Integrating Copernicus Satellite Products and Ground-Truthing for Documenting and Monitoring the Impact of the 2022 Extreme Floods in Pakistan on Cultural Heritage

A novel methodology combining Copernicus satellite products (Sentinel-1 and 2) with ground-truthing reveals the previously underdocumented impact of Pakistan's 2022 floods on UNESCO World Heritage Sites and national cultural heritage. The study, conducted by a multidisciplinary team, analyzed damage to sites in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Sindh using remote sensing data and geospatial datasets, providing critical evidence for risk management. Unlike prior assessments focused on infrastructure, this approach highlights the vulnerability of archaeological sites to climate-induced disasters. The findings underscore the feasibility of replicating this method for future disaster mapping and decision-making, aligning with national and international conservation frameworks.

Khan, M. Y., Zaina, F., Muhammad, S., & Tapete, D. (2023). Integrating Copernicus Satellite Products and Ground-Truthing for Documenting and Monitoring the Impact of the 2022 Extreme Floods in Pakistan on Cultural Heritage. Remote Sensing, 15(10), 2518. https://doi.org/10.3390/rs15102518