InSAR: What is it and what is it for?
Satellites have been acquiring radar images of the earth’s surface for decades, and these images are combined to enable geodetic estimation of slow displacement patterns on the ground.
InSAR stands for Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar. SkyGeo does the interferometry, the “In” in InSAR.
We do complex math using large sets of complex data, to create understandable information about how the surface is moving.
InSAR done right is a proven technique for estimating relative ground movements using radar images.
These very large data sets show that everything on the planet is in fact moving slowly – this is the starting point for assessing and predicting structural and engineering risk.
Sentinel-1 delivers radar imagery for numerous applications. Radar images are the best way of tracking land subsidence and structural damage.
InSAR starts the process of finding slow motion patterns of movement in the ground and in built objects, everywhere.
Our InSAR process provides:
Millimeter accuracy
Time series show how objects have moved since the previous measurement on a millimeter-scale.
High density measurements
Our maps contain up to 100,000 measurements per km2 over large areas. A quantum leap in effectiveness compared to conventional leveling campaigns.
Constant updates
Your data are updated as often as satellites acquire an image, up to 5 times per week or as often as you need for your business.
Recordings since 1992
Over many areas you can access data going back to 1992 to assess long term motion of individual objects and the areas around it.
Global reach
We monitor all kinds of assets, large and small – all over the globe.
Intuitive platform
Access your data on our platform and assess where your assets are most at risk.
SkyGeo’s vision on InSAR data processing
“‘SkyGeo’s mission is to help our customers, in the best way possible, to solve problems related to their assets, and to provide them with actionable intelligence. In the 15 years of our operational experience, we have learned that the technology of parameter estimation using InSAR is extremely tuneable.
This tuning results in many different potential answers.
At SkyGeo, we take pride in finding the most optimal and actionable solution.”
One example of this ‘tunability’ of SkyGeo’s data processing capability is the ‘point-density/point-quality’ trade-off.
The quality of our estimates is only partly dependent on our methods and algorithms. Instead, the quality is mainly dependent on the characteristics of the Earth’s surface, which is obviously different for every square meter on the planet.
For example, we will not be able to provide reliable displacement estimates over a water surface using InSAR technology, which is a consequence of the physical characteristics of water surfaces in relation to radar waves, and not of algorithms.
Consequently, it is not possible to optimize both the quality and density of points. If more points are needed, this will typically come at the expense of their quality, and if higher quality points are needed, this will come at the expense of density.
There is no generic ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ in this trade-off. At SkyGeo we find the optimal trade-off for each particular use case . We do this based on our interaction with our customers, and it enables us to provide fit-for-purpose data for every use case.
Fit-for-purpose data, an example
One example of this ‘tunability’ of SkyGeo’s data processing capability is the ‘point-density/point-quality’ trade-off.
The quality of our estimates is only partly dependent on our methods and algorithms. Instead, the quality is mainly dependent on the characteristics of the Earth’s surface, which is obviously different for every square meter on the planet.
For example, we will not be able to provide reliable displacement estimates over a water surface using InSAR technology, which is a consequence of the physical characteristics of water surfaces in relation to radar waves, and not of algorithms.
Consequently, it is not possible to optimize both the quality and density of points. If more points are needed, this will typically come at the expense of their quality, and if higher quality points are needed, this will come at the expense of density.
There is no generic ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ in this trade-off. At SkyGeo we find the optimal trade-off for each particular use case . We do this based on our interaction with our customers, and it enables us to provide fit-for-purpose data for every use case.
Frequently Asked Questions
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InSAR (Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar) uses repeat radar satellite images to estimate how the Earth’s surface and built objects move over time. It turns complex radar measurements into time-series displacement estimates that can reveal slow-motion deformation patterns.
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InSAR can detect very small movements, but accuracy depends on surface conditions, satellite geometry, processing choices, and signal coherence. Understanding uncertainty and quality is as important as the headline displacement number.
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Yes. Apparent movement can be normal, or a processing artefact, while subtle accelerating trends can signal developing instability. Correct interpretation requires baselines, context, and expertise—especially where decisions affect safety or operations.
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There is no universal threshold. Triggers depend on rate of change, spatial extent, historical behaviour, asset tolerance, and consequences of failure. InSAR is most effective when used within a clear decision framework supported by expert review.
Contact Us
Have a question about what you’re seeing in the map or whether you need higher-grade monitoring? Share a few details about your assets and objectives and a SkyGeo specialist will get back to you with the best next step.