Using Satellite Data to Analyze the Devastation of the War in Ukraine
As the war in Ukraine enters its second year, a community of open-source intelligence analysts has emerged to track troop activity, destruction, and other aspects of the conflict. In addition to information provided by soldiers and citizens on the ground, remote sensing technology has become a valuable tool in studying inaccessible or dangerous areas. This technology allows researchers to monitor the war from space, providing a unique perspective on the devastation caused by the conflict.
Teng Wang, a professor at Peking University in China, and an Earth scientist, along with his colleague, have previously used satellite data to study illegal nuclear tests in North Korea. Now, they have turned their attention to analyzing the war in Ukraine. Their goal is to provide transparent and neutral findings by exclusively using open-source and freely accessible data.
Satellite sensors record electromagnetic waves emitted or reflected from the Earth’s surface, allowing for continuous monitoring on a global scale. These sensors capture optical images, similar to photographs taken from space, which help monitor troop movements and destruction. However, optical images are limited by cloud cover and can only be captured during daylight hours. To overcome these limitations, the researchers utilized radar systems onboard satellites. Radar waves can penetrate clouds and smoke, providing a clearer view of the affected areas.
Access to free and publicly available radar data for civilian use is rare, but the European Space Agency has made such data available since the early 1990s. The researchers used radar data from the European Space Agency’s Sentinel-1 satellite to detect changes in structures and surfaces. By comparing two radar images taken over the same area, they were able to measure changes in shape or position. They also analyzed the coherence of reflected signals, which indicates the degree of similarity between two images. A loss of coherence suggests damage or destruction of buildings or structures.
The spatial resolution of Sentinel-1 radar, combined with its 12-day updates, makes it ideal for monitoring urban warfare. Previous research efforts have used this data to assess damage in cities like Kyiv and Mariupol. The researchers analyzed the evolution of damage in several lengthy battles, such as the battle of Bakhmut, which lasted from October 2022 to May 2023. They discovered a checkerboard pattern of destruction throughout the city, with all buildings partially or completely collapsed due to continuous bombardment.
They also examined the battles of Rubizhne, Sievierodonetsk, and Lysychansk, which took place from April to July 2022. The radar data revealed varying levels of destruction in these cities, with Lysychansk experiencing comparatively lower damage due to a different military strategy employed by the Russian forces.
The use of remote sensing technology and satellite data provides a unique and comprehensive view of the devastation caused by the war in Ukraine. These images offer a safe and unbiased means of monitoring armed conflicts, particularly in urban environments. By providing high-resolution information, they help people understand the true impact of war on the ground.
In conclusion, the war in Ukraine has left a trail of destruction, as evidenced by the analysis of satellite data. The use of remote sensing technology allows researchers to monitor the conflict from space, providing valuable insights into troop movements and the extent of damage. As high-intensity wars in urban environments become more common, open-access satellite instruments play a crucial role in understanding the true impact of war on affected areas.