Dr. Ariel Blanco and Engr. Serafin Meneses of the PhilSA Space Information and Infrastructure Bureau demonstrated the practicality and value of using Sentinel-1 synthetic aperture radar (SAR) in rapid disaster response mapping. During the aftermath of Typhoon Rai, locally known as Odette, Sentinel SAR-1 captured images of the typhoon path. These images were compared with previous images, and through change detection, the degree and extent of damage in infrastructure and properties were determined.

The study proposes the use of Sentinel SAR-1 intensity correlation images to conduct rapid damage assessment since it provides timely and useful information to end-users and decision-makers. It also complements damage estimate maps being provided by other satellite mapping agencies. This research was submitted to the International Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing (ISPRS) Journal.