Spatiotemporal Evolution of Post-Mining Deformations in Pécs, Hungary: A Multi-Sensor Approach Using Comparative Assessment of PS-InSAR and Geodetic Data

Post-mining surface uplift has affected the northeastern part of Pécs, Hungary, since the closure of underground coal mines in the 1990s. This study synthesises 30 years of SAR data (ERS, Envisat, and Sentinel-1) with geodetic surveys, groundwater monitoring, and over 900 residential damage reports to investigate the spatiotemporal evolution of this deformation. In densely built urban environments, Persistent Scatterer Interferometry (PS-InSAR) provides spatially detailed complementary data measurements to traditional levelling, particularly where survey lines offer limited coverage. The performed combined analysis tracked deformation from initial uplift through stabilisation, revealing a clear transition: while early lower-order measurements showed limited correlation, modern Sentinel-1 data and high-order geodetic surveys (post-2014) demonstrate a robust correlation (R = 0.65). The cross-correlation of InSAR results with geodetic and hydrogeological records revealed that aquifer recovery by the 2010s coincided with the onset of surface stability. While over 90% of 1990s residential damage claims fell within measured deformation zones, this relationship weakened over time, with recent claims showing little spatial connection with ground movements. This highlights the complementary strengths of InSAR and geodetic techniques. It demonstrates the value of integrating geotechnical and socio-economic datasets, providing a transferable framework for reliable deformation monitoring and risk management in post-mining urban environments.