This cumulative dissertation investigates the use of multi-temporal interferometric synthetic aperture radar data (MT-InSAR) for integration into existing dam monitoring procedures in Germany. The primary objective was to develop a satellite-based observation strategy for analyzing and predicting deformations on different types of dams, with a particular focus on gravity dams. In addition, efforts have been made to identify the drivers of these movements and to predict the future movement behavior of the dams. Based on a comprehensive literature review, the following research objectives were formulated: 1. Under which conditions, and to what extent, can analysis-ready MT InSAR data serve as a reliable tool for dam deformation monitoring? 2. Can PS time series from different satellite sensors and wavelengths be combined to enhance the monitoring of dams with low PS point density? 3. Can information about the drivers of deformation be derived from combined MT-InSAR time series? 4. Can MT-InSAR data, in combination with in situ measurements, also be used to predict the future deformation behavior of dams? To analyze these questions, analysis-ready S-1 PS time series provided by the German Ground Motion Service (BBD) were used in addition to independently processed Sentinel-1 and TerraSAR-X data and were compared with in situ data. This work provides evidence that MT-InSAR is a suitable additional data source for dam monitoring. Although satellite-based methods may not be precise enough to replace pendulum measurements, they still meet the critical accuracy requirements for concrete dams and comply with German DIN standards. Compared to trigonometric measurements, MT-InSAR yields comparable uncertainties but considerably shorter revisit times, making it a valuable tool for dam monitoring when pendulum data are unavailable. Notably, the proposed strategy is not limited to dams. Its application to other types of infrastructure is therefore possible and intended.
Jonas Ziemer (2026) studied this question.