In the west and north of the Netherlands, many dikes and levees are especially susceptible to drought as many dikes consist partly of peat. In practice, during periods of drought extensive field inspections are undertaken to assess possible damage caused by this drying. This process is laborious and expensive, with often uncertain effects while assessing only visual signs of dryness at the dikes surface. As satellite information has become more available and with higher temporal and spatial resolution, a study is underway to assess the use of satellite remote sensing for inspection and monitoring of dikes. This study is being supported by a scientific grant from the Dutch government. In addition to the assessment of satellite potential – which is conducted with various specialized remote sensing organisations – it involves the evaluation and where required reformulation of the inspection process in a broad sense. This also involves more detailed geological and hydrological evaluations, classifications, and modeling. Feasibility and subsequent implementation results are expected in early 2017.
