Using Satellite Imagery to Understand Impact of Conflict on Public Infrastructure, Mining and New Construction Activity

Using Satellite Imagery to Understand Impact of Conflict on Public Infrastructure, Mining and New Construction Activity#

Research Requiremnents and Ideas#

This exploratory analysis examines the impact of conflict and natural disasters on Myanmar’s infrastructure and construction activity. Infrastructure projects of interest include natural gas exploration, hydroelectric dams, roads, and other energy sector projects. Specifically, the team is inetrested in looking into one of these indicators -

Paused infrastructure projects - Projects that have been temporarily halted
Temporary disruptions - Short-term interruptions in project activities
Illegal mining activity - Detection of new unauthorized mining operations
Post-earthquake construction - New construction activity following seismic events

Priority Analysis Areas#

1. Earthquake Impact Assessment#

Focus on recovery efforts in earthquake-damaged areas including Sagaing, Mandalay, and Naypyidaw. Key questions include:

Is construction activity ongoing in affected areas?
Are there month-over-month (MoM) changes in recovery metrics?

Idea: Use existing Sentinel SAR satellite imagery to detect damaged areas, and continue to monitor them for detection of new construction, Supplement specific damaged regions with Planet data.

2. Strategic Infrastructure Projects#

Monitor progress of major bilateral infrastructure corridors and facilities:

China-Myanmar Economic Corridor
India-Myanmar Corridor (including Kaladan Multi-modal Transit Transport Project)
Deep Sea Port in Rakhine State
Residential, road, and infrastructure projects in Mandalay, Sagaing, and Nay Pyi Taw
Rakhine port and related infrastructure developments

3. Illegal Mining Activity Detection#

Existing Resources#

Using Satellite Imagery to Understand Impact of Conflict on Public Infrastructure, Mining and New Construction Activity

Contents