DEVELOPPEMENT DE PRODUITS 3D INNOVANTS POUR LES BESOINS DU SECTEUR DE L'ASSURANCE EN CAS D’EVENEMENTS DE FORTS VENTS

Abstract

Extreme wind events such as thunderstorms, tornadoes, hurricanes, typhoons, etc. can be responsible for disasters in terms of human lives, but also in terms of assets. Considering that these events represent a worldwide threat, it is a particularly interesting topic for the insurance sector. Indeed, being able to accurately and quickly identify the impact of such climatic phenomena on buildings, energy or forestry assets is currently a real challenge. In this context, Earth Observation satellite data represent an undeniable benefit for developing such innovative solutions. However, satellite remote sensing is currently facing several technical obstacles to map the impact of extreme wind events, the main one being probably the satellite imagery low temporal and spatial resolution. Indeed, since the extent of damages is often very limited spatially, using imagery with spatial resolution around or below one meter is required. Furthermore, the consequences of sun illumination, shadow areas, relief or even clouds can affect imagery quality, with a negative impact on damage detection. The objective is to develop a new service with innovative damage mapping products based on 3D data over the impacted areas. This requires the generation of Digital Surface Models (DSM) from stereoscopic satellite images acquired before and after the catastrophic event, combining the resulting DSM layers for improving the damage detection. These cutting-edge satellite sensor capabilities, offering sub-meter spatial resolution and 3D capacities, bring enhanced accuracy for damage estimations, to quantify economic losses, and evaluate changes to the landscape.