SATELLITE APPLICATIONS IN POST-EARTHQUAKE BUILDING ASSESSMENT: PROSPECTS AND LIMITATIONS

Following major earthquakes, the conventional approach to assessing building conditions involves on-site inspections, a process that proves both time-consuming and resource-intensive in terms of personnel and finances. To establish a comprehensive understanding of satellite applications in post-earthquake scenarios, a systematic review focused on optical and Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite images was carried out and is presented in this paper. Spanning the years 2004 to 2023, the bibliographical analysis, carried out using the Scopus database, employs a keyword-driven research methodology. This approach enables the selection and categorization of papers based on satellite image types and methodologies for gathering earthquake impact information. The review underscores the diverse range of satellite applications available for earthquake assessment. Also, the review reveals a predominant emphasis in the literature on large-scale damage assessments following major earthquakes, with limited attention is dedicated to specific structures and detailed damage analysis. Despite advancements in the fields, findings highlight that visual inspection and contact sensors still remain pivotal for comprehensive assessments at the detailed level. This identified gap underscores the need for further exploration in the realm of focused investigations on individual structures.