PSI Spatially Constrained Clustering: The Sibari and Metaponto Coastal Plains

PSI data are extremely useful for monitoring on-ground displacements. In many cases, clustering algorithms are adopted to highlight the presence of homogeneous patterns; however, clustering algorithms can fail to consider spatial constraints and be poorly specific in revealing patterns at lower scales or possible anomalies. Hence, we proposed a novel framework which combines a spatially-constrained clustering algorithm (SKATER) with a hypothesis testing procedure which evaluates and establishes the presence of significant local spatial correlations, namely the LISA method. The designed workflow ensures the retrieval of homogeneous clusters and a reliable anomaly detection; to validate this workflow, we collected Sentinel-1 time series from the Sibari and Metaponto coastal plains in Italy, ranging from 2015 to 2021. This particular study area is interesting due to the presence of important industrial and agricultural settlements. The proposed workflow effectively outlines the presence of both subsidence and uplifting that deserve to be focused and continuous monitoring, both for environmental and infrastructural purposes.