J-GMS Sentinel-1 Based Ground Deformation Monitoring Across Japan for Infrastructure Risk Assessment
Khin Myat Kyaw, Wataru Takeuchi

Institute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo

Abstract

This paper outlines the Japan Ground Motions Service (J-GMS), designed to analyze ground deformation across Japan comprehensively. Leveraging Sentinel-1 satellite data, the service delivers time-series of ground deformations in the satellite^s line-of-sight direction, with a final spatial resolution of ~30x30 m. The dataset covers January 2016 to May 2025, featuring descending passes at 12-day intervals and occasional ascending data, subject to availability. Ground deformation data is regionally classified using polygon IDs based on Copernicus DEM. The framework employs advanced Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) techniques, specifically the Small Baseline Subset (SBAS) approach, to produce interferograms for effective monitoring of surface deformation over natural terrains. Ground movements are relative observations within each frame, and residual tropospheric noise is mitigated using ERA5 atmospheric data from ECMWF. The regional ground deformation results from J-GMS are crucial for evaluating infrastructure safety, tracking natural hazards such as landslides, and examining environmental effects like groundwater extraction. GNSS data was utilized for validation in selected areas, with plans to enhance outputs through GNSS-calibrated results in the future. The service^s frequent revisit schedule and weather-independent data make it a valuable asset for geophysical and environmental studies.

Keywords: InSAR, subsidence, infrastructure, planning, hazard management

Topic: Topic B: Applications of Remote Sensing