Satellite radar interferometry and in-situ measurements for static monitoring of historical monuments: The case of Gubbio, Italy

• Published in: Remote sensing of environment 2019-12, Vol.235, p.111453, Article 111453
• Main Authors: Cavalagli, N., Kita, A., Falco, S., Trillo, F., Costantini, M., Ubertini, F.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Decision making; Diagnostic systems; Earthquakes; Historic buildings & sites; Historic sites; Historical buildings; Historical masonry constructions; History of engineering; In situ measurement; Interferometry; Monitoring; Persistent scatterer; Radar; Remote sensing; Satellite radar; Satellite radar interferometry; Satellites; Seismic activity; Structural monitoring
• ISSN: 0034-4257; 1879-0704
• DOI: 10.1016/j.rse.2019.111453

The paper presents an overview of the results of diagnostic and monitoring activities carried out in the last years through satellite radar interferometry (2011–2016) and in situ measurements (2017–2019) in the historical city of Gubbio, Italy. The study is aimed at contributing to understanding the potential of remote sensing technologies in measuring complex deformation phenomena in historic buildings, such as those caused by soil-structural interaction and earthquakes, considering the monumental Consoli Palace and the Town Walls as case studies. The research activities have been carried out within the European HERACLES project, funded in the framework of Horizon (2020) and aimed at proposing novel diagnostic monitoring solutions for enhancing heritage resilience against various types of hazards. Particular attention is focused on the cross-correlation of the outputs of satellite radar interferometry and in-situ structural monitoring data aimed at achieving engineering meaningful results supporting decision making and proactive interventions. •Structural monitoring of CH constructions through InSAR and in-situ data is presented.•Remote sensing and in-situ measurements show consistent seasonal displacement trends.•InSAR technique proves promising in detecting permanent earthquake-induced deformations.•Integration between InSAR and in-situ monitoring is identified as a fruitful research direction.