Exploitation of Copernicus satellite data for monitoring fishing shelters in Cyprus using advanced InSAR techniques: The case study of Agios Georgios Pegeias fishing shelter in Paphos, Cyprus

Abstract

Fishing shelters are among the critical infrastructures that necessitate continuous monitoring to ensure their functionality and safety in Cyprus. Currently, Cyprus hosts sixteen (16) operational fishing shelters, covering the coastline. In the last few decades, Advanced Interferometric SAR techniques have been the most effective methods for concurrent monitoring critical infrastructures. The current study investigates the potential of the A-InSAR techniques to identify displacements of the fishing shelters in Cyprus. Following various discussion with the relevant stakeholders, the Agios Georgios Pegeias fishing shelter in Paphos was selected as the pilot study for further investigation. The satellite dataset consists of 148 Copernicus Sentinel-1A in descending mode, covering a time span of 2019-2023, achieving comprehensive and cost-free monitoring. The PSI technique was carried out using the freely available snap2stamps and StaMPS toolboxes, as well as the Matlab and ArcGIS Pro commercial software. The results of this study presented a slight displacement of about -5 mm/year at the edge of the fishing shelter, while the broader area remains stable. The displacement rates are referred to the LoS and they are visualized in GIS environment.