Analysing GNSS network data for deformation monitoring in multi-scale, multi-temporal civil engineering applications

Deformation monitoring is a key element to develop strategies of resilience and sustainability in civil engineering infrastructure and measures against geohazards. A network of GNSS stations provides a means to monitor the motions of engineering structures and enables both localised (e.g. single points) and larger scale (e.g. national) structural movements to be detected, over time scales of seconds to years.

Most of the strategies in GNSS network data analysis are based on (i) constant GNSS station velocities, (ii) modelling of GNSS data periodic signals and (iii) least squares methods to adjust measurement errors. Such strategies are deterministic approaches, where specific conditions/constraints are applied (e.g. constant velocity) to model the behaviour of the GNSS stations. Furthermore, each GNSS station is analysed individually, without examining the behaviour of other GNSS stations, both nearby and further afield, at which similar behaviour may be occurring.

This research project will use to-be-developed techniques, following less deterministic approaches (e.g. artificial intelligence) in the analysis of the GNSS network data and adopting spatial analysis methods which treat the GNSS data as part of a network. It is hypothesised that these approaches could enable the extraction of more information regarding the behaviour of the GNSS data, either related locally to a GNSS-specific station or related to a region of the GNSS network.

The aim of this project is to develop a methodology where the GNSS network data will be analysed in both the time and space domains and identify the behaviour of the GNSS data of the stations, as individual GNSS stations and as part of the network. This methodology will be applied to deformation monitoring scenarios from a broad range of engineering projects; (i) multi-scale projects, from small scale civil engineering structures (e.g. bridges) to larger scale including the field of geohazards (e.g. ground motion) and (ii) multi-temporal deformations, from short-term (e.g. bridge vibration) to long-term deformation (e.g. land subsidence).

We have identified the potential impact of the CDT in consultation with 44 partner organisations, ensuring we are meeting the needs of potential beneficiaries. The impacts that we will develop robust pathways to achieve include:

Economic:
Our graduates will be a key pool of knowledge and skills to deliver the annual £11bn of economic benefit to the UK from 'opening-up' geospatial data. Their advanced skills in a rapidly changing technological field will help the UK geospatial industry realise the predicted global annual growth of 13.8% and transform the use of geospatial data and technology in smart cities, urban-infrastructure resilience, energy systems and structural monitoring.
Through continuous two-way engagement with our partners we will shape and deliver industry relevant PhD projects that apply students' unique training. Ongoing knowledge exchange with industry will be facilitated through regular interaction with the centre, the Industrial Advisory Board and partner participation at the Innovation Festival, CDT Assembly and Challenge Week events. We will work with the recently announced £80m Geospatial Commission to ensure the translation of new methods, techniques and technology to the broadest possible user base; using our partnerships with professional bodies to recognise the opportunities and challenges to realising the economic benefits of geospatial data.
SME and start-ups are will be major drivers of global geospatial industry growth. Innovation and entrepreneurial training will position our graduates to act as a catalyst of the growth needed in the UK to remain internationally competitive. Working with Satellite and Digital Catapults, and the £30million National Innovation Centre for Data, we will foster a 'full-circle' engagement with SME's and start-ups; to ensure our graduates understand the drivers for innovation, facilitate co-production and ensure the timely adoption of academic driven advances for economic growth.

Societal:
We have recognised the significant role geospatial data will play in providing the evidence for improved planning and response to significant global societal problems. The interdisciplinary PhD research conducted within the CDT will provide new insight and understanding in climate impacts and adaption, sustainable cities, and healthy living and aging. Our graduates will engage with key international and national organisations (e.g., Cities Resilience Programme of the World Bank, UK National Infrastructure Commission) to ensure the widest adoption of their research.

Academic:
Our graduates will form the next generation of geospatial scientists and engineers vital for interdisciplinary research at the engineering-societal-environment nexus. Their combined skills in geospatial technology and methods, along with advanced mathematical, statistical and computing skills, will provide the UK with a unique resource pool of academic leaders. The research produced by the centre, sustained and embedded by the skilled workforce it creates, will help address the Grand Challenges of the UK Industrial Strategy; AI and the Data Driven Economy, Future Mobility and an Aging Society.

To maximize academic outreach we will provide a Geospatial Systems Resource Portal that will allow researchers to access the new techniques and methods developed. Software and related methods will be open source, and tutorials and training guides will be developed as a matter of routine. We will organise CPD courses based on our unique integrated training in Geospatial Systems, open to cohorts from other CDTs within the digital economy space. We will foster cross-UKRI translation and learning by working with related CDTs; the ESRC CDT in Data Analytics and Society and NERC CDT in Data, Risks and Environmental Analytical Methods. Via our 9 international research partners our unique training approach and strong emphasis on interdisciplinary research will become internationally impactful.