor ground stability over time and detect early signs of potential instability
- Operational indicators that can support infrastructure monitoring or insurance risk analysis
- Information that can be easily integrated into existing workflows and decision processes
The main challenge for the project is to translate complex satellite-derived measurements into clear and actionable information that can be effectively used by organizations responsible for managing infrastructure safety and risk exposure.
Service/ system concept
The service provides regular information on ground movements affecting infrastructure and built environments. Using satellite radar imagery, very small ground displacements can be detected over large territories and over long time periods. The results are translated into indicators highlighting areas where ground stability changes may occur.
The service allows users to visualize ground deformation patterns across assets or areas of interest. Infrastructure operators can monitor extensive networks and identify locations where ground movements require further inspection. Insurance stakeholders gain improved understanding of the spatial distribution of ground-related risks affecting buildings and territories.
The system operates by analysing radar images acquired by Earth observation satellites. These images are processed to measure ground displacement over time. The results are then transformed into indicators and maps accessible through digital interfaces.
At a high level, the system architecture includes three main components: satellite data acquisition, processing of ground motion measurements and delivery of monitoring information through user-oriented interfaces.
This approach provides consistent large-scale information on ground deformation and supports improved monitoring and risk awareness.
Space Added Value
The service relies on several space assets, primarily satellite Earth Observation data. The core capability comes from Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellites, whose interferometric processing (InSAR) enables the detection of ground movements with millimetric precision over large areas.
The use of space assets provides several key advantages compared to conventional monitoring methods. Satellite observations allow continuous monitoring over very large territories, including remote or difficult-to-access locations, without the need for extensive ground instrumentation. They provide historical data archives spanning several years, enabling the analysis of long-term deformation trends and early identification of abnormal patterns.
Traditional monitoring approaches typically rely on localized in-situ sensors or visual inspections, which are costly to deploy and limited in spatial coverage. In contrast, satellite-based monitoring offers a scalable and cost-effective solution capable of observing thousands of infrastructures or properties simultaneously.
Current Status
Deltaforms is currently completing the feasibility phase of its service development through the ESA Kick-Start activity. Initial market validation has already been carried out through engagement with stakeholders from the insurance and infrastructure sectors, including participation in the insurance conferences, which generated several qualified leads across insurers, brokers and risk consultants.
Early discussions have been initiated with several major insurance companies to explore pilot projects and data partnerships aimed at validating risk models and operational requirements. In parallel, an infrastructure monitoring opportunity is being explored with an infrastructure operator.
