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High and very-high resolution remote sensing data provided by the processing of Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) images via Differential Interferometry techniques (DInSAR) allow detecting ground surface displacements that can be used in monitoring/control of urban areas and integrated within procedures aimed at analyzing the vulnerability of affected facilities (e.g. structures and infrastructure). In this regard, this paper presents the results of a study that combines DInSAR data and information gathered from damage surveys to buildings interacting with slow-moving landslides. In particular, relationships between cause (DInSAR-derived differential settlements of buildings) and effect (recorded building damages) are retrieved and empirical fragility and vulnerability curves (to be used for damage forecasting purposes) are generated. Considering the encouraging outcomes, the adopted methodological approach can be successfully integrated within a more general framework for the management of slow-moving landslide risk to which urban areas are exposed.

The paper discusses the potential of a DInSAR (Differential Synthetic Aperture Radar Interferometry) technique for the study of subsidence phenomena over large areas. The validation tests of low resolution DInSAR data, spanning the period 1992-2001, were carried out at a "municipal scale" in the urban area of Sarno (Italy), affected by ground surface settlements ascribed to groundwater withdrawals. The analysis was then extended to the whole Campanian Plain, with the same stratigraphic and structural settings as Sarno area, in order to use the remote sensed data as a tool for detecting, at regional scale, the most critical areas in terms of rate of the recorded settlements. At least five highly urbanised areas were identified as "unstable", thus addressing further investigations to deepen the relationship between the causes and the effects of the detected phenomena.