Review of the SBAS InSAR Time-series algorithms, applications, and challenges

In the past 30 years, the small baseline subset (SBAS) InSAR time-series technique has emerged as an essential tool for measuring slow surface displacement and estimating geophysical parameters. Because of its ability to monitor large-scale deformation with millimeter accuracy, the SBAS method has been widely used in various geodetic fields, such as ground subsidence, landslides, and seismic activity. The obtained long-term time-series cumulative deformation is vital for studying the deformation mechanism. This article reviews the algorithms, applications, and challenges of the SBAS method. First, we recall the fundamental principle and analyze the shortcomings of the traditional SBAS algorithm, which provides a basic framework for the following improved time series methods. Second, we classify the current improved SBAS techniques from different perspectives: solving the ill-posed equation, increasing the density of high-coherence points, improving the accuracy of monitoring deformation and measuring the multi-dimensional deformation. Third, we summarize the application of the SBAS method in monitoring ground subsidence, permafrost degradation, glacier movement, volcanic activity, landslides, and seismic activity. Finally, we discuss the difficulties faced by the SBAS method and explore its future development direction. (C) 2021 Editorial office of Geodesy and Geodynamics. Publishing services by Elsevier B.V. on behalf of KeAi Communications Co. Ltd.

Automated summary

The SBAS InSAR time-series technique has become an essential tool for measuring slow surface displacement in the past 30 years. It has been widely used in various geodetic fields due to its millimeter accuracy in monitoring large-scale deformation. This article reviews the algorithms, applications, and challenges of the SBAS method, summarizes its applications in different areas, and explores the difficulties it faces and its future development direction.