INNOVATIVE INSIGHTS WITH SENTINEL-1: REVOLUTIONIZING FLOOD MAPPING AND BEYOND

Abstract

Satellite technology has become an indispensable tool for diverse environmental applications, and the Sentinel-1 satellite system, a European Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite operational since 2014, plays a pivotal role in this context. This study delves into the multifaceted utility of Sentinel-1 in various environmental domains, encompassing impact assessment, flood mapping, environmental assessment, humanitarian operations, land cover mapping, oil spill detection, urban impervious surface mapping, land surface applications, landscape changes, and maritime surveillance. The constellation of two polar-orbiting Sentinel-1 satellites operates day and night with C-band SAR imaging, facilitating the acquisition of high-quality imagery regardless of weather conditions. In the realm of flood mapping, recent research has showcased the efficacy of Sentinel-1's change detection and thresholding methodology for assessing flooding extents. This methodology revealed correlations with established flood maps and even identified pluvial flooding that had eluded conventional flood mapping methods. Moreover, Sentinel-1's potential to extract inundation information from SAR images has been demonstrated in vegetated areas along rivers, where the change detection method proved particularly effective. For assessing damage caused by flood events, Sentinel-1 data have been instrumental in identifying and quantifying damaged buildings, aiding in disaster response and recovery efforts. This study zooms in on a specific study area, positioning it within a broader geographical context. The research area, illustrated in Figure 1, is defined by distinct longitudes and latitudes. Through a comprehensive analysis of Sentinel-1 data and its application in diverse environmental scenarios, this study offers insights into the satellite's capabilities and contributions. The research underscores the significance of Sentinel-1 in enhancing our understanding of environmental dynamics and facilitating effective decision-making in disaster management, resource allocation, and environmental conservation.