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Atlas-InSAR™ – Satellite Monitoring of Ground and Infrastructure Movement

What Atlas-InSAR™ delivers

Large‑area satellite monitoring with actionable insights
• Millions of measurement points over wide areas (up to 50,000 pts per sq km)
• Measure ground and asset movement with millimetric accuracy
• No on‑site installation required
• Regular updates during construction and operation
• Support for risk management and decision‑making

 
 

How satellite InSAR monitoring works

Monitoring ground deformation from space
InSAR monitoring uses radar satellites to measure ground and structural movement over time. Repeated satellite images of the same area are compared to detect very small changes in surface position. These changes reveal ground deformation trends with millimetric accuracy. The technology operates day and night and in all weather conditions. It enables large‑area monitoring without installing equipment on site, supporting risk management across the asset lifecycle.

 
 

Use cases for infrastructure and construction

Where Atlas-InSAR™ adds value:
• Transport infrastructure and tunnelling
• Urban construction and adjacent assets
• Mining, tailings, and large earthworks
• Dam structures and water assets
• Natural hazard and climate‑related monitoring

Atlas-InSAR™ Features

Historical Ground Movement Analysis Using Long‑Term InSAR Data

Atlas‑InSAR™ enables detailed historical ground movement analysis using satellite radar data dating back to 1992. This extended archive provides long‑term visibility of terrain behavior before construction begins.

By analyzing historical deformation trends, project teams can identify past vulnerabilities and understand existing ground conditions. This insight supports better‑informed design decisions and risk mitigation strategies.

Historical InSAR studies also help anticipate potential issues, strengthen asset protection, and reduce exposure to disputes or claims during construction and operation.

High‑Resolution InSAR Data for Large‑Area Ground Movement Monitoring

Atlas‑InSAR™ uses high‑resolution satellite imagery to deliver dense and detailed ground movement data across large areas. In optimal conditions, measurements reach resolutions of up to 1 × 2 metres, with densities of up to 50,000 points per square kilometre.

This level of detail enables in‑depth analysis of site behaviour, regardless of project scale, infrastructure type or urban environment. It provides a comprehensive view of ground dynamics that traditional point‑based instruments may not capture.

Atlas‑InSAR™ is particularly valuable for monitoring wide‑area effects such as dewatering, where ground movement can extend well beyond instrumented zones. By clearly defining areas at risk, the solution supports reliable monitoring, early detection of change, and timely, informed decision‑making throughout the project lifecycle.

Cost‑Efficient InSAR Monitoring for Large‑Scale Ground Deformation

Atlas‑InSAR™ provides a cost‑effective complement or alternative to traditional ground deformation monitoring methods. It delivers thousands to millions of measurement points across wide areas, far exceeding the coverage of localised techniques such as precise levelling.

In urban environments, Atlas‑InSAR™ can provide more than 50,000 measurement points per square kilometre. This allows project teams to collect richer datasets in less time, improving visibility of ground behaviour at scale.

When combined with complementary technologies such as precise levelling, automated total stations and in‑situ instrumentation, ATLAS‑InSAR™ helps optimise monitoring strategies. This integrated approach reduces overall monitoring costs while maintaining accuracy and supporting informed decision‑making throughout the project lifecycle.

Beyond Monitoring™ interactive delivery platform

Beyond Monitoring™ is Sixense’s web‑based delivery platform for all your monitoring projects. Its architecture is designed to manage and visualise large volumes of data efficiently.

The platform is optimised for big data performance, enabling smooth and intuitive analysis of millions of Atlas‑InSAR™ measurement points. This capability was a core requirement in its design and is central to its effectiveness.

On major projects, Beyond Monitoring™ can manage datasets containing millions of data points generated at regular intervals. Users can easily navigate this information, identify critical areas and analyse trends over time, supporting confident and timely decision‑making.

Versatile Applications for Ground and Structure Deformation Monitoring

Atlas‑InSAR™ can be applied across a wide range of environments, from dense urban areas to remote sites. It supports monitoring of many asset types, including buildings, airports, ports, dams, roads, railways and mining operations.

The solution is particularly well suited to detecting settlement caused by underground excavation and dewatering. This includes applications in tunnel construction, mining and large infrastructure projects. Its ability to monitor large areas with high density and consistent accuracy provides visibility beyond localised monitoring systems.

Thanks to its performance and flexibility, Atlas‑InSAR™ is increasingly adopted as a reference solution for ground and structural deformation monitoring. It delivers reliable insights that support informed decision‑making and improved project outcomes throughout the asset lifecycle.

AI based advanced data analytics

Sixense Oceania integrates AI‑based advanced data analytics with Atlas‑InSAR™ to support large‑scale soil monitoring and flood impact assessment. Satellite radar data provides precise measurement of ground movement, while AI techniques help extract patterns and trends from extensive datasets.

This combined approach supports early identification of soil‑related risks and helps inform mitigation strategies across a wide range of projects. Applications include urban development, infrastructure planning and environmental monitoring.

The solution is also used to assess flood impacts linked to extreme weather events. In New Zealand, it has supported data‑driven decision‑making to improve resilience and support long‑term risk management strategies.