Remote sensing for terrain analysis of linear infrastructure projects

Abstract This paper examines recent developments in remote sensing applied to civil engineering projects, particularly those involving terrain analysis of linear infrastructure features. Applications using high-resolution satellite data (e.g. IKONOS and Quickbird), laser altimetry and digital elevation models (DEMs) are discussed. Guidelines are given for the stages of a project in which different remote sensing techniques could be employed. The case is also made for greater use of archive remote sensing datasets, which can be a valuable source of information about landscape dynamics.