Special Issue Editorial: “Remote sensing in structural health monitoring”

<p dir="ltr">Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) plays an indispensable role in ensuring the safety and longevity of critical infrastructure, including bridges [<a href="https://www.mdpi.com/2072-4292/16/24/4748#B1-remotesensing-16-04748" target="_blank">1</a>,<a href="https://www.mdpi.com/2072-4292/16/24/4748#B2-remotesensing-16-04748" target="_blank">2</a>], tunnels [<a href="https://www.mdpi.com/2072-4292/16/24/4748#B3-remotesensing-16-04748" target="_blank">3</a>,<a href="https://www.mdpi.com/2072-4292/16/24/4748#B4-remotesensing-16-04748" target="_blank">4</a>], wind turbines [<a href="https://www.mdpi.com/2072-4292/16/24/4748#B5-remotesensing-16-04748" target="_blank">5</a>,<a href="https://www.mdpi.com/2072-4292/16/24/4748#B6-remotesensing-16-04748" target="_blank">6</a>], and skyscrapers [<a href="https://www.mdpi.com/2072-4292/16/24/4748#B7-remotesensing-16-04748" target="_blank">7</a>,<a href="https://www.mdpi.com/2072-4292/16/24/4748#B8-remotesensing-16-04748" target="_blank">8</a>]. As global infrastructure ages, the risk of damage and deterioration significantly increases. Traditional structural maintenance methods rely on regular manual inspections, which are time-consuming and costly, and often fail to detect early-stage damage, only identifying issues once they have escalated. This limitation is especially pronounced for remote or difficult-to-access infrastructure where frequent maintenance is challenging. Consequently, SHM systems based on sensor networks and data analysis have emerged as a preferable alternative. These systems enable real-time, continuous monitoring, allowing early detection of structural damage in its nascent stages and thus preventing major accidents. This proactive approach is essential for extending infrastructure lifespans, reducing maintenance costs, and enhancing public safety.