Ministry of Higher Education

and Scientific Research

Alessandro Coletta, Islam Abou El-Magd, Claudio Margottini, Catia Rispoli

Editors

AN AS I / TELESPAZIO COMPANY

UNDER THE AUSPICIES OF

IN COLLABORATION WITH

Ministry of Higher Education

and Scientific Research

Eye on the Globe 2

CONTENTS4 PREFACE H.E. Khaled Abdel Ghaffar, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research 5 PREFACE H.E. Giampaolo Cantini, Ambassador of Italy in Egypt6 INTRODUCTION NARSS Chairperson, Prof. Mohamed Zahran7 INTRODUCTION ASI Special Commissioner, Prof. Piero Benvenuti

COSMO-SKYMED8 COSMO-SkyMed - The Italian Satellite Radar Constellation10 Fields of Application12 Multi Temporal Coherence (MTC) concept

CLIMATE AND ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGES14 Multi-Temporal analysis in agriculture, Rice paddies in the Ayutthaya province (Thailand)16 Multi-Temporal analysis in agriculture, Mojave Desert (USA)18 Environmental changes, Colniza, Mato Grosso (Brazil)20 Monitoring forest areas, Tinigua National Parks (Colombia)22 Climate change, Dnieper River dam near Kiew (Ukraine)24 Climate change, Danube26 Climate change, Fire hazard in Vesuvio Volcano (Italy)28 Global warming and Artic, Fram Strait, Arctic Ocean (Greenland / Svalbard)30 Monitoring Antartic Peninsula, Detachment of iceberg A-68 from the Larsen-C ice shelf in July 201732 Global warming, Perito Moreno glacier (Argentina)34 Climate change, Petermann Glacier (Greenland)

VOLCANIC HAZARD36 Monitoring volcanic eruptions, Lava flow, Pico de Fogo, Cape Verde Island

Eye on the Globe 3

MARITIME SURVEILLANCE38 Oil Spill, Mexico Gulf40 Oil Spill, Santa Barbara, California (USA)42 Monitoring icebergs, Pine Island Glacier (Antarctica)

INTERFEROMETRIC SYNTHETIC APERTURE RADAR (INSAR)44 Interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR) CosmoSkyMed (X band) vs. ERS/Envisat satellites (C band)48 Venice (Italy)50 Rome (Italy)52 Ground deformation at Colosseum (Rome) in the period 2010-201254 Pompei (Italy)56 Monitoring ground subsidence, The Pistoia plane (Tuscany, central Italy)

EGYPT CASE STUDIES CosmoSkyMed vs. optical images58 The Great Pyramid of Giza, Multi-Temporal analysis60 Cairo and surroundings, Agricultural activity62 Multi-Temporal analysis, Nile valley at Luxor (Egypt)64 Multi-Temporal analisys, Lake Nasser at Abu Simbel66 Multi-Temporal analysis, A 20 km long portion of Nile river Aswan (Egypt)68 Maritime surveillance information, Suez (Egypt)70 Monitoring archaeological sites, Hawara (Egypt)

72 AVIO74 VEGA C75 A second generation VEGA launcher, For a second generation Cosmo-SkyMed satellite

76 NARSS – NATIONAL AUTHORITY FOR REMOTE SENSING AND SPACE SCIENCES

Eye on the Globe 4

Firstly, I would like firstly to congratulate the Embassy of Italy in Egypt and the

Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific research for this initiative. This col-

laboration has been directed towards specialised activities regarding some of

the most sophisticated topics of technological key knowledges that there is in

the world today. Egypt has a sharp awareness of the benefits space science and

technology have for society. Thus a space program was established creating

the Egyptian Space Agency. Space science and technology have played a key

role throughout the globe and provided a wide range of services for everyone.

We can only be pleased that the Italian Space Agency is collaborating towards

mutual benefits.

Remote Sensing as one product of space technology together with geospatial

information have become essential tools for sustainable development as well

provide regular information for decision makers to improve our social and eco-

nomic status. Maximizing the benefits of remote sensing and the geospatial in-

formation requires them to be available, discoverable, more accessible, share-

able, interoperable and reusable. This is how all the statutory organizations can

the utmost benefit from this GI information. The innovative spirit in the field of

geospatial technology is what has contributed immensely to the decision-mak-

ing process as well as the knowledge-based economy in both countries.

Lastly, Egypt has initiated the process and supported the conceptualization of Space

Policy and Strategy for Africa. This has led to the establishment the African Space

Agency will be hosted by Egypt. The objective of this agency is to conduct coordi-

nation with the international arena and create connections with our international

partners to develop and leverage the capacity in Africa and transfer knowledge.

PrefaceH.E. Khaled Abdel Ghaffar

Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research

Eye on the Globe 5

It is a great pleasure for me to introduce this work issued by the Embassy of Italy

in Egypt within the framework of Scientific and Technological cooperation be-

tween Italy and Egypt.

Scientific cooperation between the two countries is a close one and highly pro-

ductive. There are more than 100 bilateral agreements between universities and

research agencies. Every year almost 400 Egyptian students go to Italy to com-

plete their studies. Italy is the number one partner for scientific projects con-

ducted within the EU Horizon 2020 program. Italy is the second most chosen

country for Egyptian students who participate in the Erasmus project.

Among the many sectors of cooperation, the most notable field of development

and growth in recent years has been in space sciences. Space technologies have

provided new tools and data never available before to various branches of sci-

ences. Major applications are in the sectors of: disasters, health, energy, climate,

water, weather, ecosystems, agriculture, biodiversity, peace safety and security,

human migration and settlements, education and human resources, commu-

nications, trade and industry, transport, urban planning, cultural heritage and

infrastructures.

Italy has invested substantially in space technology, with ASI (Italian Space Agen-

cy) and many public and private entities. One of the major achievements is the

realisation of the Italian Satellite Radar Constellation COSMO SkyMed (Constel-

lation of small Satellites for Mediterranean basin Observation), a new generation

of sensors equipped with a multi-mode high-resolution Synthetic Aperture Ra-

dar (SAR). This project which was launched in 2004 and coordinated by ASI, was

conducted with the cooperation of Thales Alenia Space (former Alenia Spazio),

Telespazio and eGeos (Leonardo group).

This catalogue gives details on the exhibition “Eye on the Globe – the Italian Sat-

ellite Radar Constellation” with methodologies, case studies and presentations

from public and private institutions.

The exhibition is focused on Cosmo SkyMed and the innovative application that

is of paramount interest in the bilateral cooperation between Italy and Egypt.

The Italian Space Agency (ASI) and the Egyptian National Authority for Remote

Sensing and Space Sciences (NARSSS) have prepared the exhibition and cata-

logue as the main partners.

The catalogue also gives the basics of satellite radar applications, investigates

potential in different parts of the world for a variety of topics, demonstrates how

these satellite technologies and ground based applications can be adapted for

use on Egyptian territory.

We trust that this is only the beginning, and that the bilateral cooperation be-

tween Italy and Egypt produces an ever growing contribution to space sciences,

thus creating a stable platform in the Mediterranean region where technologies

and data can easily be shared for the benefit of the entire population.

PrefaceH.E. Giampaolo Cantini

Ambassador of Italy to the Arab Republic of Egypt

Eye on the Globe 6

It is our privilege to foster our cooperation between the National Authority for

Remote Sensing and Space Sciences (NARSS) with the Italian Space Agency

(ASI). We held a very successful workshop last November 2018, which is extend-

ed to this Exhibition. We quite know that Italian Space Agency is leading in earth

observation satellites particular in radar technology, and it will be very good op-

portunity to strengthen our cooperation in space technology and applications.

We are aware of the importance of remote sensing applications for achieving

the sustainable development goals (SDGs) and promoting social and econom-

ic status of the mankind. Remote Sensing as one product of space technology

together with geospatial information becomes an essential tool for sustainable

development as well provide regular information for decision makers to improve

our social and economic status. The time series availability of remotely sensed

data is helpful for monitoring our environment, reserving our natural resources

and providing real time or near real time information for informed decisions. We

need to strengthen our collaboration to face our challenges and leverage our

joint research to respond to our key issues of food security, disaster manage-

ment, natural resources management and all user and societal needs.

NARSS has started building its own space technological capacities since 1998

which has led to launching few earth observation satellites. We are continuing to

strengthen our infrastructures and capacities in different technological sensors

such as radar and hyperspectral technology, assembly and integration testing of

manufactured NARSS space program satellites.

I am sure that our cooperation with ASI will provide successful protocol of shar-

ing knowledge and exchange experience for mutual benefits.

IntroductionProf. Mohamed Zahran

NARSS Chairperson

Eye on the Globe 7

In the area of Earth observation, Italy demonstrates its excellence in the field of

SAR technologies, both for on-board technologies and for data analysis and pro-

cessing, thanks to the creation of COSMO-SkyMed, SIASGE, MUSIS and PRISMA.

COSMO-SkyMed is the first Earth observation satellite system designed for both

civil and military use. Its four satellites act as four radar “eyes” capable of exam-

ining the Earth from space metre by metre, day and night, in any weather condi-

tions. Equipped with synthetic aperture radars (SAR) which work in the X band,

the system is capable of taking up to 450 scans of the Earth’s surface over 24

hours, equal to 1,800 images.

The SIASGE system is based on the combined use of COSMO-SkyMed and the

Argentinian SAOCOM, for managing emergencies. MUSIS previews the intercon-

nection between Cosmos and French military system CSO (Helios followon).

ASI’S satellite PRISMA, launched from the Frenche Guyana recently, is a hyper-

spectral mission. In fact Prisma is equipped with an exclusive combination of

space and spectral resolution. PRISMA will complete the current Italian Space

Agency offer of Earth Observation space segment, now primarly based on the

Synthetic Aperture Radar of COSMO-SkyMed constellation. Thanks to its hyper-

spectral innovative optical sensor, PRISMA is able to acquire images of Earth

surface to see the chemical and physical composition and provide information

for several applications. PRISMA hyperspectral technology observes each object

with its spectral signature, a real digital footprint: a unique combination of co-

lours associated with each object, which reflects and absorbs solar light in spe-

cific bands of Visible spectrum and of near Infrared (NIR-SWIR).

To close this short description of the Italian Earth Observation activities, is nec-

essary to mention the CSES mission by the Chinese space agency (CNSA) aims

to identify electromagnetic, ionospheric or magnetospheric seismic precursors

and study possible space-time links with high intensity earthquakes. The Italian

contribution (called LIMADOU in honour of Italian Jesuit Matteo Ricci) is divided

into the design, construction, testing and delivery of one of the eight instru-

ments: the HEPD High Energy Particle Detector.

The Earth Observation provides big data with different methods of acquisistion

allowing to reach several targets in many fields of activity, from climate monitor-

ing to archeological studies, from sea oil spill to agricultural coltivation.

Italy is a country leader in this sector and we have to be proud of this.

IntroductionProf. Piero Benvenuti

ASI Commissioner

Eye on the Globe 8

COSMO-SkyMed (COnstellation of small Satellites for Mediterranean basin Ob-

servation) is the largest Italian investment in Space Systems for Earth Observa-

tion. It is commissioned and funded by the Italian Space Agency (ASI) and the

Italian Ministry of Defense (MoD). It is “natively” conceived for Dual-Use (Civil-

ian and Defence) end-to-end Earth Observation System aimed to establishing

a global service for data, products and services. These are all compliant with

well-established international standards and relevant to a wide range of appli-

cations, such as Risk Management, Scientific and Commercial Applications and

Defence/Intelligence Applications.

The system consists of a constellation of four Low Earth Orbit mid-sized satel-

lites, each equipped with a multi-mode high-resolution Synthetic Aperture Radar

(SAR) operating at X-band and fitted with particularly flexible and innovative data

acquisition and transmission equipment. The system is completed by dedicated full

featured Ground infrastructures for managing the constellation and granting

ad-hoc services for collection, archiving and distribution of acquired remote

sensing data.

COSMO-SkyMed Mission offers today an efficient response to the actual needs

of the Earth Observation Market by providing an asset of full global coverage,

all weather, day/night acquisition capability, higher resolution, higher accura-

cy (geo-location, radiometry, etc.), superior image quality, fast revisit/response

time, interferometric/polarimetric capabilities and quicker-and-easier ordering

and delivery of data, products and services.

The system is designed to pursue a Multi-mission approach thanks to its intrin-

sic inter-operability with other EO missions. Expandability is foreseen to other

potential partners with various sensor typologies to implement an integrated

space-based system providing Earth Observation integrated services to large

User Communities and Partner Countries (IEM capability).

These features designate COSMO-SkyMed as a system for providing “Institu-

tional Awareness” to make proper decisions in preventing and managing world-

wide crises. In a Dual-Use environment, there is a particular emphasis on Du-

al-Use Mission Planning functionality to optimize system utilization and at the

same time fulfill the needs of different user classes: an insight into the particular

characteristics of the COSMO-SkyMed Dual-Use Mission Planning and the tech-

nical methodology approach towards sharing System Resources in a Multi-User

setting is provided.

COSMO-SkyMedThe Italian Satellite Radar Constellation

Large area coverage at global scaleAll-weather day/nightLeft/Right LookingFastest Revisit Time4 Identical RADAR Satellites

Eye on the Globe 10

Fields of Application

1. Land Management and Infrastructures

2. Agriculture and Food production

3. Defence & Intelligence

4. Risk & Asset management

5. Oil & Gas

6. Forestry & Climate Change

7. Maritime Surveillance

1.

3.

2.

Eye on the Globe 11

4.

6. 7.

5.

Eye on the Globe 12

Thanks to MTC, Multi-temporal Co-

herence detection technique, e-GEOS

can visualize changes happening over

a defined timespan in a target area:

SAR data images taken in the same

point at different times are combined

into a single frame, using a color code

to differentiate them. The result gives

us a treasure of information: finally,

time is made visible.

Lake VICTORIA

The image shows water hyacinth infestation in Lake Victoria.

Water hyacinth is a remarkable acquatic floating plant. Although it is beautiful, it

is one of the 100 most harmful plants in the world. The effects of water hyacinth

infestation are disastrous. Infestation can make navigation impossible in affected

water bodies, and kill many different species of fish. Water hyacinth infestation

disasters are caused by the importation of the plant into an area where the water

hyacinth is not naturally part of the ecosystem. The water hyacinth belongs in

ecosystems inhabited by the Amazonian manatee which eats this species of plant

therefore regulating growth and maintaining balance. Water hyacinths are easily

recognizable with their bush like shape and leathery round leaves which have

a spongy petiole on the ends. These petioles fill with water and thus the plant

floats. The spring bloom is typical with yellow spotted lilac flowers.

Multi Temporal Coherence

(MTC) concept

Eye on the Globe 14

Multi-Temporal analysis in agricultureRice paddies in the Ayutthaya province (Thailand)

Composite of 3 images acquired on the 1-9-25 January 2012. The composite

image shows how through the monitoring over time of a specific area,

COSMO-SkyMed is able to return useful information on changes in the territory.

In this image it is possible to see the intense agricultural activity and thanks

to the MTC technique reveals the trend of the crops over time.

The different colors in fact describe the evolution of the plantations.

Eye on the Globe 16

Multi-Temporal analysis in agricultureMojave Desert (USA)

To make cultivation possible in desert areas, precious water reserves are exploited.

The composite image shows how through the monitoring over time of a specific

area, COSMO-SkyMed is able to return useful information on changes in the

territory. What COSMO-SkyMed shows are the intense activities in agricultural fields

in desert areas that exploit water, making the surrounding areas even more arid.

Eye on the Globe 18

Environmental changesColniza, Mato Grosso (Brazil)

From satellites it is possible to monitor the changes and evolutions of the vast

forest areas. Given the importance of its habitat, COSMO-SkyMed shows how with

satellites you are able to have “control” on the environmental situation, even and

especially in those areas most prized. The more remote and rich forests are,

the more illegal deforestation activities increase.

Eye on the Globe 20

Sustainable forest management is one of the potential solutions to the

difficulties currently afflicting habitats rich in resources that are essential to

the equilibrium of the planet. From satellites it is possible to monitor the

changes and evolutions of the vast forest areas.

COSMO-SkyMed multitemporal RGB Color composite image

© ASI, processed and distributed by e-GEOS.

Monitoring forest areasTinigua National Parks(Colombia)

Eye on the Globe 22

Climate changeDnieper River dam near Kiew (Ukraine)

Climate change and the consequent increase in Earth temperatures are associated

with the phenomenon of melting ice.

The melting of frozen basins and watercourses close to inhabited areas, may cause

hazards to the surrounding cities and infrastructures. In this image it is possible to

see a dam near very cold areas with the presence of glaciers that have sometimes

caused flooding, during their melting.

Eye on the Globe 24

Danube river which runs through ten Countries of Central and Eastern Europe

Unfortunately, Europe’s second longest river is beset by serious environmental

and public health problems. The Danube’s water supplies have been under

increasing stress from irrigation, industry, tourism, power generation, navigation,

and last, but not least, fishing. Intensive use has seriously affected water quality

and quantity, as well as causing a decline in the basin’s biodiversity.

Through COSMO-SkyMed that follows the Danube along its entire journey

acquiring images it is possible to study its reactions to the different climatic

problems.

Climate change Danube

Eye on the Globe 26

Climate change leads to the drying up of vegetated areas, especially those

further south or in the hottest places on Earth. The raising of temperature

makes the vegetation drier, facilitating the propagation arsons, triggered

with the aim of exploiting the territory.

Climate ChangeFire hazard in VesuvioVolcano (Italy)

Eye on the Globe 28

Global warming and ArticFram Strait, Arctic Ocean (Greenland / Svalbard) The Fram Strait between Greenland and Svalbard is the only deep water passage

between the central Arctic Ocean and the subpolar seas. As such, it represents a

choke point where an integrated signal of changes in the Arctic can be observed.

Composite of 3 images acquired on 24-28-29 Apr 2013

Eye on the Globe 30

Monitoring Antartic PeninsulaDetachment of iceberg A-68 from the Larsen-C ice shelf in July 2017

Using satellites, scientists observed the A-68 iceberg starting to drift away from

the Larsen-C, with open ocean clearly visible in the ~ 5 kilometre gap between the

berg and the ice-shelf. Larsen-C Ice Shelf is the largest remaining ice shelf on

the Antarctic Peninsula and the calving event reduced its total area by ~10%.

The giant iceberg A-68 is about 5800 square kilometers and weighs more than a

trillion tonnes. With COSMO-SkyMed satellites, (the italian radar constellation of

the Ministry of Defense and Italian Space Agency) , we will continuously monitor

the trends of A-68 keeping our eye on it! With COSMO-SkyMed it will be possible to

follow it, thanks to its tasking flexibility (as close as  few hours before satellite pass).

Eye on the Globe 32

Global warmingPerito Moreno glacier(Argentina)

The 700-meter deep Perito Moreno glacier is one of few glaciers still advancing and

for this reason a topic of discussion on the reality of global warming.

COSMO-SkyMed © ASI, distributed and processed by e-GEOS

Eye on the Globe 33

Eye on the Globe 34

This image is the result of 150 COSMO-SkyMed images over the Petermann Glacier to

monitor the changes occurred in the area. The flow of the central part of the glacier

shows the speed at which glaciers move and melt has increased over the last 30 years.

Climate changePetermann Glacier (Greenland)

Eye on the Globe 36

Monitoring volcanic eruptionsLava flow, Pico de Fogo Cape Verde Island

The most recent eruption at Fogo began with lava flows emerging from a fissure

vent at the base of Pico on 23 November 2014, and continued through 8 February

2015 according to Observatório Vulcanológico de Cabo Verde (OVCV); the flows

covered about 4 km2 of land. The villages of Portela and Bangaeira, located 4-5

km NW of Pico with a combined population of about 1,000 residents, were largely

destroyed, although their inhabitants were safely rescued.

An OVCV report noted that the eruption ended 8 February 2015 (a total of 77 days);

and some ash columns approached 6 km in altitude. They estimated some lava

flows grew as thick as 18-20 m.

CosmoSkyMed images were able to reconstruct the evolution of the Fogo lava

flows in the period 26 November 2014 till 12 December 2014, by means of MTC

techniques. The data flow is reported in dark green in the colored map.

Volcanological data from Global Volcanism Program, 2015. Report on Fogo

(Cape Verde). In: Sennert, S K (ed.), Weekly Volcanic Activity Report, 18 February -

24 February 2015. Smithsonian Institution and US Geological Survey.

Eye on the Globe 38

Oil Spill Mexico Gulf

The explosion off-shore platform Deepwater Horizon, in 2010, caused the worst

environmental disaster ever occurred in USA, with massive oil spill in Mexico gulf.

In COSMO-SkyMed image is clearly visible - black - the oil in front to Louisiana,

Mississippi, Alabama and Florida costs.

Eye on the Globe 40

Oil SpillSanta Barbara, California(USA)

The colors of this image, which seems to be fresh and cheerful, reveals instead

currents polluted by oil spilled into the sea along the shores of the Bay of Santa

Barbara and is expanding “coloring” ocean waters. The pink trail in the image

(in false colors) detects the movement of oil in the sea, which thanks to

COSMO-SkyMed, it is possible to see from space with extreme precision.

COSMO-SkyMed multitemporal RGB Color composite image

© ASI, processed and distributed by e-GEOS.

Eye on the Globe 42

The image is the result of overlapping multiple COSMO-SkyMed satellite radar

images. Each of them has been assigned a color, so each color corresponds to a

different date. Icebergs move in time and in this image it is possible to follow their

movements.

Monitoring icebergsPine Island Glacier (Antarctica)

Eye on the Globe 44

A standard radar satellite image superficially resembles a black and white version

of an optical image, with different color for each pixel. But while optical sensors

are dependent on reflected light to capture an image, radar sensors send out

their own microwave signals in order to ‘see’ how they backscatter, dependent

on relative surface roughness. So, one great advantage of radar instruments is

that they go on working through local clouds or darkness.

(1 Etna volcano, Italy. COSMO-SkyMed).

Another advantage of radar is that its signal contains additional useful data, ac-

cessible when two radar images of the same site, taken from the same position,

are combined together.

Radar equipment operates at extremely high frequencies and correspondingly

low wavelength – just 3.1 centimetres in the case of CosmoSkyMed, meaning a

complete cycle through a signal wave occurs for every 3.1 cm of distance.

The division of the total distance travelled by CosmoSkyMed signal– from space

to Earth and back again – by its wavelength determines at what fraction along

the peak or trough of a wave the returning signal will be, a detectable value

known as the signal ‘phase’ (2).

Measurements of travel path variations as a function of the satellite position and

time of acquisition allow generation of Digital Elevation Models (DEM) and mea-

surement of centimetric surface deformations of the terrain. Digital Elevation

Models are extracted for the processing of low, medium and very high resolu-

tion satellite data. The latter are obtained by using two or more images, a post-

ing ranging from 10 to 2 meters, and 1:10.000 – 1:25.000 reference scale (3).

Ortoimages and Digital Elevation Models allow a full digital description of an

area. They can be generated from satellite data with several levels of detail and

accuracy according to the desired reference scale. Product scale is in the range

1:5,000 – 1:100,000, while resolution of the images starts from 30 cm, allowing

a very detailed analysis of the area. All products are “plug’n’play” products, that

can be directly ingested inside each customer GIS systems, without requiring ad-

Interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR)

1.

2.

Eye on the Globe 45

ditional processing and easily integrated in user workflows and procedures (4).

If the same target on Earth is re-acquired from the same point in space, then in

theory the total signal distance will be unchanged and the signal phase should

remain the same. However the slightest millimetre-scale ground shift occurring

between acquisitions will cause the phase to alter. Just like sets of ripples meet-

ing in water, the combination of radar signals that have different phases sets up

interference patterns - hence the term ‘interferogram’. Successful paired-image (or

multiple-image) interferograms can reveal changes in a landscape across a wide

area to an extraordinarily high degree of detail. To look at the image, the irides-

cent rainbow shows the change of topography between two satellite acquisitions,

in terms of phases modifications expressed in cm. The technique can potentially

measure millimetre-scale changes in deformation over spans of days to years. The

return period of CosmoSkymed satellite over the same area is 4 days. It has appli-

cations for geophysical monitoring of natural hazards, for example earthquakes,

volcanoes and landslides, and in structural engineering, in particular monitoring

4.3.

5.

Eye on the Globe 46

of subsidence and structural stability. (5 COSMO-SkyMed interferogram showing

the eruptive activity of Kilauea volcano at Hawai Islands. On March 5, 2011, a large

fissure eruption began on the east rift zone of Hawaii’s Kilauea volcano. The col-

ored areas indicate the movement of the surface. Credit: ASI/NASA/JPL-Caltech).

The most advanced algorithms for monitoring displacement over the earth’s sur-

face generally refer to Persistent or Permanent Scatterer techniques. These are

relatively recent development from conventional InSAR, and rely on studying

pixels which remain coherent over a sequence of interferograms. In 1999, scien-

tists at the Politecnico of Milano (Italy), developed a new multi-image approach

in which one searches the stack of images for objects on the ground providing

consistent and stable radar reflections back to the satellite (6). The term Per-

sistent Scatterer Interferometry (PSI) was proposed by European Space Agency

(ESA) to define the second generation of radar interferometry techniques. This

term is nowadays commonly accepted by scientific and end user community.

E-GEOS has a proprietary processing technology defined PSP-IFSAR (7).

These objects could be pixel or, more commonly, sub-pixel sized, and are pres-

ent in every image in the stack. That specific implementation is patented. Cos-

moSkyMed allows a resolution of 2 x 5 m and an accuracy of millimeter. In more

advanced methodologies provided by eGeos, the ground resolution is sub met-

rical (8).The satellite passes over a given site in both ascending and descending

modalities. Since the survey is performed on the right side of the orbit, with an

inclination ”ϑ” and a measurement of reflectivity along the line of sight (LOS),

the result is different according to the observation modality (9).

Measuring the positioning of any individual Persistent or Permanent Scatterer

can provide a map of deformation for an investigated area (e.g. the Po plain in

Northern Italy with the large subsidence phenomena in the Emilia Romagna Re-

gion – red dots in the figure). CosmoSkyMed data are available since 2011. Other

radar data, with lower resolution, such as ENVISAT are available since 1992 (Cos-

tantini et al., 2017). (10) The solution proposed by e-Geos enables the detection

of slow movements (e.g. slight subsidence, ground movements, landslides) oc-

curring along and close to the infrastructure by adopting e-GEOS proprietary

processing technology (PSP-IFSAR). This solution allows to collect displacement

measures over points scattered on the territory, with a density that, in urban ar-

eas, can exceed 20,000 points per squared kilometre. Therefore, this solution can

be adopted for controlling the displacements over large extensions, without any

kind of ground measurements and instrumentation setting up and maintaining,

over every location on the earth, as follows:9.

6.

8.

7.

Eye on the Globe 47

• During Project phase for analysis of displacements along and close the selected

project track.

• During the Operations and management phase for monitoring infrastructures

displacement, as well as to identify in time slow subsidence or landslide phe-

nomena that can have impact on infrastructure operational life cycle.

Measures are fully tri-dimensional and all measures can be managed in any GIS

systems. Achievable accuracy in the velocity estimation is continuously tested vs

ground measurements.

3D view of the PS mean velocities over the Zubov bridge, on the Black Sea coast

(Russia), measured by PSP-IFSAR processing of COSMO-SkyMed HIMAGE SAR

images acquired from 2009 to 2010 (11).

10.

Eye on the Globe 48

CosmoSkyMed (X band) differs from ERS/Envisat satellites (C band) for higher spa-

tial resolution and revisit time with smaller swath and temporal span, resulting in

a higher number of PS measurements over a reduced area. The following table is

giving a summary of properties of CosmoSkyMed in comparison to ERS/Envisat

satellites. The persistent scatter detected from CosmoSkyMed is about 1000 PS/

km2 (up to 100.000) while PS density from ERS/Envisat is about 100 (up to 1.000).

The figure of Venice is showing the density of PS from CosmoSkyMed (X band) and

those from ERS/Envisat satellites (C band).

CosmoSkyMed (X band) vs. ERS/Envisat satellites (C band)Venice (Italy)

SATELLITEREVISIT TIME

(days)

SWATH

(km)

PIXEL DENSITY

(pixel/km2)

PS DENSITY

(PS/km2)

ERS-ENV 35 100 12,5x103100

(up to 1.000)

COSMO-SkyMed

(StripMap)4-16 40 250x103

100

(up to 100.000)

Eye on the Globe 49

Eye on the Globe 50

These images focuses on ground deformation measurements of the ancient Rome

City Walls obtained by satellite SAR Interferometry Permanent Scatterer (PS).

A detailed historical analysis has been performed on last twenty years’ ruptures,

i.e. ground and structure damages of Rome City Walls. A specific data sheet was

created and filled in order to produce an inventory map. Most frequent ruptures

refer to damage, detachment and falls.

Finally, the ruptures were compared with the PS monitored points and with

analysis of different local hazard map (e.g.: landslide, subsidence, earthquake).

Starting from these results, PS analysis from COSMO-SkyMed SAR Interferometry

seems to be very efficient due to its capability of providing a great amount (both

in time and space resolution) of deformation measurements over the whole site

with relatively low cost and without impact.

Cross analysis among PS movement detection, natural hazard and historical data

of the site (e.g. collapses, restoration works) are still in progress in order to define

a forecasting model aiming at an early identification of areas prone to potential

instability or sudden collapse.

Monitoring archaeological sitesRome (Italy)

PS in the town of Rome

(CosmoSkyMed 2011-2014, ascending)

Potential Geohazards in Rome historic center Subsidence in the southern part or Rome, close to city walls,

mainly related to railway levy settlement, over the Tiber river

alluvial deposit.

The figure is reporting the identified structural instabilities in the Roma City Walls and the identified Persistent Scatterer (CosmoSkyMed 2011-2014)

Eye on the Globe 52

Ground deformation at Colosseum (Rome) in the period 2010-2012

Radar interferometry PSP-IFSAR is a processing technology, suitable to moni-

tor ground displacement from radar satellites, such as COSMO SkyMed, with an

accuracy of mm, along the line of sight. The application to Colosseum demon-

strates the high efficacy to monitor cultural heritage from remote, without any

impact on the monument. The results allow the verification of slow displace-

ments, in order to prevent further collapse or destruction of the heritage. In the

period 2010-2012 it is noticeable that the Colosseum doesn’t suffer from any

ground displacement or structural deformation.

Monitoring archaeological sitesGround deformation at Colosseum (Rome) in the period 2010-2012

Eye on the Globe 54

Monitoring archaeological sitesPompei (Italy)

The “Major Project Pompeii” (MPP) is a great collective commitment of different in-

stitutions and people to set about solving the serious problem of conservation of

the largest archeological sites in the world. The ancient city of Pompeii, with its 66

hectares, 44 of which are excavated, is divided into 9 regiones (district), subdivided

in 118 insulae (blocks) and almost 1500 domus (houses). From 1996 it has been in-

cluded within UNESCO’s World Heritage sites. The Italian Ministry for Heritage and

Cultural Activities and Tourism (MiBACT) and Finmeccanica Group have sealed an

agreement whereby the Finmeccanica Group will donate innovative technologies

and services for monitoring and protecting the archaeological site of Pompeii.

Moreover, the Italian Institute for Environment Protection and Research (ISPRA) –

Geological Survey of Italy, was also involved to support the ground based analysis

and interpretation of the measurements provided by the industrial team, in order

to promote an interdisciplinary approach.

The images focus on ground deformation measurements obtained by satellite

SAR interferometry and on their interpretation. The satellite monitoring service is

based on the processing of COSMO-SkyMed Himage data by e-Geos proprietary

Persistent Scatterer Pair (PSP) SAR interferometry technology. The PSP technique

is a proven SAR interferometry method characterized by the fact of exploiting, in

data processing phase, only the relative properties between close points (pairs)

in order to overcome atmospheric artifacts (which are one of the main problems

of SAR interferometry). Validations analyses settled that this technique applied

to COSMO-SkyMed Himage data is able to retrieve very dense (except of course

on vegetated or cultivated areas) millimetric deformation measurements with

sub-metric localization. By means of COSMO-SkyMed PSP SAR interferometry pro-

cessing, an historical analysis of the ground and structure deformations occurred

over the entire archaeological site of Pompeii in the period from 2010 to 2014

was initially performed. Moreover, the deformation monitoring is continuing with

monthly updates of the PSP analysis with new COSMO-SkyMed acquisitions both

in ascending and descending geometry.

The first results of the preliminary analysis over the archaeological site of Pompeii

did not show large areas affected by deformations. However, the COSMO-SkyMed

PSP SAR interferometry analysis proved to be very efficient due to its capability of

providing a large number of deformation measurements over the archaeological

site and structures with relatively small impact and cost. Moreover, in areas affect-

ed by collapses in recent times, deformations were detected. Recent instability

processes, both for the unexcavated slopes and for the archaeological structures,

have promoted this low-impact analysis, aimed at identifying deformation paths

and to prevent sudden collapses.

Finally, the results obtained from the satellite techniques, will be also used to im-

plement and improve the ground based geotechnical monitoring and warning

system recently installed in selected case studies. Cross analysis between interfer-

ometric results, meteorological data and historical data of the site (e.g. collapses,

works, etc.) are in progress in order to define provisional model aiming at an early

identification of areas subjected to potential instability.

The collapse of the «Domus dei Gladiatori» occurred on November the 6th, 2010.

The temporal evolution of the indicated points shows a significant deformation in the first

period of analysis.

The ascending analysis measured significant deformations over points of the right part of

the colonnade of Apollo’s Temple (CosmoSkyMed 2012-2014).

Eye on the Globe 55

Mean velocity in the period 02/10/2013-21/02/2016 <= -3 mm/year ASC Geometry

Total displacement in the period 02/10/2013-21/02/2016 <= -10 mm ASC Geometry

Eye on the Globe 56

Monitoring ground subsidenceThe Pistoia plane (Tuscany, central Italy)

Ground deformation map of the urban area of the city of Pistoia (Tuscany Re-

gion, Central Italy) obtained by processing a set of 59 COSMO-SkyMed images

acquired in Stripmap mode (3x3 m of ground resolution) and covering the peri-

od from January 2016 to March 2018. The city is affected by a large subsidence

with a mean value of 1 cm/yr and peaks of 2.5 cm/yr in the historical centre and

along the highway located south of the urban area. Groundwater depletion and

compaction of fine-grained deposits are the causes of the measured subsidence.

Results have been obtained in the framework of the ASI (Italian Space Agency)

Open Call for Science – 2015, with a project titled “High resolution Subsidence

investigation in the urban area of Pistoia (Tuscany region, central Italy)”, led by the

University of Firenze and the Geological Survey of Spain.

Eye on the Globe 58

The Great Pyramid of Giza (also known as the Pyramid of Khufu or the Pyramid

of Cheops) is the oldest and largest of the three pyramids in the Giza pyramid

complex bordering what is now El Giza, Egypt. It is the oldest of the Seven

Wonders of the Ancient World, and the only one to remain largely intact.

Images: COSMO-SkyMed S4.

GeoEye-1 © DigitalGlobe, distributed and processed by e-GEOS

CosmoSkyMed vs. optical imagesThe Great Pyramid of Giza

Eye on the Globe 60

Multi-Temporal analysisCairo and surroundings Agricultural activity

This change detection image shows the evolution of crops cultivated along the Nile

river valley during springtime 2017 (April-May-June 2017).

The different colour highlight different type of crops and cultivation practises.

The use of colours recounts the changes that occur overtime.

Images: three scenes COSMO-SkyMed stripmap-HIMAGE acquired on 2/4, 4/5 e 5/6

2017(Channels Red, Green & Blue)

Eye on the Globe 62

Multi-Temporal analysisNile valley at Luxor (Egypt)

The 1 meter resolution images include the Nile valley at Luxor, with the city on the

right bank, the agricultural villages on the left bank and some archaeological sites

(Hashepsut temple, Valley of the Kings) on the left side in high.

The picture shows the different agricultural activities in the area, the traffic linked

to tourism (ships on the Nile, visitors to the Valley of the Kings and in the temple

of Hatshepsut).

Images: COSMO-SkyMed stripmap-HIMAGE

Eye on the Globe 64

Multi-Temporal analisysLake Nasser at Abu Simbel

Multi-temporal image of Lake Nasser, at the height of Abou Simbel.

The dates of the individual acquisitions are: Red: 9 July 2017, Green: 6 November

2017, Blue: 11 September 2017. The most evident feature is the variability of the

level of the artificial lake, particularly low in July (the red areas correspond to dry

areas on the date of July).

Images: COSMO-SkyMed stripmap-HIMAGE

Eye on the Globe 66

The background image is a combination of three COSMO-SkyMed stripmap

data showing the area activity (colours) in a week-time period, beginning of

February 2018. The High Dam is detailed with a single Spotlight-2 image

collected on October 2017.

COSMO-SkyMed stripmap-HIMAGE three date: 2018, Febbraio. 2,6,10

COSMO-SkyMed Spotlight-2, 2017, Ottobre 11

Multi-Temporal analysisA 20 km long portion of Nile river Aswan (Egypt)

Eye on the Globe 68

This composite image reveals the possibility to provide Maritime surveillance

information with SAR technology and highlights the differences between medium

resolutions (Sentinel, the background image), high (red) and very high (yellow)

resolutions (CSK-HIMAGE & S2).

Images are referred to:

Sentinel 1: date: 17-18 October 2017 (mosaic of 4 frames, 2 orbits) (background image)

CSK – HI: date: 17 October 2017 (red)

CSK – S2: date: 26 October 2017 (yellow)

Maritime surveillance informationSuez (Egypt)

Eye on the Globe 70

The Pyramid of Hawara (El Fayum area) is exhibiting a severe water flooding af-

fecting the burial chamber and the entrance corridor. The water level is approx-

imately 5 meters below the topographic surface, and about 7 meters above the

lower corridor level. Few information are available about the evolution in time.

Clearly there was no water at the time of construction. During the exploration in

1889 the level of water was about 6,5 m lower than present level and flooding

of the lower corridor was only for about 0,5 m. It is evident that a major rising of

underground water table happened during the last century.

The reason for rising dampness is not clear. Similarly it is not clear the stratig-

raphy of the area and later the identification of aquifer, aquitard and aquiclude

(permeable and impermeable layers). Some bibliographical references may sug-

gest a possible water table (aquifer) sustained by a clay deposit (aquiclude) lo-

cated about 7 m from ground surface (in the area of entrance). In order to verify

a potential deformation of the mud-brick pyramid, a monitoring with Persistent

Scatterer covering the period 2004-2010 was implemented. The Time Series is

obtained from the P-SBAS service using Envisat ASA IM Level 0 (courtesy ESA).

The maps, generated from individual PS and fused all over the surface, are not pro-

viding evidence of clear deformation of the structure, for the selected time-window.

From the individual time histories, it is possible to see a decreasing trend, even

if small (-0.0477 cm/year = -0.477mm/year), that after 6 year it corresponds to

3.34mm of subsidence. Also, individual time histories show a weak fluctuation,

suggesting a possible variation of the water table, rising in some periods, when

there is a major need of irrigation in surrounding agricultural fields, consequent-

ly producing the increasing of volume on underground soil.

Monitoring archaeological sitesHawara (Egypt)

Eye on the Globe 71

Eye on the Globe 72

Eye on the Globe 73

Avio is an international group, listed on the Milan stock exchange, leader in the

design and production of space launchers and liquid and solid propulsion sys-

tems for space transportation.

The experience and know-how acquired over more than 50 years enable Avio

to stand out in the field of space launchers, liquid, solid and cryogenic space

propulsion systems and tactical propulsion. It has 5 sites in Italy, France and

French Guiana, and employs around 850 highly-qualified people, about 30% of

whom work in research and development. Avio is prime contractor for the Vega

programme and subcontractor for the Ariane programme, both financed by the

European Space Agency (ESA), making Italy one of the very few countries in the

world able to produce a complete space launch vehicle.

MISSION

Avio is a leading edge technology company operating in the area of space propul-

sion and committed to constant pursuit of product excellence in the global arena.

The company seeks to maintain and improve this leadership through the pas-

sion and capabilities of its people.

Research, conducted through fruitful partnerships with primary universities

like Rome, Milan, Naples and Turin, is an integral part of its activities. To address

the new technology challenges, Avio is developing next-generation launchers

designed to make access to space more flexible and cost-effective.Avio is also

strongly committed to respecting the environment and protecting it from hu-

man activity impacts.

AVIO

Eye on the Globe 74

The dawn of the next phase for the Vega launcher was approved and under-

written by the Ministerial Conference of ESA Member States held in Luxemburg

in December 2014. The decision was driven by the intention of: boosting and

improving Vega’s market placement reducing dependency on non-European

sources making a proactive contribution to safeguarding European industrial

engineering skills being in a position to deliver a better response to the long

term needs of institutions. The new configuration of the Vega launcher is called

Vega C (Consolidation) and will offer an improved performance by up to 2,200

kg in LEO (+50%). The maiden flight is scheduled for 2019. The Vega C is expect-

ed to be even more attractive than its current version, building on the experi-

ence and know how of the Avio team.

AVIO FOR VEGA C

Avio is responsible for the entire launcher, and of the P120C Solid Rocket Mo-

tor, in cooperation with ArianeGroup. The P120C derives from the Vega launcher

first stage P80 and is manufactured with carbon fiber prepreg, material and fil-

ament winding technology. It will carry about 143 tons of solid propellant, but

the P120C was also designed to be used as a lift-off booster for the new Ariane

6 in order to guarantee absolute synergy between the European launchers. Avio

will also handle the Zefiro 40 SRM, part of the Vega C configuration as the sec-

ond stage propulsive system. Its design benefits from the experience acquired

during the development of Vega SRMs and from Avio’s initial, self-financed de-

velopment of the Z40 SRM as a demonstrator of new technologies for solid pro-

pulsion applications. The competitive edge and launching performance of Vega

C has been enhanced by implementing cost reduction strategies, improving its

system architecture and design, and rationalizing the supply chain.

Technologies were identified during the strategic planning for Vega enabling

future developments by focusing on improvements of its performance achieved

by cost reductions, payload comfort and the consolidation of the system inte-

gration capabilities within the European industry

MAIN CHARACTERISTICS OF THE VEGA C LAUNCHER

Vega C is an evolutionary development of the current Vega launcher, the smal-

lest among European launchers, and will enable significant advances to be made

in terms of performance and costs. With Vega C, the load capacity will increase

from Vega’s current 1,500 kg to 2,200 kg in Low Earth Orbit. The first qualification

flight is scheduled for 2019. Vega C will deliver improved performances compa-

red to its predecessor, and at a more competitive cost, thanks to the reorganiza-

tion of production processes and to a more efficient production chain.

The most interesting innovations include the possibility of meeting market de-

mands for satellite- based radars (SAR), which is gaining growing importance for

all its related applications.

VEGA C

Eye on the Globe 75

The second satellite of the new COSMO-SkyMED constellation will be put in or-

bit by the new launcher Vega C. 

Vega C will be even more performing than the current Vega and will be able

to bring into low earth orbit  up to 2,2 tons of payload. Technological impro-

vements include a newly designed faring, enhanced avionics, multiple launch

capability.

A new launcher for a new satellite: a perfect match based on advanced Europe-

an and Italian technology and synergy between two indispensable segments of

the space industry.

A SECOND GENERATION VEGA LAUNCHER FOR A SECOND GENERATION COSMO-SKYMED SATELLITE 

Eye on the Globe 77 Eye on the Globe 77

VISION

To be the regional leader in the space science and technology.

To conduct research and development for societal benefits.

To expand the space technology and the remote sensing applications

in the local and regional market.

To contribute to the global space science and technology arena.

MISSION

To pursue, transfer, and provide the most outreach research

and development in the field of Remote Sensing including:

• Optical RS (Low, Medium, High resolution images and

Hyperspectral) Thermal RS

• Radar RS

• LIDAR

To conduct research and development in essential observation services

for socio-economic benefits, including environmental, agricultural and resource

management. To improve the local stakeholders in remote sensing applications

by training initiatives. To pursue, transfer, and provide the most outreach

research and development in the space technology including design,

assembly, integrate, test and launch EO satellites.

To drive innovation in space science and technology.

Eye on the Globe 78

Exploring the Potentiality of radar data data to estimate the land subsidence in portion of the coast zone of Egypt

Sentinel 1 data was used and processed based on interpherometric approach to estimate the land subsidence at north eastern corner of the Nile Delta. The results was validated against

C14 dating of log data, which showed high correlation up to r 0.82. 

Eye on the Globe 79

Investigation of fusion of SAR and Landsat data for shoreline super resolution

mapping: the northeastern Mediterranean Sea coast in Egypt

The example shows the techniques of data fusion of Radarsat and Landsat data

to accurately classify mixed categories in the northeastern coastal zone of Egypt.

IHS technique together with fuzzy classifier were used, which enabled to gener-

ate highly accurate categories in the area of study that could not be obtained by

each one separately.

Exploring the Potentiality of Polari-meteric Radarsat 2 data to map surface sed-

iments in Egypt

Polari-metric SAR Radarsat-2 was functioned and processed in different Polari-met-

ric combination to map the surface sediments and its moisture contents in an area

in Sinai peninsula providing precise categorization of the surface sediments.

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Produced by Laboratoriorosso srl - Viterbo, Italia

Production Project Manager Maria Rita Goletti

Design and layout Silvia Cruciani

Exhibition co-organised by Peacock for Art