Damage Patterns from Satellite Images of the 2003 Bam, Iran, Earthquake

High-resolution (0.6m) commercial satellite images contain a wealth of information for mapping earthquake damage. Satellite images of the city of Bam, acquired on 30 September 2003 (pre-earthquake) and 03 January 2004 (post-earthquake), were obtained and used to distinguish damage patterns across the city. Comparisons between pre- and post-earthquake images clearly show structural damage and collapse. Using spectral (color) and textural information from the post-earthquake image, regions of damage were identified using a semi-automated computer-based algorithm. This analysis indicates that the damage within the city of Bam was concentrated in the eastern sections of the city. The extent of damage in some sections of the city reached 100%. The results from this study not only provide information regarding damage patterns for the city of Bam, but they also illustrate the potential for using satellite images to understand and document earthquake effects during future earthquakes.