Satellite data were used to map the extent of likely damage following a massive explosion in Beirut. Source: NASA/Jet Propulsion Lab-Caltech/Earth Observatory of Singapore/European Space Agency

The areal extent of the August 4 explosion in Beirut, Lebanon, is captured by satellite-derived synthetic aperture radar data. The map depicting damage to the port area was prepared by NASA's Advanced Rapid Imaging and Analysis (ARIA) team and the Earth Observatory of Singapore.

Each colored pixel in the modified Copernicus Sentinel satellite data processed by the European Space Agency represents an area of 30 m. The dark red pixels around the Port of Beirut signal the most severe damage. Areas in orange are moderately damaged and areas in yellow are likely to have sustained somewhat less damage.

ARIA researchers combine synthetic aperture radar data with GPS, geodetic imaging and seismic measurement technologies to document ground surface changes from before and after a major event like an earthquake or volcanic eruption. The project generates imaging products in near real-time that can improve situational awareness for disaster response and is also developing the automated imaging and analysis capabilities necessary to manage and analyze the expected increase in raw data from geodetic imaging missions planned for launch by NASA and international space agencies.