9.2 Modern Methods
125
The information on satellite space observation and related techniques has been discussed in prior publications (Oboni et al. 2018, 2019) and taught in a course by
Riskope and MDA (Oboni and MDA 2018).
9.2.1 Satellites
Data and imagery derived from space observation can be used for a variety of tailings
dams observations (Oboni et al. 2018), for example to identify:
• where there are potential areas of land-use change or encroachment;
• deformations and topographic changes;
• quantitative differences in soil wetness or standing water;
• vegetation health issues relative to similar vegetation of past years.
It generally involves a manual search by an experienced interpreter of highresolution imagery to identify the nature of the change, and to conduct a checklist
search to identify any other issues of concern. The automated and manual interpretations are intended to complement each other and limit residual risk related to this
element of monitoring. The automated methods are effective in drawing the interpreter’s eyes to areas that might otherwise be overlooked, and the manual inspection
ensures that items that may have been missed by the algorithms are caught.
Obviously the link between space observation and quantitative risk assessments
is beneficial, insofar as it makes it possible to feed enhanced data into an a priori risk
assessment and deliver on a regular basis updated risk assessments with a significant
economy of means while answering modern requirements.
Available space observation relating to the monitoring of tailings dams includes
Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), Interferometric SAR (InSAR), and specialized
satellite sensors supplying high-resolution imagery in the visible and near-visible
wavelengths. Products available in the market place that relate these observations to
applications include MDA’s InSAR ground movement and Radiant Solutions’ PCM
®
technology for deriving permanent change from optical sensors. A combination of
these technologies is being used to confirm and bolster data from on-site geotechnical
and environmental instrumentation at various sites around the world.
Radar Observations
The use of SAR to study the earth’s surface was made popular by the launch of the
Earth Resources Satellite (ERS-1) and RADARSAT in 1990 and 1991, respectively.
The current generation of satellites, including RADARSAT-2 can be programmed to
provide a robust set of data over a mine site with observations that are not dependent
on cloud cover. InSAR solutions derive ground movement from a precise observation
of the time that it takes for a radar pulse to be returned to the satellite sensor.
125
The information on satellite space observation and related techniques has been discussed in prior publications (Oboni et al. 2018, 2019) and taught in a course by
Riskope and MDA (Oboni and MDA 2018).
9.2.1 Satellites
Data and imagery derived from space observation can be used for a variety of tailings
dams observations (Oboni et al. 2018), for example to identify:
• where there are potential areas of land-use change or encroachment;
• deformations and topographic changes;
• quantitative differences in soil wetness or standing water;
• vegetation health issues relative to similar vegetation of past years.
It generally involves a manual search by an experienced interpreter of highresolution imagery to identify the nature of the change, and to conduct a checklist
search to identify any other issues of concern. The automated and manual interpretations are intended to complement each other and limit residual risk related to this
element of monitoring. The automated methods are effective in drawing the interpreter’s eyes to areas that might otherwise be overlooked, and the manual inspection
ensures that items that may have been missed by the algorithms are caught.
Obviously the link between space observation and quantitative risk assessments
is beneficial, insofar as it makes it possible to feed enhanced data into an a priori risk
assessment and deliver on a regular basis updated risk assessments with a significant
economy of means while answering modern requirements.
Available space observation relating to the monitoring of tailings dams includes
Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), Interferometric SAR (InSAR), and specialized
satellite sensors supplying high-resolution imagery in the visible and near-visible
wavelengths. Products available in the market place that relate these observations to
applications include MDA’s InSAR ground movement and Radiant Solutions’ PCM
®
technology for deriving permanent change from optical sensors. A combination of
these technologies is being used to confirm and bolster data from on-site geotechnical
and environmental instrumentation at various sites around the world.
Radar Observations
The use of SAR to study the earth’s surface was made popular by the launch of the
Earth Resources Satellite (ERS-1) and RADARSAT in 1990 and 1991, respectively.
The current generation of satellites, including RADARSAT-2 can be programmed to
provide a robust set of data over a mine site with observations that are not dependent
on cloud cover. InSAR solutions derive ground movement from a precise observation
of the time that it takes for a radar pulse to be returned to the satellite sensor.