SatSense's Blog

Waves with a sun in the distant background, indicating impact of heatwave on water networks
Are UK water companies prepared for another record-breaking summer?
With temperatures rising yearly at record rates, tensions loom around the water sector's ability to handle the record demand. And now with Met Office’s outlook for 2024 suggesting that it could be the hottest year for the UK so far, the question on everyone’s mind is Are UK water utility companies truly prepared for the challenges a scorching 2024 summer may bring?
Ageing railway bridge which can be monitored using InSAR , with a satsense logo on the left bottom corner
Monitoring Rail Infrastructure Using InSAR
Operating and maintaining a large rail network requires continuous monitoring and investments around the year which costs dearly, both monetarily and in time. InSAR (Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar) not only reduces the time and cost of monitoring but also enables asset managers and engineers to monitor the entire network at scale with up to mm/year level precision.
Multiple InSAR data being processed and linked for SatShop
Revolutionising Infrastructure Monitoring Using InSAR Data
InSAR has existed for over three decades, but its commercial applications have increased significantly in the last few years, fuelled by demand from different sectors. Let’s look at how asset managers across different sectors are using InSAR data to monitor their assets and entire networks remotely, but first, let’s understand how InSAR works.
Top view of a water utilities site being monitored using InSAR with a SatSense logo on bottom left corner
SatSense Gets Contract for the DRIPIN Demonstration Project
SatSense is pleased to announce the contract award for the DRIPIN Demonstration Project (Determining Risk of Pipe Failure using InSAR) by the European Space Agency, after having completed the corresponding feasibility study.
An old bridge with SatSense logo on the bottom left corner
How can asset managers get the most out of InSAR?
As an asset manager, there are several ways to get the most out of InSAR technology for monitoring assets. Here are some tips
Top view of a large region with InSAR data points with SatSense logo on the bottom left corner
How can InSAR data be used in GIS software?
Are you an engineer with GIS experience? Ever wondered how you can use InSAR data in a GIS platform such as QGIS and ArcGIS to understand ground movement - read our latest blog to hear more.
Ageing railway bridge which can be monitored using InSAR , with a satsense logo on the left bottom corner
7 Reasons Why Civil Engineers Should Be Using InSAR
Have you considered using InSAR as a complimentary monitoring technique for infrastructure assets, but wondered how it would benefit your monitoring programs? Our recent blog highlights seven key benefits of using InSAR to monitor larger linear infrastructure.
Satellite looking towards the Earth with SatSense logo on the bottom left corner
SatSense and GNS Science Partner to Revolutionise Ground Movement Monitoring in New Zealand
We are excited to announce our partnership with GNS Science, New Zealand's leading provider of geoscience services, to offer our readily accessible precise ground movement data for the entire country of New Zealand.
Onshore wind farms being monitored using InSAR by SatSense
Do Onshore Wind Farms Come with Geotechnical Risk?
Onshore wind farms are one of the main contributors to our renewable electricity agenda. But what's their geotechnical risk?
Waves with a sun in the distant background, indicating impact of heatwave on water networks
Our Water Networks Handled the Heat Last Time But What About the Next?
In light of recent heatwaves, concern is growing about the influence of ground and soil behaviour over the resilience of our water networks.
An old bridge with SatSense logo on the bottom left corner
Analysing Bridge Movement Using Satellite Data
As the number and weights of bridge crossings through time increases, these assets are under more stress than they were first engineered for.
Ageing railway bridge which can be monitored using InSAR , with a satsense logo on the left bottom corner
To What Extent Can We Monitor Ageing Infrastructure?
We explore why the monitoring of existing, ageing infrastructure mustn't get lost among the noise of new structural developments.
A Close up shot of railway tracks with a Satsense Logo on bottom left corner
The Climate Change Challenge Facing Rail Infrastructure
The increasing concern of climate change and its effects on the rail network, InSAR can be deployed as a technique to continuously monitor infrastructure instabilities and subsidence risks.
Two railway tracks merging into one near a landslide prone area which can be monitored using InSAR
Keeping Rail Asset Management on the Right Tracks with InSAR
The smallest ground movement near rail assets can have detrimental effects. Using InSAR as a monitoring technique, quickly identifies trends in the data that signify existing, or potential, ground movement.
Top view of a water utilities site being monitored using InSAR with a SatSense logo on bottom left corner
Remotely Monitoring Ground Movement for Water Utilities
The smallest ground movement near to water assets can have the biggest effects. How can we better monitor ground movement at water utilities?
water flowing from a large dam, being monitored for structural stability using InSAR, with a satsense logo on bottom left corner
A Damming Dilemma
The UK is home to just under 3,000 dams that serve a crucial role in providing water supply for activities like irrigation, drinking, and hydroelectric power, as well as recreational activities. Yet, the majority of these systems we rely on day in, day out, were designed and built tens of years ago, leaving them relatively aged and progressively outdated for purpose.
Railway track in a remote area, showiing potential of being monitored by InSAR using a corner reflector
How Can Asset Managers Remotely Monitor Ground Movement?
Ground movement is an underlying factor in asset failure, and traditional monitoring can be resource-intensive. Make way for InSAR technology.
InSAR data for a remote mining site with a unex mining machine on site
Using InSAR to Monitor Assets in Remote Locations
Ground movement can cause significant geotechnical and structural damage to infrastructure. SatSense uses InSAR data to helpnitor infrastructures remotely, even those that are set in challenging locations.
Top view of a remote mining site which can be monitored using SatSense InSAR solutions
Overcoming Site Monitoring Challenges with InSAR
Our InSAR technology has most recently been put to the test by Civil and Structural Engineering Consultancy firm, Ramage Young.
Representative image showing disused coal tips in Wales
Project Update: Using InSAR Data to Monitor Disused Coal Tips in Wales
As part of a joint project funded by the Welsh Government, monitoring of disused coal tips in South Wales using satellite technology is now underway!
Underground tunnell for pedestrians which can be monitored using InSAR
How Can Remote Technology Aid Tunnelling Engineers?
Tunnelling engineering needs to ensure maximum safety and minimal disruption. How can remote sensing technology help engineers achieve this?
A group picture of the SatSense team
What Did 2021 Look Like for SatSense?
Time flies when you’re having fun… With another 365 days around the sun almost complete, we’re taking a moment to look back on what 2021 had in store for SatSense!
Rates of coastal erosion being monitored by InSAR
Using InSAR to Monitor Rates of Coastal Erosion
Rising sea levels are causing significant cliff retreat around the UK's coastline. How can InSAR be used to monitor rates of coastal erosion?
Groundwater being extracted for commercial use
Is it Time to Ground the Extraction of Groundwater?
Global groundwater extraction rates exceed replenishment, disturbing underground formations and increasing the vulnerability of ground movement.
Earth from space
SatSense Appoints John McArthur as Chairman to Prepare for Further Growth
SatSense has announced the appointment of John McArthur, previously a founder and CEO of software and data analytics company Tracsis plc, as Chairman.
Water flowing from a Dam with SatSense logo on the bottom left corner
Dam Important Data
In the United Kingdom dams and reservoirs play a vital role in water utilities conservation but are high risk areas. But SatSense it here to help.
Large bridge being supported by suspender cables
Real Time Data Dashboards and the Future of Smart Asset Monitoring
Megastructure asset owners often use manual processes and siloed data sets to collate asset monitoring acumen including insight on ground movement. For large-scale businesses, this can be a costly and challenging process.
Satellite view of earth
LiDAR vs InSAR
Two ground-breaking technologies. Two rich histories. LiDAR vs. InSAR – how do they stack up, and are they a match made in heaven?
Remote rocky area in the UK
SatShop Delivers Ground Movement Data at the Click of a Button
The SatShop portal gives our customers the ability to access to high quality InSAR data at a click of a button.
Person examining a railway track in a tunnel
The Light at the End of the Tunnel
Much of our everyday lives revolve around travel, whether it be shopping with friends, visiting family for the weekend, a commute to and from work or planning the next trip away.
SatSense team in the office
Join SatSense – we’re hiring!
We’re an innovative technology company on an exciting growth curve, looking for motivated individuals to join the team.
View of railway tracks from the window of a train
Analysing movements of the UK’s railway with Network Rail
Over the course of 2021 and 2022, we're now working with Network Rail, to help them better understand the use of InSAR on the UK’s rail network.
Using satellite data to reduce water leakage
We can announce that we have secured a study with the ESA to help determine the risk of pipeline failure as a result of ground movement.
Map showing a large region with thousands of InSAR data points, a few of them in red colour indicating downward movement
SatShop portal FAQ’s
SatShop is our brand-new, autonomous portal that lets users designate precise locations to receive our InSAR insight on.
View of earth and a satellite from space
Satellite data at your fingertips
InSAR has the potential to revolutionise multiple industries. SatShop redefines the customer journey by putting power and usability back into your hands.
Tunnel at a mining site with SatSense logo on the bottom left corner
Avoiding mining disasters with InSAR data
Even small ground movements can lead to catastrophic events. InSAR data aids engineers when assessing the structural integrity of mines.
Colleagues discussing data reports with a SatSense logo on the bottom left corner
Using SatSense data to accelerate your geotechnical desk study
As you compile desk study reports, difficulties will inhibit you. Using our complete data set helps you generate a report easily and quickly.
A water utility site being monitored using InSAR data
Water treatment works expansion
Severn Trent water wanted to increase the capacity their waste-water treatment plant, AECOM came to us for their expansion assessment.
Satellite looking towards the Earth with SatSense logo on the bottom left corner
Using InSAR data to magnify insight in previously unsighted industries
InSAR is an efficient way to measure changes in land surface altitude. It can provide clearer insight into ground movement velocities.
Top view of a large region with InSAR data points with SatSense logo on the bottom left corner
Ways to improve InSAR data coverage
SAR data is available almost everywhere around the globe, which means InSAR is ideally suited to monitoring ground movements at scale.
InSAR data for a flyover network with a SatSense logo on the bottom left corner
Automatically detecting movement of infrastructure
Vital infrastructure networks in the UK require monitoring and maintenance, but the size of these networks makes the task challenging.
A pole showing indicating north east west and south
Getting ground movement direction out of our data
Using InSAR to measure horizontal and vertical movement in addition to the more commonly observed ‘line of sight’ geometry gives greater insight into behaviour of the ground.
Multiple InSAR data being processed and linked for SatShop
Creating the SatSense Data Portal
Our data portal allows people interested in InSAR to explore the data without downloading specialist tools. Our developer Mike discusses the project.
Cracks on the wall of a house with SatSense logo on the bottom left corner
Detecting House Subsidence Using Satellites and InSAR
Satellite radar (InSAR) used to measure, predict and monitor subsidence on a large scale, for the benefit of buyers, insurance, house conveyancing.
Roof of a house caved in as wall beneath is is damaged due to subsidence
Risk indices for detecting ground movement issues using InSAR
Satellites and InSAR can detect ground movement issues such as subsidence when risk indices analyse movement over different temporal and spatial scales.
Satellite with 4 antennas looking towards earth
Detecting sinkholes from space
Sinkholes represent an especially dangerous type of ground movement type, as they are fast moving, occur over relatively short time scales, and are limited in spatial scale. Subsidence around the sinkhole was picked up by the SatSense property damage risk product.
SatSense InSAR specialists analysing InSAR velocities over a large area using multiple softwares on different computer screens
How SatSense stays ahead of the curve
At SatSense we ensure we provide the best quality and and best covereage InSAR data resulting in accurate ground movement and subsidence monitoring.
wide angle image of 7 locked doors
Matt reflects on joining SatSense and says a bit about himself
It's an exciting time - finished pre-processing ground movement (InSAR) data for the whole of the UK. World-leading algorithms give us far more measurement points and coverage using freely available Sentinel-1 satellite data. Currently busy creating a new interface to allow customers to automatically query our dataset for a set of risk indices to show likelihood of ground movement