Evaluating Metro Construction Impacts on Urban Ground Stability Using Multi-Temporal Sentinel-1 InSAR

Large cities are complex areas containing densely populated areas along with their infrastructure. Surface movements can pose risks to the safety of structures, such as subway lines, in urban areas. Advanced multi-temporal Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) methods are used to obtain surface deformations, specifically those covering large areas. In this study, the new metro line under construction in the Koceeli Gebze region, adjacent to Istanbul, was analyzed with the multi-time InSAR method. In this context, PS/DS-based phase-linking approach is applied on Sentinel-1 that was acquired between 2019 and 2025. The displacement can reach up to about 13.5 mm/yr specifically where the maximum movement is obtained at the first station. Several time series indicated the evolution of the movement over the surface at the stations. The affected buildings were also examined surrounding of the first stations. The results provide information on monitoring the structural health of infrastructure under construction and also on the impact on surrounding structures. InSAR monitoring methods contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 9) and Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11) by providing information about safe and sustainable building and settlement areas.