Development of radar satellite based measurements can provide improved knowledge of ground deformations. LKAB is investing approximately 20 MSEK on a five year research and development project on areal covering deformation measurements.

LKAB has decided to conduct a research and development project on deformation measurements using radar satellite techniques, so called InSAR-technology. This method comprises analysis of radar satellite images to develop deformation maps, which can be used to assess the magnitude of ground deformations occurring between different dates of acquired images. However, the technique needs to be further developed to achieve an accuracy and reliability comparable to the current GPS-measurements of ground deformations.

The project will be carried out together with the Canadian company MDA GSI, which will deliver satellite data, and with Cranfield University and Luleå University of Technology as research partners. The project will run for a period of five years.