Land Surface Deformation Mapping Method using PS-InSAR on ALOS/PALSAR Data in Bandung Region

The Earth's land surface is always changing or deforming from time to time. This phenomenon occurs by natural, human factors or combination of both. Land deformation leads to destructive disaster and caused a great loss. A method for measuring and mapping land surface deformation, especially in urban area, is urgently needed. Earth’s surface deformation mapping using radar imagery from Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) remote sensing satellites have been actively developed since its image acquisition capabilities that can be performed in almost any conditions. SAR sensor signals can pass through clouds to overcome the difficulties in analyzing cloud-covered areas, such as in tropical area. In this research, we proposed land surface deformation mapping using PS-InSAR method on ALOS/PALSAR imageries. We analyzed the deformation rate from 10 ALOS/PALSAR scenes dated from June 10, 2007 to December 13, 2008. Results of the analysis showed that during the period, land surface deformation rate in almost all urban areas in Bandung, West Java, Indonesia is increasing. The highest land subsidence rate occurred in Cimahi and Bojong districts and recorded at 13.5 cm per year, respectively. Land subsidence in urban areas Bandung is caused by excessive use of ground water, new settlements, and changed land cover, especially in the industrial and settlement area.