ARIUS

The ARIUS (Advanced Remote-sensing Image USer interface) web-based application performs full end-to-end automated acquisition of remote-sensing datasets using a matrix of cloud-based technologies. The tool streamlines complex workflows and processes satellite data pertaining to variation in both ground surface elevation and ground surface temperatures.

Surface Elevation Change Detection

While land-based routine physical surveys are feasible for monitoring changes in surface elevation, airborne and spaceborne remote-sensing methods are more cost- and time-effective. Both LiDAR (light detection and ranging) and SENTINEL-1 data have been incorporated into ARIUS. LiDAR is a remote-sensing method that uses light in the form of a pulsed laser to measure ground surface elevations. The SENTINEL-1 mission is a constellation of two satellites that perform radar imaging. SENTINEL-1 mission data processing provides a way to monitor surface displacement through the interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR) technique.

Both of these data sets can be used to generate precise, three-dimensional information on the shape of the Earth and its surface characteristics. This information is used for automating the early detection of waste site subsidence and other potential catastrophic events.

Surface Temperatures for Groundwater Flux Estimation

Visualization of temperature data can also be provided from the Landsat thermal band, allowing easy integration of surface temperature data with other climate data. Landsat imagery comes from the Landsat 8 and 9 satellites, which carry operational land imagers and thermal infrared sensors. Processed Landsat thermal band data represent measured land surface temperatures, which can provide information on interactions between groundwater and surface water.