Tsunami damage assessment with satellite radar
other
Medium (25 meter) resolution satellite radar imagery was used to identify damage from the SE Asia tsunami of
December 2004. Several analysis methods were used on test areas over the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and NW
Sumatra: visual assessment of before-after colour composites, pixel-based CFAR ratio change detection, and objectbased
classification and change detection. For validation, results were compared with optical high-resolution imagery
and local reports. It is concluded that medium resolution radar imagery can detect coastal damage, coastline changes,
inundation and areas of razed vegetation. It cannot reliably detect damage to built-up areas, roads and bridges.
December 2004. Several analysis methods were used on test areas over the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and NW
Sumatra: visual assessment of before-after colour composites, pixel-based CFAR ratio change detection, and objectbased
classification and change detection. For validation, results were compared with optical high-resolution imagery
and local reports. It is concluded that medium resolution radar imagery can detect coastal damage, coastline changes,
inundation and areas of razed vegetation. It cannot reliably detect damage to built-up areas, roads and bridges.
TNO Identifier
223647
Source title
URSI Commision F Symposium on Microwave Remote Sensing of the Earth, Oceans, Ice, and Atmosphere, 20-21 April 2005, Barza d'Ispra, Italy
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