One of the most difficult challenges for pipeline operators is the detection of small-scale excavation works that last only a single day. Such activities leave little trace and are rarely identified through traditional right-of-way monitoring methods, such as car patrols or helicopter inspections, unless the works are observed while actively ongoing.

Satellite-based monitoring offers a higher observation frequency compared to aerial inspections and has already demonstrated its ability to detect more short-duration activities (Gasunie and Orbital Eye – Operational assessment of satellite-based right-of-way inspections, Alexander Blauw, PTC 2024). However, even for satellites, very short events remain a challenge: radar satellites still depend on coinciding with active works, while high-resolution optical satellites do not always acquire imagery over the relevant pipeline sections.

To address this gap, a study was carried out in cooperation with SLOVNAFT a.s to assess the potential of detecting short-duration excavation works using daily 3 meter multi-spectral imagery. This type of data offers three main advantages: 1) daily acquisitions maximize the likelihood of capturing ongoing works, 2) multi-spectral analysis increases sensitivity to ground disturbances, and 3) medium-resolution imagery provides a cost-effective solution for large-scale pipeline networks.

Over a two-month period, more than 15 small and short-duration works were studied with satellite data and subsequently validated in the field by SLOVNAFT a.s. This study presents the outcomes of the demonstration, including an assessment of detection performance, a reflection on the strengths and limitations of the technology, and a forward-looking discussion of which types of activities can realistically be detected with satellites in the future.