PhD in Satellite (space) Monitoring of Built Infrastructure

PGR-P-1396

Key facts

Type of research degree: PhD
Application deadline: Ongoing deadline
Project start date: Thursday 1 October 2026
Country eligibility: International (open to all nationalities, including the UK)
Funding: Non-funded
Supervisors: Professor David Connolly
Schools: School of Civil Engineering
Research groups/institutes: Cities and Infrastructure, Materials and Structures

<h2 class="heading hide-accessible">Summary</h2>

Satellite monitoring and Earth Observation technologies are rapidly changing how engineers monitor, inspect and manage infrastructure and the natural environment. This research theme focuses on using satellite data, remote sensing, Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), multispectral imaging and AI to monitor built infrastructure performance. Core areas of investigation include the network scale monitoring of linear assets like railways and highways to prevent track and road structure subsidence. The theme also targets the precise tracking of structural displacement and support pier subsidence over time for bridges and buildings. Additionally, it covers the large scale detection of underground pipe leaks and soil moisture anomalies for water utilities. Research within this theme can be adapted to suit a wide range of engineering and scientific backgrounds, allowing you to design a tailored project. By integrating spaceborne data with structural analysis, this theme aims to advance predictive asset management across global infrastructure networks.

<h2 class="heading hide-accessible">Full description</h2>

<h3 data-path-to-node="4">Detailed Description</h3> The management of civil infrastructure is transitioning towards data driven methodologies powered by spaceborne remote sensing technologies. Traditional structural health monitoring often relies on localized, ground based sensors or manual inspections, which are difficult to scale across expansive regional networks. This research theme explores how satellite observations can provide continuous, wide area diagnostic data for critical built assets. A primary methodology within this theme is the use of Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) to capture millimetric surface deformations over time. For linear assets such as rail networks and highways, these spaceborne data streams enable the identification of gradual ballast, embankment, or pavement settlement before major failures occur. For complex vertical structures like bridges and high rise buildings, long term satellite archives allow for the history tracking of structural tilt, pier settlement, and thermal expansion cycles. Furthermore, multispectral imaging and soil moisture mapping can be integrated to help water utilities identify buried pipeline leaks by detecting localized vegetation anomalies and unexpected soil moisture shifts. This theme investigates the computational frameworks needed to convert raw satellite signals into actionable engineering indicators. <h3 data-path-to-node="7">Why This Research is Important</h3> Aging infrastructure and accelerating urban growth are placing unprecedented strain on asset managers worldwide. Manual asset inspection is inherently resource intensive, potentially hazardous, and incapable of providing continuous network coverage. Undetected structural movements can lead to catastrophic consequences, including train derailments, pavement failure, structural collapse, or massive water resource losses. This research theme is critical because it introduces a proactive, scalable, and cost effective approach to global asset protection. Using satellite monitoring allows for the early detection of structural anomalies across thousands of kilometers of infrastructure simultaneously. By flagging localized risks early, asset owners can optimize maintenance schedules, use resources more efficiently, and prevent major operational disruptions. This research directly supports the creation of safer, more intelligent, and more resilient urban environments. <h3 data-path-to-node="10">Example PhD Research Topics</h3> <ul data-path-to-node="11"> <li> Wide area InSAR monitoring for tracking railway track and highway embankment subsidence </li> <li> Satellite based structural displacement tracking for aging bridges and high rise structures </li> <li> Spaceborne multispectral imaging for locating leakage and soil moisture anomalies in water networks </li> <li> Integrating Earth Observation data with structural digital twins for predictive maintenance </li> <li> Machine learning frameworks for automated anomaly detection in large scale InSAR time series datasets </li> <li> Assessing the impact of seasonal groundwater extraction on urban building foundation stability </li> </ul> <h3 data-path-to-node="12">Methods and Techniques</h3> <ul data-path-to-node="13"> <li> Multi temporal Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) processing for deformation tracking </li> <li> Multispectral and hyperspectral image analysis for infrastructure condition monitoring </li> <li> Time series data analysis and signal processing for structural health tracking </li> <li> Artificial Intelligence and computer vision for automated asset defect mapping </li> <li> Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for spatial modeling and risk mapping </li> <li> Data fusion techniques combining satellite data with ground based structural sensors </li> </ul> <h3 data-path-to-node="14">Suitable Academic Backgrounds</h3> <ul data-path-to-node="15"> <li> Civil Engineering or Structural Engineering </li> <li> Geomatics Engineering or Remote Sensing </li> <li> Computer Science or Data Analytics </li> <li> Geography or Earth Sciences </li> <li> Applied Mathematics or Physics </li> </ul> <h3 data-path-to-node="16">FAQ</h3> <ul data-path-to-node="17"> <li> Can I propose my own PhD topic? Yes, the themes above are a guide only. </li> <li> Can I bring my own funding? Yes, I welcome applicants who are funded through government scholarships, employers or self funding. </li> <li> Do I need funding before contacting you? You should have at least identified your planned funder and commenced your application. </li> <li> Can I study interdisciplinary topics? Yes. Many of my current research interests combine multiple disciplines. </li> <li> When can I start? Start dates are in spring and autumn. Full details dates are available elsewhere on the University website. </li> </ul> Useful links <ul> <li data-path-to-node="15,0,0" style="margin-left:8px"><a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/civil-engineering/staff/1204/prof-david-p-connolly" style="color:#467886; text-decoration:underline">University Profile</a> </li> <li data-path-to-node="15,1,0" style="margin-left:8px"><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/drdavidconnolly/" style="color:#467886; text-decoration:underline">LinkedIn</a></li> <li data-path-to-node="15,2,0" style="margin-left:8px"><a href="https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=jzkpu9IAAAAJ&hl=en" style="color:#467886; text-decoration:underline">Google Scholar</a></li> <li data-path-to-node="15,3,0" style="margin-left:8px"><a href="https://www.researchgate.net/profile/David-Connolly-7" style="color:#467886; text-decoration:underline">ResearchGate</a></li> <li data-path-to-node="15,4,0" style="margin-left:8px"><a href="https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3950-8704" style="color:#467886; text-decoration:underline">ORCID</a></li> <li data-path-to-node="15,5,0" style="margin-left:8px"><a href="https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?authorId=35098220800" style="color:#467886; text-decoration:underline">Scopus</a></li> </ul>

<h2 class="heading">How to apply</h2>

Formal applications for research degree study should be made online through the <a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/research-applying/doc/applying-research-degrees">University's website</a>. Please state clearly in Planned Course of Study section that you are applying for PhD Civil Engineering FT, in the research information section that the research degree you wish to be considered for is Satellite monitoring of civil infrastructure as well as <a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/civil-engineering/staff/1204/prof-david-p-connolly">Professor David Connolly</a> as your proposed supervisor and in the finance section, please state clearly the funding that you are applying for, if you are self-funding or externally sponsored. If English is not your first language, you must provide evidence that you meet the University's minimum English language requirements (below). Applications will be considered on an ongoing basis. Potential applicants are strongly encouraged to contact the supervisors for an informal discussion before making a formal application. We also advise that you apply at the earliest opportunity as the application and selection process may close early, should we receive a sufficient number of applications or that a suitable candidate is appointed. If you are applying for University or School Scholarships for 2026/27 entry, with external sponsorship or you are funding your own study, please ensure you provide your supporting documents at the point you submit your application: <ul> <li>Full Transcripts of all degree study or if in final year of study, full transcripts to date including the grading scheme</li> <li>Personal Statement outlining your interest in the project</li> <li>CV</li> </ul> As an international research-intensive university, we welcome students from all walks of life and from across the world. We foster an inclusive environment where all can flourish and prosper, and we are proud of our strong commitment to student education. Across all Faculties we are dedicated to diversifying our community and we welcome the unique contributions that individuals can bring, and particularly encourage applications from, but not limited to Black, Asian, people who belong to a minority ethnic community, people who identify as LGBT+ and people with disabilities. Applicants will always be selected based on merit and ability.

<h2 class="heading heading--sm">Entry requirements</h2>

Applicants to research degree programmes should normally have at least a first class or an upper second class British Bachelors Honours degree (or equivalent) in an appropriate discipline. The criteria for entry for some research degrees may be higher, for example, several faculties, also require a Masters degree. Applicants are advised to check with the relevant School prior to making an application. Applicants who are uncertain about the requirements for a particular research degree are advised to contact the School or Graduate School prior to making an application.

<h2 class="heading heading--sm">English language requirements</h2>

The minimum English language entry requirement for research postgraduate research study is an IELTS of 6.0 overall with at least 5.5 in each component (reading, writing, listening and speaking) or equivalent. The test must be dated within two years of the start date of the course in order to be valid. Some schools and faculties have a higher requirement.

<h2 class="heading">Funding on offer</h2>

Self-Funded or externally sponsored students are welcome to apply. Scholarship opportunities open from October 2025 UK – The <a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/209-leeds-doctoral-scholarships-2024">Leeds Doctoral Scholarship</a> (closing date: 1 April 2026) and <a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/234-leeds-opportunity-research-scholarship-2022">Leeds Opportunity Research Scholarship</a> (closing date: 1 April 2026) are available to UK applicants. <a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/60-alumni-bursary">Alumni Bursary</a> is available to graduates of the University of Leeds. Non-UK – The <a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/48-china-scholarship-council-university-of-leeds-scholarships-2021">China Scholarship Council - University of Leeds Scholarship</a> is available to nationals of China (closing date: 7 January 2026). The <a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/73-leeds-marshall-scholarship">Leeds Marshall Scholarship</a> is available to support US citizens. <a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/60-alumni-bursary">Alumni Bursary</a> is available to graduates of the University of Leeds. Please note that if you are successful in securing an academic offer for PhD study, this does not mean that you have been successful in securing an offer of funding. If you are applying for the Leeds Doctoral Scholarship, Leeds Opportunity Research Scholarship, China Scholarship Council-University of Leeds Scholarship or Leeds Marshall Scholarship, you will need to complete a separate application, specific to these scholarships, to be considered for funding. You will be responsible for paying the overtime fee in full in your writing up/overtime year (£340 in Session 2025/26), but the scholarship maintenance allowance will continue to be paid for up to 6 months in the final year of award. Important: Please note that that the award does not cover the costs associated with moving to the UK. All such costs (<a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/international-visas-immigration/doc/applying-student-visa">visa, Immigration Health Surcharge</a>, flights etc) would have to be met by yourself, or you will need to find an alternative funding source. Please refer to the <a href="https://www.ukcisa.org.uk/">UKCISA</a> website for information regarding Fee Status for Non-UK Nationals.

<h2 class="heading">Contact details</h2>

For further information about your application, please contact PGR Admissions by email to <a href="mailto:phd@engineering.leeds.ac.uk">phd@engineering.leeds.ac.uk</a> For further information about this project, please contact Professor David Connolly by email to <a href="mailto:D.Connolly@leeds.ac.uk">D.Connolly@leeds.ac.uk</a>