GMES TERRAFIRMA. ESRIN/Contract no / 05 / I-EC. S3: Service Prospectus. Version 3 May 5 th Ren Capes & Richard Burren (NPA)

Size: px
Start display at page:

Download "GMES TERRAFIRMA. ESRIN/Contract no / 05 / I-EC. S3: Service Prospectus. Version 3 May 5 th Ren Capes & Richard Burren (NPA)"

Transcription

1 GMES TERRAFIRMA ESRIN/Contract no / 05 / I-EC S3: Service Prospectus Version 3 May 5 th 2006 Ren Capes & Richard Burren (NPA) Reviewed by: Project Manager Ren Capes / / May 5 th 2006 Approved by: Project Contract Officer David Morten / / May 5 th 2006 Also reviewed by C. Browitt (EMSC), Patrice Christmann (EGS), David Norbury (EFG), Franco Barberi (Roma Tre)

2 STRATEGY GROUP MEMBER ENDORSEMENT I, the undersigned, confirm that I have read and endorse this dossier. Strategy group member for policy Name Professor Franco Barberi.Signature Strategy group member for science Name Professor José Achache..Signature. Strategy group member for users Name Professor John Burland Signature. Copyright NPA and Terrafirma collaborators 2006 i

3 ACRONYMNS ASAR Advanced Synthetic Aperture Radar ERS European Remote Sensing Satellite ESA European Space Agency GIS Geographic Information System GMES Global Monitoring for Environment and Security InSAR Synthetic Aperture Radar Interferometry OSP Operational Service Provider PS Persistent Scatterer PSI Persistent Scatterer Interferometry SAR Synthetic Aperture Radar VAC Value Adding Company Copyright NPA and Terrafirma collaborators 2006 ii

4 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The aim of the Terrafirma service is to make available satellite-derived ground motion information products primarily through the national geological organisations of the European Community, plus some large engineering organisations. Terrafirma is operating in three discrete stages. At the time of writing (January 2006), the service has just begun a three-year 'Stage 2'. During this stage, processing for at least one city in each of the EU25 Member States will be conducted along with the processing for seven landslide products in Greece, Italy and Switzerland. The Service Prospectus details: The range of Terrafirma products. The geographical coverage of the service. The components of the supply chain The current product ordering and delivery mechanisms. Finally, some processing issues are considered, such as the provision of near real time services for monitoring, which could be particularly relevant to interseismic crustal deformation and vulnerability assessment. Copyright NPA and Terrafirma collaborators 2006 iii

5 CHANGE RECORD (version 2 to 3) Version 1 issued: Version 1.1 issued: Version 1.2 issued: Version 1.3 issued: Version 2 issued: Version 3 (this version): Section Page Change All All Dossier revised to take into account Stage 2 and the updated Terrafirma Service Portfolio and coverage. Dossier updated with initial comments from UEB and Franco Barberi Copyright NPA and Terrafirma collaborators 2006 iv

6 TABLE OF CONTENTS 1 INTRODUCTION DESCRIPTION OF TERRAFIRMA PRODUCTS Historical products Monitoring product Landslide Products User federation COVERAGE OF SERVICE Coverage in Stage Coverage in Stage Supply chain Satellite, ground segment and data distribution Providers and users Operational Service Providers Primary users End users Product ordering Product delivery Web-based distribution Data user licences Processing reports and Quality Control Lead times Copyright NPA and Terrafirma collaborators 2006 v

7 1 INTRODUCTION This dossier provides the top-level description of the ESA-GMES Terrafirma service. Terrafirma is operating in three discrete stages of 0-2, 2-5 and 5-10 years. The first two-year Stage 1 (which ended last year) was concerned with consolidation of both service providers and users. At the time of writing, Terrafirma has just begun a three-year Stage 2, concerned with rolling-out the service across all 25 Member States of the EC. There will be three revisions to the dossier during this stage. The Service Prospectus describes the service from one end to the other - from the satellite to the final end user. The dossier does not detail the technical specification of Terrafirma products as this is provided in S5: Service Portfolio Specifications. The Terrafirma service provides a range of products based upon the technique of Persistent Scatterer SAR interferometry (PSI) to provide useful information for society. Briefly, this powerful technique involves the processing of 100-odd satellite radar scenes of the same place spanning up to 15 years, to identify arrays of pre-existing ground features (e.g. buildings, pylons, bare rock), against which millimetric measurements of displacement can be made. In urban areas these arrays typically comprise measurement points per square kilometre. In more rural areas, the success of the technique relies on the distribution and density of scattering features, and so some feasibility analysis is needed before proceeding. Exactly what comprises useful information is dependent on the skills and knowledge of the analyst and requirements of the end-user. For example, an engineer investigating the effects of tunnelling might be satisfied with basic Terrafirma measurements of ground motion which would then be used by their own internal departments with their own information and data, where a city planner, however, considering a proposed development on unstable ground, might need a more comprehensive service providing geological context, causes of motion and perhaps modelling of future motion. A planner might often go to his national geological survey for such information Ground motion data on their own and in the wrong hands can have the potential to cause alarm and unnecessarily devalue property. Indeed, the technology can be so sensitive (submillimetre) that for the first time in some areas, the question is where isn t moving! It is important to realise that buildings and structures are able, or are designed, to accommodate small amounts of motion depending on the building s purpose and location. However, many are not, as ground motion was not expected, or the motion becomes greater than the design parameter for that particular structure. In most circumstances, an understanding of the reasons for the ground motion in a particular area is necessary to decide if or what action is necessary. To provide understanding requires other types of data and information, plus some considerable expertise generally outside the fraternity of satellite remote sensing. Terrafirma serves these varying requirements by making accessible a range of products tailored to specific end uses. The remainder of this dossier provides the following information: Description of Terrafirma products. Details of the planned geographical and temporal coverage of the service over the various stages of the project. Copyright NPA and Terrafirma collaborators

8 An outline of the Terrafirma supply chain and the elements and organisations involved in the supply. Details of access to Terrafirma products including ordering and delivery mechanisms. Information concerning the temporal specifications of products, i.e. being able to meet the requirements of customers in terms of period to be covered and updates. Copyright NPA and Terrafirma collaborators

9 2 DESCRIPTION OF TERRAFIRMA PRODUCTS Terrafirma offers two types of product - Historical and Monitoring - which vary in their degree of GIS integration according to a 'Level' (see below). Historical products use integrations of ERS-1/2 (1991-current) and ENVISAT (2001-current) radar data already acquired and residing in archive to make products that are as up to date as the last acquisition made. Monitoring products, however, imply specific satellite tasking (or ordering) of future (or subsequent) 'visible' acquisition(s). Historical Terrafirma products are offered in three Levels of sophistication: Level 1 is a basic product providing 'raw' ground motion measurements. Level 2 involves some analysis by a geoscience expert when the result is integrated with other geospatial data to provide an initial interpretation of the cause of the motion observed. Level 2 products are made from Level 1 products. Level 3 products involve geophysical modelling to provide a risk assessment or some forecast as to future events. Level 3 products are derived from Level 2 products. Level 1 products comprise the digital output of the PSI processing. Levels 2 and 3 products comprise this output, plus other derived maps and reports synthesised from an array of different data and information types. Landslide applications introduce two variants based on Level 2 and Level 3 products respectively: A Landslide Inventory product (LSI) which maps unstable slopes over whole basins incorporating SAR data from the archive (both ascending and descending), and the more basic Landslide Monitoring product (LSM) which focuses on the assessment of specific slopes. Both Landslide products utilise auxiliary data including geological, in situ and Very High Resolution optical imagery. In summary: Product Level Description H-1 Level 1 OSP output. SAR/ASAR integration of data already in archive. H-2 Level 2 Initial interpretation as to the cause of motion; in the format of a report and PPT. H-3 Level 3 Modelled product (report and PPT). M-2 Level 1 OSP output. H-1 + new acquisition(s). LSI N/A H-1 product integrated with aux data to provide inventory of motion within a large area (e.g. watershed basin), in format of report and PPT. LSM N/A LSI product + new acquisitions, giving more specific interpretation, in format of a report and PPT. The Terrafirma portfolio of products Copyright NPA and Terrafirma collaborators

10 2.1 Historical products H-1: Terrafirma Historical, Level 1 Raw product The standard 'H-1' Terrafirma product consists of the 'raw', but quality-controlled, georeferenced, Persistent Scatterer InSAR (PSI) output from the Terrafirma Operational Service Providers (OSPs). Persistent Scatterer Interferometry (PSI) takes InSAR a step further by correcting for atmospheric and orbital errors to derive precise displacement and velocity measurements over longer periods at specific, highly coherent points on the ground, known as Persistent Scatterers. H-1 products are made from integrations of radar data acquired by three ESA missions; ERS-1 (91-96), ERS-2 (95 - present), and ENVISAT (01 - present), giving motion measurements from 1991 to the most recent routine acquisition. The raw InSAR displacement data are processed to a level where they can be used as input data to GIS systems by geotechnicians, engineers or similar professionals. H-1 products are just measurements and do not provide any interpretation as to the causes or effects of the motion observed. H-1 products act as the starting point for investigations into the underlying cause of movement. H-1 products are available either from the corresponding national geological survey, or direct from the originating Terrafirma OSP. H-1 products help provide a hazard identification, whereas H-2/3 products provide varying levels of interpretation that might include forecasting or risk assessment. H-1 product example: Terrafirma Stage 1, PSI interpolated average annual displacement rates for Sosnowiec, Poland. H-1 processing by Tele-Rilevamento Europa, Italy. Copyright NPA and Terrafirma collaborators

11 H-2: Terrafirma Historical, Level 2 Causal Product Terrafirma H-2 Causal (initial interpretation) products are generated from an H-1 Product, being the output of a Terrafirma OSP. H-2 products are known as causal products as they are designed to provide the reason for the ground motion phenomena observed. These products are available primarily from national geological surveys who have the auxiliary data and expertise needed to provide such interpretations. H-2 products are also available from some engineering organisations who possess site-specific information. H-2 product example: Terrafirma Stage 1, Stoke-on-Trent, UK. H-1 processing by Tele-Rilevamento Europa, Italy. H-3: Terrafirma Historical, Level 3 Modeled Product Terrafirma H-3 Modelled products are the highest level Terrafirma product available. H-3 products are an advance and further development on an existing H-2, causal product, involving geophysical modelling to provide a more detailed analysis of motion causes, leading to possible risk assessments or some forecast as to future events. H-3 are scientifically modelled to provide an advanced level of understanding and forecast information, and in some cases provide a risk assessment. H-3 products, which include the output of H-1 and H- 2, are not considered standard, and can only be provided on a case-by-case project basis where the auxiliary data needed is available. The primary creators of modelled products (H- 3) is likely to be the national geological surveys using their site-specific geological data sources, but there may be circumstances such as when engineering modelling is required, when engineering consultancies will compile H-3 products. Copyright NPA and Terrafirma collaborators

12 Terrafirma Mexico H-3 Product Example, Pumping related subsidence, BRGM In collaboration with: Non-linear hydrogeological modelling of the subsidence Average displacement rate : 30mm/month Division of the aquifer into 23 layers Simulated interferogram 1-Jan-96 to 29-Dec-95 (35 days) H-3 product example: Non-linear hydrogeological modelling of subsidence over Mexico and comparison with InSAR derived measurements. H-1 processing by BRGM, France. 2.2 Monitoring product M-1: Terrafirma Monitoring, Level 1 Product The standard 'M-1' Terrafirma product consists of the 'raw', but quality-controlled, georeferenced, updated PSI output from the Terrafirma service providers. M-1 products are made from integrations of radar data acquired by three ESA missions; ERS-1 (91-96), ERS-2 (95 - present), and ENVISAT (01 - present), giving motion measurements from 1991 to the date of the next programmed acquisition. The monitoring product (available on request only) consists of regular measurement updates to a specific site (at a frequency agreed between the user and supplier). Any H-1 product can be offered as a monitoring product with updates made as frequently as orbital constraints allow (every 35 days for ASAR). Examples of applications include the ongoing monitoring of a site after extensive tunnelling or routine seismic monitoring. Copyright NPA and Terrafirma collaborators

13 M-1 product example: Terrafirma Stage 1, Barcelona, Spain. H-1 processing by Altamira Information, Spain. 2.3 Landslide Products LSI: Terrafirma Landslide Inventory Product Terrafirma LSI products consist of the 'raw', but quality-controlled, geo-referenced, PSI output of an OSP over large areas e.g. entire watershed basins, integrated into a pre-existing landslide inventory created using conventional geomorphological tools. LSI PSI products are made from integrations of radar data acquired by three ESA missions; ERS-1 (91-96), ERS-2 (95 - present), and ENVISAT (01 - present), giving motion measurements from 1991 to the most recent routine acquisition. The PSI result is integrated with auxiliary data to provide an inventory of motion within large areas. PSI data is integrated within the inventory map in a GIS environment. The PS points are overlaid upon the pre-existing landslide inventory in order to assess the similarities and differences in spatial distribution and landslide activity with respect to the PS measurements. Where current inventory information is in agreement with PSI data (both in terms of landslide extent and activity) average velocities of the PS points over landslides are computed at two different time intervals (total period and previous 2 years), and added as new fields in the landslide inventory attributes table. In the case of differences between the PSI data and landslide inventory information, multi-temporal aerial-photos and / or optical satellite imagery are analysed to provide possible explanations for variations. Only cases characterised by superficial evidence of slope movements, linked to their topography (scarps, bulges, steps, Copyright NPA and Terrafirma collaborators

14 etc.) and vegetation related indicators (disrupted texture of vegetation, bent trees, grass scars, etc.) are taken into account. Legend N Landslide polygons attiv instab quiesc PS ascending Vel (mm/y) ") ") ") ") ") ") ") G PS_rufina La ndslide lines attiv inatt PS Descending Vel (mm/y) $ $ $ $ $ $ $ km LSI product example: Landslide inventory map updated with the use of Persistent Scatterers within the SLAM project. PSI processing by Tele-Rilevamento Europa, Italy. LSI product example: Modifications of the pre-existing landslide inventory by means of PSI. PSI processing by Tele-Rilevamento Europa, Italy. LSM: Terrafirma Landslide Monitoring Product Copyright NPA and Terrafirma collaborators

15 Terrafirma LSM products consist of the 'raw', but quality-controlled, geo-referenced, PSI output of an OSP across specific landslide events as identified within an LSI product. LSM PSI products are made from integrations of radar data acquired by three ESA missions; ERS- 1 (91-96), ERS-2 (95 - present), and ENVISAT (01 - present), giving motion measurements from 1991 to the date of the next programmed acquisition. The product relies on long term PSI monitoring of superficial movements induced by specific slope movements. PSI is well suited for assessing the temporal evolution of slow landslides (up to a few centimetres per year) affecting built-up areas by providing precise measurements of ground displacements without the necessity of positioning any targets on the ground and without any physical contact with the slope. The PSI measurement points are integrated into a GIS environment with other ancillary data, such as aerial photos, topographical and geomorphological maps to obtain an accurate analysis of the spatial distribution of the ground displacements. LEGEND PS Vel (mm/y) LSM product example: PSI analysis of a landslide site. PSI processing by Tele-Rilevamento Europa, Italy. Through a combination of PSI displacement time series and multi-temporal displacement maps, landslide slope movement evolution may be analysed, facilitating the assessment of landslide response to triggering factors, such as rainfall and earthquakes. This type of information can be useful in predicting the phenomenon s future evolution, especially for those cases that involve high value elements at risk, such as built-up regions. The LSM product can be also employed, thanks to the availability of SAR images acquired since 1992, for non-invasive assessment of the effectiveness of remedial works within the monitored area, representing a fundamental step for planning and managing mitigation activities. Copyright NPA and Terrafirma collaborators

16 LSM product example: Integration of a displacement map obtained from the interpolation of PSI with underground data. PSI processing by Tele-Rilevamento Europa, Italy. 2.4 User federation Before any processing can be undertaken for any site, the national geological institute or other appropriate organisation within a country needs to be enrolled by way of a 'Service Level Agreement' (SLA). This contract assures the recipient of the product quality and terms and conditions of delivery. It also requires the recipient to undertake value-adding and reporting in accordance with the product being made (e.g. H-2 or H-3). Significantly, it also contracts (and funds) the recipient to undertake both horizontal and downstream exploitation of the product in efforts to stimulate further demand. Copyright NPA and Terrafirma collaborators

17 3 COVERAGE OF SERVICE Stage 1 of Terrafirma focused on urban subsidence because PSI is most robust over densely built-up environments, and an adequate radar data archive exists over all European towns. However, In Stage 2 Terrafirma is broadening its applications to include landslides. 3.1 Coverage in Stage 1 By the close of Stage 1, Terrafirma was able to offer 49 off-the-shelf products for 36 towns across Europe and beyond. Service coverage for Stage 1. Green icons represent ESA funded Terrafirma sites within Europe. Red icons represent non-esa funded Terrafirma sites within Europe. Copyright NPA and Terrafirma collaborators

18 3.2 Coverage in Stage 2 Stage 2 will see a variety of Terrafirma products made over 26 cities within Europe. For urban subsidence this includes 22 x H-1, 8 x H-2, 4 x H-3 and 2 x M-1 products. For landslides the processing will include 3 x LSI and 4 x LSM products. Country Site Terrafirma Product Austria Vienna / Carinthia H1 Belgium Liege H1 Cyprus Lefkosia H1 Czech Republic Prague H1 Denmark Copenhagen H1 Estonia Tallinn H1 Finland Vaasa H1 Germany Eisleban H1 Germany Hamburg H1 Greece Larissa H1 Hungary Budapest H1 Ireland Cork H1 Latvia Aizkraukle H1 Lithuania Pasvalys H1 Luxembourg Luxembourg H1 Malta Valletta H1 Poland Tychy H1 Portugal Sintra / Porto / Coimbra H1 Slovakia Bratislave H1 Slovenia Ljubljana H1 Spain Murcia H1 Sweden Stockholm H1 France Toulouse H2 (PVW) Italy Rome H2 (PVW) Netherlands Alkmaar H2 (PVW) UK Bristol/Bath H2 (PVW) TBD H-2 TBD H-2 TBD H-2 TBD H-2 TBD TBD M1 TBD TBD M1 Switzerland Canton Graubuenden LSI Italy Calabrian Basin LSI Greece TBD LSI Italy TBD LSM Italy TBD LSM Italy TBD LSM Greece TBD LSM Stage 2 Provisional Service Coverage. Copyright NPA and Terrafirma collaborators

19 3.3 Supply chain The diagram below is the simplest representation of the Terrafirma supply chain: Satellite Raw data Satellite operator ground segment Preprocessed data Official data distributor Packaged low-level radar data Primary users Engineering companies Terrafirma OSP Ground motion measurements National geological surveys End users End users End users Euro-Med seismological community Conceptual diagram of the Terrafirma supply chain. The rest of section 3.3 describes the supply chain components Satellite, ground segment and data distribution Terrafirma requires an archive of repeat radar acquisitions covering the same area the more repeat scenes the better the resulting motion resolution. The rate of repeat acquisition over a given area is fundamentally determined by the satellite s orbit, and with the European Space Agency s ERS-1/2 and ENVISAT the maximum rate (in either descending or ascending mode) is one acquisition every 35 days. This then limits the update frequency of a monitoring product. Over the UK, for example, there are on average approximately 75 repeat acquisitions in descending mode* of any one place covering the 12 years from 1991, when the first satellite came into service, to To maintain the supply of new, and monitoring products, Terrafirma needs an ongoing acquisition campaign. This is determined by the satellite operator s priorities, and in the case of the ESA is implemented by way of a background mission, or collection of a Strategic Dataset. The map overleaf shows the amount of repeat acquisitions currently in archive over Europe. * ERS and ENVISAT both have an orbital periodicity of 35 days, though they can acquire data in both a daytime descending (north-south) mode, and a night-time ascending (south-north) mode. More data is acquired in the daytime descending mode because of the satellite's exposure to sunlight and hence power. Few places around the world have sufficient ascending data in archive to allow PSInSAR analysis. If both datasets were acquired and integrated, the maximum measurement sampling rate would double (as well as supplying two separate line-of-sight measurements, thus reducing motion vector ambiguity). Copyright NPA and Terrafirma collaborators

20 ERS (descending mode) repeat acquisition SAR archive coverage over the Euro-Mediterranean region as of November 2005 (legend top left) - Note, this does not include ASAR. Copyright NPA and Terrafirma collaborators

21 3.4 Providers and users Operational Service Providers After collection by the satellite(s) the data are downloaded to a ground station where they are pre-processed before being distributed, via an official network, to a number of organisations specialising in the processing needed to output ground motion measurements (the service providers). These organisations are independent commercial entities known as Earth observation Value Adding Companies (VACs) and classified within Terrafirma as Operation Service Providers (OSPs). The OSPs involved in the provision of H-1/2/3, M-1 and LSI/LSM products - and hence providing the basis for the Terrafirma service are all acknowledged leaders in the field of operational SAR interferometry. By being a provider of Terrafirma services the OSPs agree to a common set of performance criteria to ensure standardisation and consistency of product generation. There exists, however, an Open Service Partnership Protocol, providing a mechanism for new potential OSPs to be validated Primary users National geological surveys To be effective, Terrafirma needs to tailor its products to particular customer groups, and national geological surveys are key. There are four main reasons: National geological surveys are generally the main repository of geohazard information in a country, and therefore the natural port of call for a potential user, particularly governmental users. They generally hold the skills and information needed to make meaningful interpretations of ground motion results. They have accreditation and standing, i.e. information provided by them is generally trusted. National geological surveys represent a major user group in their own right, as most have a remit to study and collect geohazard information for a variety of reasons. They are therefore classed as a Primary User though they are considered a key link in the onward supply Engineers Engineering organisations, or organisations with large engineering departments such as utility operators, are also classed as Primary Users, even though they sometimes supply ground motion information, and have significant client bases of their own. Engineers work on a project-by-project basis, and often hold high resolution data and information about specific sites. For this reason they can also be in the position to generate H-2 and H-3 Terrafirma products. Terrafirma is open to approach by engineering organisations who are interested in becoming an official provider End users The final component of the Terrafirma supply chain comprises secondary users who are normally fed by the Primary Users. These are the users who need to see some benefit from Terrafirma if the work of the geological surveys and engineers is to be financed. Copyright NPA and Terrafirma collaborators

22 Terrafirma has identified the following key end-user segments: Public (including local and national government, regulatory bodies and agencies). Mineral extraction. Oil and gas production. Engineering. Utility operators. Transport providers Development initiators and property owners. Geo-information providers. Insurers. There is no exclusivity of supply to these segments and VACs who originally process radar data to produce H/U/M-1 products are free to deal with secondary users directly. 3.5 Product ordering Users can learn about, and order Terrafirma products via a web-based shop window that is already operational. In the first instance the Terrafirma website informs potential users of the service coverage and availability of products in each of the countries included. The user is then directed to the appropriate supplier(s) via a contact mechanism ( and telephone). Within Stage 2 the website will offer a more automated system for ordering depending on the size and volume of orders. It is possible that Terrafirma Products could be delivered automatically within the 5-year timescale if required. Copyright NPA and Terrafirma collaborators

23 The Terrafirma website: Opening page. H-3 products will always be specialist, custom, project-based products, probably involving a considerable degree of contact between the user and supplier. It is not anticipated that H-3 product compilation and delivery will become automated. 3.6 Product delivery During Stage 2, all Terrafirma products are mailed by CD-ROM, and made available via FTP depending on customer requirements. It is possible that some Terrafirma products will be delivered via or eventually directly into the users analysis systems across the web. H-2 H-3, LSI and LSM products are in the form of reports with digital data, and these can be delivered currently by / FTP. In the future it is possible to anticipate that maps and other electronic elements of these products will be made available for customers via and FTP in a format that will interface directly with customer s systems Web-based distribution During Stage 2 a web-based cataloguing and distribution mechanism will be operational. This will allow users to search online for results over areas of their interest, and significantly, to download in real-time volumes of data according to their need down to a minimum area of say, one square kilometre Data user licences As is common practice now, all three product types will be delivered along with a data user licence. This licence will govern the terms and conditions under which the product(s) can be used. Also, appropriate disclaimer notices are being considered to ensure that users have a clear understanding of responsibilities associated with the various Terrafirma products Processing reports and Quality Control A Processing Report also accompanies each product which details various processing parameters of relevance, such as a complete listing of the data used, software employed, projection system, specific observations. All OSPs are contracted to operate a common Terrafirma Quality Control system, and a sign off document accompanies the H-1 product when delivered to the recipient Lead times By way of the Service Level Agreement, OSPs are contracted to provide H-1 products within 6 weeks of their receipt of the radar data. Recipients then have 9 months to make the valueadded products (e.g. H-2 or H-3) and commence their exploitation. DOCUMENT END Copyright NPA and Terrafirma collaborators