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What is InSAR?

Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR)

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Satellite remote sensing technology for mapping ground displacement.

Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) is a satellite remote sensing technology for mapping ground displacement. SAR satellites emit radar pulses towards the Earth’s surface and record the reflections. The recorded data includes the reflection intensity and phase for each pixel, measured in radians.

After subsequent images are acquired, pairs of images are processed using the phase component to reveal ground and infrastructure displacement. Image processing involves differencing the relative phase measurements between the images, removing unwanted signals, and converting the result into metric and imperial standard values. The precision of the resulting values depends on the wavelength chosen for imaging. The intensity of the data isn’t used for InSAR processing, but it can be used for very rapid displacement and moment tracking beyond the limitations of InSAR.

Request an InSAR Feasibility Assessment

About InSAR

Benefits of Using InSAR

  • High Precision: Ability to detect 1-2mm of displacement per year
  • Large Area Coverage: Images (Areas of Analysis) that are 1500+ km² each
  • Dense Data Coverage: Typically generates tens of millions of data points per area of interest
  • Remote Sensing: No ground instruments or in-person inspections required
  • Full Site Monitoring: Often detects displacement in areas of unknown risk
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Satellite Options

Satellite

Band

Vegetation

Resolution¹

Image Footprint (WxL)²

Revisit Frequency (Days)

TerraSAR-X (TSX)

X

Poor

3m

30km x 50km

4-11

Cosmo (CSK)

X

Poor

3m

40km x 40km

1-16

Sentinel

C

Moderate

20m

250km x 250km

6-12

Radarsat-2

C

Moderate

3m

20km x 20km

24

ALOS-2

L

Excellent

3m

55km x 70km

14

SAOCOM

L

Excellent

10m

55km x 70km

8

How 3vG can help with your next project

The Power of InSAR

The power of monitoring data is its utility. 3vG’s specialised InSAR monitoring technology maps risk-prone areas, enabling clients to act on the best information. 3vG’s focus is to develop the best satellite-based remote monitoring technology to provide actionable information. We deliver near-real-time displacement data results for wide-area geohazard detection, combined with expert support. 

What sets 3vG apart

Coverage that keeps Pace with Changing Environments

Mining environments are constantly evolving, making it difficult for conventional InSAR approaches to maintain consistent monitoring coverage. 3vG overcomes this challenge by uniquely monitoring both persistent and non-persistent targets, maintaining visibility even as the ground changes.

By recovering monitoring points when temporary coherence is lost and preserving long-term movement trends, 3vG delivers more complete, continuous coverage with fewer blind spots—helping geotechnical teams identify potential risks earlier and make more confident decisions.

Speak with an expert

Whether you need support or simply want to learn more, reach out to our Geosolutions team. We’re here to help.

Phone: +1-604-568-9282
Email: [email protected]