Case studies

ASSET, the Regional Strategic Agency for Sustainable Development in Puglia, adopted satellite data to improve the design of hydrogeological risk mitigation interventions, training over 150 professionals with the support of Planetek Italia. This initiative enhanced project quality, updated technical skills, and fostered innovative collaborations, serving as a replicable model for public-private synergy at the national level.

ASSET's main challenge is to effectively integrate technological innovation into hydrogeological risk management, combining advanced satellite data with traditional engineering practices. This process requires not only the adoption of new technologies but also continuous training for both internal staff and external professionals to ensure optimal use. ASSET must navigate the complexity of coordinating diverse skills and institutions, ensuring that satellite data is fully utilized to improve the precision and effectiveness of mitigation interventions. Additionally, it needs to promote a culture of innovation and collaboration, overcoming resistance to change and demonstrating the added value of new technologies for better project design and post-project effectiveness assessment, contributing to sustainable territorial development.

The Rheticus^® Displacement solution provided by Planetek Italia is an advanced satellite monitoring service based on radar interferometric analysis (InSAR), which allows precise detection and measurement of surface movements. By analyzing radar data acquired from Copernicus' Sentinel 1 satellites, the system offers detailed and continuous monitoring of areas affected by hydrogeological risk mitigation interventions. This service provided ASSET with critical information on ground displacement trends, useful not only for identifying and analyzing instability phenomena during the design phase and throughout the construction process but also for evaluating proposed design choices from engineering firms.

ASSET initially adopted the Rheticus^® Displacement service from Planetek Italia to monitor all areas involved in hydrogeological risk mitigation projects. Simultaneously, a specific training program for ASSET’s internal staff was launched to develop expertise in using satellite interferometric analysis. Later, training was extended to the engineers designing the mitigation works. Projects also included satellite monitoring during the implementation and post-project phases, lasting 2-3 or 5 years, to ensure continuous control and evaluate the long-term effectiveness of the measures taken.

The project brought numerous benefits, involving several stakeholders. Improved project quality enhanced the precision and effectiveness of hydrogeological risk mitigation interventions, while training and skills development enabled over 150 professionals, including engineers, geologists, agronomists, and architects, to acquire new abilities in using satellite technologies. Continuous monitoring during and after construction ensured constant land control, enabling timely corrective actions.

The integration of advanced technologies innovated project management processes, making them more efficient. Furthermore, the collaboration between Planetek Italia and engineering firms created new opportunities for joint projects at both national and international levels. Key beneficiaries include ASSET, which improved its risk mitigation project management, technical professionals who expanded their skillsets, Planetek Italia, which strengthened its position in the sector, and the territory, which saw increased safety and sustainability. The public administration also benefited from the adoption of technological innovations, demonstrating how these can enhance competitiveness and the quality of public services.

ASSET's use of satellite data has inspired local engineering firms to independently adopt similar technologies, demonstrating the transformative potential of Copernicus services beyond public administration.

For Planetek, future initiatives will focus on extending these practices to other regions, for a broader adoption of satellite solutions for sustainable development. The training provided by ASSET, introduced many engineering firms to satellite data.