From EGMS to Potential Damage Maps: Assessing the Potential Impact of Ground Motion on Exposed Buildings

Investigating building deformation due to differential settlements is a challenging task, particularly over large areas; however, with the advancement of remote sensing techniques such investigations have now become feasible. One notable development is the European Ground Motion Service (EGMS), a product of the Copernicus Land Monitoring Service of the European Union. EGMS provides high precision, homogeneous ground motion monitoring data across Europe, which are freely accessible to the public. In this research, we aim to propose a methodology that leverages this service to convert EGMS raw data into interpretable, easy-to-use maps, applicable for urban risk mitigation at scales ranging from local to continental. Whereas previous studies have mainly focused on small areas, our approach provides the advantage of enabling national-scale mapping with building-level detail. The proposed methodology introduces a tool for automatically analyzing the differential deformations of individual buildings. Additionally, their potential impact is assessed by integrating supplementary data. By leveraging the EGMS Basic product in ascending geometry, spanning from 2015 to 2021, we generated a Spanish nationwide differential deformation map. This map highlights 2,958 buildings vulnerable to damage due to differential settlements. This map is available through a WebGIS platform, allowing users to explore the results. To enrich the analysis, the differential deformation map was complemented by considering the deformation velocity as deformation intensity factor. Then by including building age, assuming older buildings are more vulnerable, the potential damage intensity map was generated. Subsequently, population data were added to take the first step in evaluating the potential impact of the differential deformations on residents, resulting in the creation of a potential impact map. These types of maps are useful to support territorial management or house insurance companies, enabling more effective response decision-making. The proposed analysis is demonstrated over the area of Torremolinos, Málaga (southern Spain), which is experiencing subsidence due to excessive underground water extraction. Finally, to validate the results and show the reliability of the analysis, a survey was performed to assess the real damage level of the buildings.