Remote Sensing Applications in Environmental and Geotechnical Risk Assessment: A Path Toward Resilient Infrastructure

Abstract

The increasing frequency of climate-induced disasters and rapid urban development necessitates innovative tools for environmental and geotechnical risk management. Remote sensing technologies have emerged as transformative instruments, allowing scientists and engineers to assess environmental changes, monitor hazardous zones, and evaluate geotechnical risks with precision. This paper examines the applications of remote sensing in geotechnical and environmental science, particularly focusing on infrastructure resilience against landslides, soil erosion, subsidence, and groundwater depletion. Satellite-based Earth Observation Systems, coupled with GIS and ground-penetrating radar, provide critical insights into soil mechanics, rock mass stability, and hydrological systems. Remote sensing data further aid in mapping soil contamination, identifying vegetation stress, and monitoring urban heat islands, thereby linking environmental science with engineering applications. By synthesizing case studies from flood-prone regions and mountainous terrains, the research emphasizes how early warning systems, disaster preparedness, and sustainable urban planning can be enhanced through remote sensing-geotechnical integration. The findings demonstrate that incorporating real-time environmental monitoring and geotechnical modeling significantly reduces infrastructure vulnerabilities and enhances adaptive capacities in the face of environmental uncertainties.

KEYWORDS: Environmental Monitoring, Remote Sensing, Infrastructure Resilience, Geotechnical Risk, Climate Change