Safety and security are fundamental pillars of sustainable development. Several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are deeply rooted in these principles, aiming for a society where citizens’ well-being is safeguarded. The SPACE-SECURITY, a Group on Earth Observations (GEO) Pilot Initiative, plays an important role in advancing these objectives through the exploitation of space assets, with particular focus on Earth Observation (EO) and collateral data to address critical security challenges.

Since 2015, SPACE-SECURITY works towards raising awareness and adoption of geospatial open data, citizen science, in-situ data and advanced technologies within the Space and Security stakeholders.

This post takes a closer look to the previous implementation plan focused on Pakistan, where interferometric products were used to assess the impact of underground water extraction on security. Additionally, it outlines the future direction of the SPACE-SECURITY Pilot Initiative.

Data Collection and Analysis

The approach was based on Differential Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (DInSAR) products. A comprehensive time series of approximately 180 Sentinel-1 radar images, from October 2016 to September 2022, was processed using the descending orbit. This approach enabled to measure ground displacements over time, revealing patterns of land subsidence in critical areas.

Security Implications

One of the most significant outcomes of this work was the ability to assess how land subsidence affects critical infrastructure and to identify active geohazard zones. By collaborating with local authorities, the project evaluated potential damage to roads, buildings, and other essential structures, highlighting areas at high risk. The analysis revealed subsidence in some areas of approximately 4 cm, underscoring the urgency of mitigation efforts. Monitoring land subsidence, primarily caused by excessive underground water extraction, is vital due to its wide range of implications for both infrastructure stability and security of citizens.

The Power of Geospatial Technologies

The GEO Space-Security Pilot Initiative highlights the vital role of Earth Observation (EO) data in advancing security-related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Through projects like land subsidence monitoring in Pakistan, it has demonstrated the power of geospatial technologies to address critical challenges in safety and sustainability. Looking ahead, the initiative is prepared to expand its efforts to other regions with some experiments under developing at the moment.

For the Post-2025 GEO Work Programme an application has been submitted to continue serving as Conveners, reinforcing the commitment to collaboration with stakeholders. The initiative aims to enhance global security and safeguard the well-being of citizen.