PILLAR vs. inspections, sensors and InSAR services.
Different tools for different questions, and how they fit together.
Comparison
PILLAR sits in front of the methods you already use.
Each method answers a different question. PILLAR answers “which structure, and which part of it, should we look at first?” and then hands over to inspections, sensors and surveys.
| Periodic inspection / diagnosis | On-structure sensors (SHM) | InSAR data services | PILLAR | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Statutory condition assessment | Continuous measurement at set points | Wide-area displacement data | Portfolio priority screening |
| Coverage | Structures visited | Installed points | Wide areas | Every registered structure |
| What it measures | Visual, material and structural condition | Strain, tilt, displacement | Ground and asset movement | Displacement + material degradation + age |
| Equipment on site | Crew and tools | Installation and upkeep | None | None |
| Updates | Fixed cycles | Real time to minutes | Varies by service | 12-day revisit, quarterly review suggested |
| Uncertainty | Expert judgement | Sensor precision | Coherence indicators | p10/p50/p90 and a quality gate |
| Output | Statutory report | Time series per sensor | Maps and data | 0–100 index, A–E grade, action queue, PDF |
| Legal standing | Statutory | Owner monitoring | Data service | Internal screening only |
General comparison of method types, not of specific companies. Services vary by provider and project.
Working together
How PILLAR hands over.
Before inspections
Choose priority structures and focus the next routine inspection on the top drivers.
With sensors
Decide where sensors go first and compare sensor, levelling and GNSS results on the same screen.
On top of InSAR
Add material degradation and age to displacement, so ageing is not missed where nothing moves.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
How is PILLAR different from InSAR data services?
InSAR services measure movement precisely. PILLAR adds material degradation models and age to that displacement and turns it into a per-structure index and inspection priority.
We already have sensors. Do we need PILLAR?
Sensors see their installed points well. PILLAR screens the structures and sections without sensors on the same basis and uses sensor results for comparison.
Related pages
Work with us
Start with a screening pilot.
No equipment on site. We screen your structures from public satellite and climate data first, then compare the priority list with your own inspection and survey results.