Ground Deformation Analysis based on DGPS Measurements (GDM – Tool)

GDM – Tool is developed in Python language of ArcGIS software, especially, in Model Builder Environment to produce ground deformation maps using GPS measurements. The ground deformation analysis of a region is very important in order to study the ground deformation, which is attributed to various causes as tectonics, geodynamics, subsidence etc. Ground Deformation Analysis using GDM – Tool (Ground Deformation Maps based on GPS) has been implemented in various regions (Cephalonia and Zakynthos Islands, Atalanti Fault Zone, Larissa Basin, etc.) during research projects and studies at NKUA, Faculty of Geology and Geoenvironment, Department of Geophysics-Geothermics.

The management of all the data aiming to ground deformation thematic layers and maps including the useful descriptive information is complicate. The data management can be carried out automatically using the “GDM – Tool”. It is important that these layers can be compiled with other data in a GIS database for map and diagram production, as well as for easier conclusions extraction.

Horizontal and Vertical Deformation Maps Creation

• Horizontal deformation (in vector format), from GPS receivers, is illustrated as arrows which indicate the direction of the displacement. The length of the arrow depends on the horizontal deformation. The error of horizontal displacement is illustrated as circle at the end of each arrow. The radius of the circle depends on the error.
• Vertical displacement (in grid format, applied IDW algorithm of ArcGIS) from GPS receivers, is illustrated as a colour scale from blue (small deformation) to red (high deformation).