Cultural Heritage Protection and Volcano Monitoring in Italy: NHAZCA Presents its Activities within the IRIDE European Space Programme

An Innovative Approach to Italian Territory Security and Conservation

NHAZCA presented its activities in the framework of the IRIDE European space programme. The article, published in the special edition of Geomedia magazine dedicated to the IRIDE programme, offers a detailed preview of the activities implemented by NHAZCA for the preservation of cultural heritage and volcano monitoring in Italy.

The IRIDE program aims to develop a satellite system that will be operational by June 2026. Co-ordinated by ESA (European Space Agency) with the participation of ASI (Italian Space Agency) and created with funds from the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR), IRIDE will play a crucial role in a range of geospatial services.

The article delves into NHAZCA’s commitment to improving understanding of ground displacement processes that may affect volcanic areas and cultural heritage.

NHAZCA’s role will be to “study deformations of the national territory by mapping and monitoring ground and infrastructure movements caused by natural dynamics or events such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, landslides, subsidence and other natural phenomena, and/or attributable to human activities.“

NHAZCA is able to detect early signs of volcanic activity and provide early warnings to relevant authorities through the use of satellite data and advanced analysis systems. This proactive approach is essential to ensure the safety of local communities and mitigate the devastating effects of volcanic eruptions.

Through the combination of space technologies, such as Synthetic Aperture Radar Interferometry (InSAR) and Advanced Differential SAR Interferometry (A-DInSAR), we can monitor the conservation status of archaeological sites and historical monuments. This approach allows for the early detection of any signs of degradation and the adoption of preventive measures to preserve cultural heritage for future generations.

Finally, the contribution underscores the importance of international collaboration in the field of space research and territorial security. The IRIDE programme represents a unique opportunity to promote the exchange of knowledge and technologies between EU Member States.

To read the full article, visit the following link: Geomedia 6/2023.

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