Mapping of Flooded Heritage Structures Using SAR Polarimetry and Google Earth Engine

A novel approach using SAR polarimetry and Google Earth Engine (GEE) has demonstrated significant potential for mapping flooded heritage structures, particularly in vulnerable areas like Hampi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in India. The study leveraged dual-polarized Sentinel-1 SAR data to detect flooding with high precision, employing change detection and thresholding methodologies, including the Otsu algorithm for automatic thresholding. This method effectively discriminated between water and non-water surfaces, providing critical spatial and temporal measurements for emergency response planning and damage assessment. Additionally, the Wishart distance classification in PolsarPro software was used to extract stone structures, highlighting the utility of SAR polarimetry backscatter properties. The findings underscore the effectiveness of GEE for disaster risk reduction and cultural landscape monitoring, offering a scalable solution for heritage preservation in flood-prone regions.

Adhikari, R. (2021). Mapping of Flooded Heritage Structures Using SAR Polarimetry and Google Earth Engine. https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu21-13978