FR3039646A1 - METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR SEARCHING FOR WATER LOSSES THROUGH THE ANALYSIS OF IMAGES GENERATED BY REMOTE SENSING SYSTEMS - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a metodo (1) per ricercare perdite di una rete idrica. Detto metodo (1) includes: ottenere dati di georeferenziazione di una rete idrica (blocco 11); acquisire, sulla base dei dati di georeferenziazione della rete idrica, immagini generale da sistemi di telerilevamento, in which immagini acquisitima resembles a region of the terrestrial surface in cui si estende detta rete idrica (blocco 12); eseguire un'elaborazione delle immagini acquisite e dei dati di georeferenziazione della rete idrica e generare, sulla base dell'elaborazione eseguita, a digital mappa georeferenziata che mostra detta rete idrica ed a contenuto di umidità del terreno nella regione in cui si estende detta rete idrica (blockco 13); e rilevare e localizzare una o più perdite della rete idrica sulla based on the digital mappa georeferenziata generata (blocco 14). It consists of the following: (1) è caratterizzato dal fatto di acquisire (bloco 12), da almeno una banca dati (3) che memorizza immagini della general terrestrial area of the system of telerilevamento, solamente immagini che rappresentano a regione della terrestrial area in cui si estende la This is the position of the state of the art in the field of meteorology and meteorology.

Description

METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR SEARCHING FOR WATER LOSSES THROUGH ANALYSIS OF IMAGES GENERATED BY REMOTE SENSING SYSTEMS

TECHNICAL SECTOR OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the search for leaks of a water network, namely a generic network of pipes for transporting and / or distributing and / or conveying water. In particular, the present invention relates to a method and system for searching for leaks in a water network through the analysis of images generated by remote sensing systems.

STATE OF THE ART

As is widely known, leakage from a water network, for example an aqueduct, is a serious problem, both in economic terms as it involves economic damage to the administration / body / society that manages the water supply. network, only from the environmental point of view, since they involve the waste of a precious natural resource.

Water leakage may have various causes, such as, for example, a hole in a pipe, or a damaged cable gland, or the breakage of a connection joint between pipes, etc. The pressure output of the water produces a "sound", or better mechanical vibration, of a frequency between 300 and 3000 Hz, which propagates upstream and downstream at a speed that depends, among other things , the material constituting the tube, and the corresponding diameter and thickness.

Many of the methods currently used to search for water leaks are, therefore, based on the use of instruments that identify the sound, such as geophones. In particular, as is known, a geophone is an instrument equipped with a sensor, specifically a high sensitivity microphone, calibrated on the frequencies of the sound produced by a water leak. In use, an operator positions the geophone on the surface of the ground, along the guideline of a pipe to inspect and remains tuned to identify the presence of any leaks. As one can easily imagine, the methods of research of water leaks based on the use of geophones imply very long delays and very high costs since the research must be carried out step by step, along all the extension of the pipes. In addition, the reliability and accuracy of these methods depend on the auditory sensitivity and, therefore, the experience of the operators employed in the research.

An improvement in the search for water leaks has occurred thanks to the introduction of the famous correlators, namely electro-acoustic devices that represent an evolution of the geophones and which make it possible to locate with more precision a water leak. In particular, the correlators generally consist of a central unit to which are connected, with or without wire, two piezoelectric microphones with high sensitivity, which are positioned at the two ends of a pipe to be inspected and are able to pick and amplify the sounds that propagate along this conduct. The CPU is suitably programmed to determine, based on the signals picked up by the two piezoelectric microphones, the exact position of a possible leak, present along the pipe.

In addition, there are also methodologies based on the use of tracer gases, for example an inert gas consisting of a mixture of hydrogen (5%) and nitrogen (95%). These methodologies generally provide for: • complete emptying of the pipe to be inspected; • the filling of the pipe with the tracer gas; and finally, • performing a step-by-step check along the pipe guideline using an instrument or sensor capable of detecting the presence of the gas to identify the presence and position of the pipe. a leak along the pipe.

In addition, for the detection of water leaks, the so-called "step test" is sometimes used, namely specific tests (usually carried out at night), which provide for a selective search for leaks on individual sectors of the water network ( through the timely closing of specific valves).

All these methodologies involve very long search times, they are invasive for the end user and above all they do not provide optimal results, since they do not significantly reduce the presence of leaks.

In addition, these methodologies also involve rather high search costs. For example, assuming a search for water leaks over an area of 100 km2 where there is a water network consisting of 500 km of pipes, these research methodologies, which are generally characterized by an average cost of search of 150 euros per km, would involve a total search cost of about 75,000 euros. Recently, for the investigation and identification of leaks in pipes, ducts, water networks, etc., techniques based on the use of terrestrial surface images generated by remote sensing systems have also been proposed.

For example, EP1308 895 A2 (hereinafter identified, for simplicity of description, by Refl) describes a method for superimposing graphic representations of ground locations on images of ground locations after detection of the presence of a hardware failure or failures of man-made structures in these ground locations, said method comprising: providing an image sensor spaced from the ground and sequentially capturing a number of images thereof. ground locations; processing the captured digital images to determine the presence of a potential hardware failure in a human-made structure, in accordance with the predetermined coordinate positions that locate human-made structures in one or more of the captured digital images; the identification of landmarks in the ground locations corresponding to the same landmarks on the graphical representations of the ground location; and the superposition of the graphical representation with the landmarks on at least one of the captured digital images.

In addition, US 2010/092241 A1 (hereinafter identified, for simplicity, by Ref2) describes a technique for reducing leaks in irrigation canals. In particular, Ref2 teaches to reduce these leaks by carrying out the following operations: • obtaining aerial data from an irrigation channel, obtained by using an aerial image acquisition unit; • the identification of a body of water from the aerial image, • the analysis of water pixel brightness values of the water body to discern indicative disturbances of seepage water and • the emission of the location of the water infiltration site on a two-dimensional or three-dimensional screen.

In addition, Chapter 6 of Diofantos G. Hadjimitsis et al. under the title "Detection of water pipes and leaks in rural water supply networks using remote sensing techniques" (hereinafter identified, for simplicity, by Ref3) of the book "Remote Sensing" of Environment - Integrated Approaches ", InTech, July 10, 2013, ISBN 978-953-51-1152-8, describes various examples of image processing generated by remote sensing systems to identify water leaks.

In addition, EP 0 989 353 A2 (hereinafter identified, for simplicity, Ref4) describes a system for automated monitoring of a pipe, said monitoring being based on the integration and visualization of information relating to said conduct. In particular, according to Ref4, "pipeline data and satellite data are used to provide monitoring for a pipeline; satellite data is integrated with the pipeline data to produce an updated pipeline map; the updated pipeline map is then compared to a map of the previous pipeline to determine if the pipeline route or an environment around it has changed; the satellite data includes very high resolution satellite imagery (VHR) and the pipeline data includes location data which is a series of coordinates of a global positioning system (GPS).

Finally, US 2014/000348 A1 (hereinafter identified, for simplicity, by Ref5) describes a method for locating a leak of a pipe, said method comprising the following phases: • "local detection of an event in a driving; Generating at least one signal, encoded according to the detected event; and • detecting a frequency signature of said signal in images generated by a synthetic aperture radar ".

OBJECT AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The object of the present invention is to provide a method of searching for water leaks which in general makes it possible to overcome the disadvantages of the methods and techniques currently used and, in particular, to reduce the time and research costs, increase the reliability and accuracy of research and significantly reduce the presence of leaks in a water network.

This and other objects are achieved by the present invention insofar as it relates to a method and system for leakage of a water network as defined in the appended claims.

In particular, the method for searching for leaks in a water network according to the present invention comprises: a) obtaining data of georeferencing of a water network; b) acquiring, on the basis of the georeferencing data of the water network, images generated by remote sensing systems, in which the acquired images represent a region of the terrestrial surface where said water network extends; c) performing a processing of acquired images and georeferencing data of the water network and generating, on the basis of the processing performed, a georeferenced digital map which shows said water network and a soil moisture content in the water network; region where said water network extends; and d) detecting and locating one or more water network leaks based on the generated georeferenced digital map.

In detail, the leak detection method of a water network according to the present invention is characterized in that phase b) comprises acquiring, from at least one database, which stores images of the terrestrial surface, generated by remote sensing systems, only images that represent a region of the earth's surface where the water network extends and have been remotely sensed with meteorological conditions that meet predefined meteorological requirements.

Preferably, the phase b) comprises: • selecting, from the images stored in said data bank which stores images of the terrestrial surface, generated by remote-control systems, only images which represent a region of the terrestrial surface where extends the water network and has been remotely sensed with meteorological conditions that meet the predefined meteorological requirements, excluding any imagery that does not represent a region of the earth's surface where the water network extends and all the images that represent an area of the earth's surface where the water system extends and which have been remotely sensed with weather conditions that do not meet the predefined meteorological requirements; and acquiring, from said databank which stores terrestrial surface images generated by remote sensing systems, only selected images.

Suitably, phase b) comprises: • searching, in said database which stores images of the Earth's surface generated by remote sensing systems, images of a region of the earth's surface where the water network extends; and, for each image found, the control, on the basis of data retrieved from one or more meteorological data banks, of the meteorological conditions of the region where the water network extends on the date of the remote sensing of said image and acquiring said image only if the meteorological conditions satisfy said predefined meteorological requirements.

Preferably, the leaks of the water network are detected and located by performing an analysis of the soil moisture content, shown on the georeferenced digital map at or near said water network; in addition, still preferably, said predefined meteorological requirements are indicative of predefined meteorological conditions adapted to carry out said analysis of the soil moisture content.

Preferably, said georeferencing data comprise one or more georeferenced maps of the water network.

Preferably, phase b) comprises the acquisition of one or more of the following types of images: images remote sensed by a synthetic aperture radar, images remotely sensed by optical sensors, images remotely sensed by sensors operating in the spectrum of thermal infrared, multispectral images, hyperspectral images.

Preferably, phase b) comprises the acquisition of remote sensed images via satellite and / or aerial platforms. The invention also relates to a system configured to implement the leak detection method of a water network as defined above. The invention also relates to a computer product comprising parts of software code and / or firmware that are: executable by processing means; and • capable of ensuring that, when executed, said processing means implement the leak detection method of a water network, as defined above.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of the present invention, certain preferred embodiments, provided by way of non-limiting example, will now be illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings (not to scale). In addition, other features and advantages of the invention will emerge more clearly on reading the following description, made with reference to the appended drawings, in which: FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a method of searching for leaks of a water network according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2 shows an example of a georeferenced digital map generated by the implementation of the method of FIG. 1; and Figure 3 schematically illustrates a leakage system of a water network according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

The following description is provided to enable an industry technician to make and use the invention. Various modifications of the embodiments presented will be immediately apparent to those skilled in the art and the generic principles disclosed herein could be applied to other embodiments and applications without, however, departing from the scope of protection. of the present invention, as defined in the appended claims.

Thus, the present invention should not be construed as limited to the embodiments described and shown, but it should be given the broadest scope of protection, in accordance with the principles and features herein set forth and defined in the appended claims.

The present invention arises from the applicant's innovative idea of exploiting images provided by remote sensing systems, namely of observation of the Earth, in order to search for leaks of a water network.

Indeed, as we know, remote sensing systems provide images with high spatial resolution of the Earth's surface, which can be used for institutional, commercial, civil and military purposes, for example: • monitoring volcanic activities; • the prevention and management of environmental disasters (eg earthquakes); • control of oceans and coasts; • control of agricultural and forestry resources; • control of urbanization; • High-resolution technical and thematic mapping; • gas detection; • control of the hole in the ozone layer; and • control and analysis of the soil moisture.

With a specific reference to this last point, namely the control and analysis of soil moisture, to date, the use of images of areas of the earth's surface provided by remote sensing systems is well known. to generate images that show the moisture content (ie water) of the land in these areas, ie georeferenced maps of the soil moisture content. In this regard, it is possible to refer, for example, to Chapter 4, "Satellite Remote Sensing of Surface Soil Moisture" by BW Barrett and GP Petropoulos of GP Petropoulos' "Remote Sensing of Energy Fluxes and Soil Moisture Content". CRC Press 2013, pages 85-120, which presents a broad overview of: • satellite remote sensing technologies used for soil moisture analysis; and • methodologies for determining soil moisture content, based on satellite imagery through the use of these satellite remote sensing technologies.

In detail, Satellite Remote Sensing of Surface Soil Moisture describes various satellite Earth observation systems used for soil moisture analysis and based on the use of satellites equipped with: • passive electronic sensors designed to measure electromagnetic radiation at wavelengths between 0.4 and 2.5 μm, namely optical sensors; • Passive electronic sensors designed to measure electromagnetic radiation at wavelengths between 3.5 and 14 pm, ie in the Thermal InfraRed (TIR) spectrum; and • microwave-sensitive electronic sensors, namely at frequencies between 0.3 and 300 GHz (namely at wavelengths between 1 m and 1 mm), active and passive, in particular, respectively radar Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) and microwave radiometers.

As is known, the use of these sensors makes it possible to form, ie to generate, high resolution images of the earth's surface that can be used for soil moisture analysis purposes. Satellite Remote Sensing Surface Soil Moisture describes, in fact, also techniques for the processing of satellite images obtained by optical remote sensing, TIR, SAR, etc. ; these techniques make it possible to generate images that show the moisture content of the soil, namely georeferenced maps of the soil moisture content. Some techniques are used to process only satellite images obtained through a specific type of remote sensing, ie only optical images or TIR images or SAR images, etc. ; other techniques make it possible, on the other hand, to group together the information conveyed by images of different types, for example optical and TIR images, optical and microwave images, images obtained by means of micro-wave sensors. passive and active waves, etc.

As is known, each type of sensor has advantages and disadvantages compared to other types. For example, optical sensors provide excellent spatial resolutions, but can only operate daytime. In addition, the operating capacity of these sensors strongly depends on the atmospheric and meteorological conditions of the scene observed. On the contrary, TIR sensors can work both day and night, also providing excellent spatial resolution. Unfortunately, the operating capacity of TIR sensors is highly dependent on the weather and weather conditions of the observed scene.

SAR sensors are probably the best solution. Indeed, these sensors can operate both day and night, they also provide excellent spatial resolution and are substantially insensitive to the weather and weather conditions of the scene observed. As is well known, a SAR image of an area of the Earth's surface is formed by transmitting radar pulses to that area, by means of a SAR on an airborne or satellite platform and receiving signals from corresponding echo. By processing the received echo signals, it is therefore possible to form a high resolution image of the area observed by the SAR. Radar pulses transmitted by SAR can also penetrate soil and vegetation (to different depths depending on the type and composition of the terrain). Thus, a SAR system can provide, in addition to information on the surface, also information relating to the subsoil, such as information on soil moisture. To date, the number of satellite Earth observation missions based on SAR sensors is very high. In addition, this figure is intended to increase more and more over the next few years. All of this already implies today a vast availability of satellite SAR images of the Earth's surface, an availability that will increase more and more over the next few years.

In view of all the said advantages of satellite remote sensing SAR, a preferred embodiment of the present invention is based on the use of satellite SAR images of the Earth's surface. This preferred embodiment will be described in detail below, without, however, losing the generality of the invention. Indeed, it is important to underline the fact that the present invention can properly exploit, for leaks of a water network, also images generated by other types of remote sensing, for example an optical remote sensing, TIR, multispectral, hyperspectral, etc. in addition, or as an alternative to SAR remote sensing. In addition, the present invention can also conveniently exploit remotely sensed images, by means of air platforms, such as aircraft, drones, etc., in addition, or alternatively, satellite images.

Figure 1 schematically illustrates a method of searching for leaks of a water network (indicated as a whole by 1) according to said preferred embodiment of the present invention, based on the use of satellite SAR images of the Earth's surface.

As indicated in FIG. 1, the method 1 comprises, above all, the obtaining of georeferencing data of a water network to be inspected (block 11), where said georeferencing data preferably comprise one or more georeferenced maps of said water network. Suitably, said georeferencing data is provided by the administration / organization / society that manages the water network to be inspected. The georeferenced maps of the water network can be provided, for example, in Gauss Boaga 1984 32N or 33N format and suitably indicate all the conduits of interest, whether rigid or secondary.

Then, the method 1 comprises the acquisition, on the basis of the georeferencing data of the water network to be inspected (in particular on the basis of said georeferenced map (s) of the water network), satellite SAR images. a region of the earth's surface where said water network extends (block 12).

In particular, the acquisition of satellite SAR images (block 12) includes acquiring, from at least one database of satellite SAR images (ie one or more data banks that store SAR images satellites of the Earth's surface - data banks usable for this purpose, which may be of any type, namely private or public, free or paid, etc.), only images representing a region of the Earth's surface where extend the water network and have been remotely sensed with meteorological conditions that meet predefined meteorological requirements.

Preferably, the acquisition of the satellite SAR images (block 12) comprises: • selecting, among the satellite SAR images stored on said satellite SAR data bank, only satellite SAR images that represent a region of the earth's surface where the water network extends and have been remotely sensed with meteorological conditions that meet the predefined meteorological requirements, excluding all satellite SAR images that do not represent a region of the land surface where the water network extends and all satellite SAR images which represent a region of the earth's surface where the water network extends, but which have been remotely sensed with meteorological conditions which do not satisfy said predefined meteorological requirements; Acquiring, from said satellite SAR data bank, only the selected satellite SAR images.

Suitably, the acquisition of satellite SAR images (block 12) includes: • searching, in said satellite SAR image database, satellite SAR images of a region of the earth's surface where the water network extends; and, • for each satellite SAR image found, the control, on the basis of data retrieved from one or more meteorological data banks, of the meteorological conditions of the area where the water network extends on the date of the remote sensing of said satellite SAR image and the acquisition of said satellite SAR image only if the meteorological conditions meet these predefined meteorological requirements.

Preferably, said predefined meteorological requirements are indicative of predefined meteorological conditions adapted to perform an analysis of the moisture content of the soil. For example, it would be possible to select and therefore acquire only satellite SAR images that were remotely sensed after N days after the last rain or snowfall in the area where the water network extends (where N is a number). integer greater than zero, for example N = 10).

Therefore, the selective acquisition of only remotely sensed satellite SAR images with appropriate weather conditions to perform a soil moisture analysis allows: • to discard remote sensed imagery with weather conditions that are not suitable for content analysis moisture (ie water) from the soil, or even interfering with it (for example, remotely sensed images during periods of heavy rainfall or snowfall); and • select only remotely sensed images with meteorological conditions suitable for analysis of soil moisture content (eg, remotely sensed images for periods of stable quiet weather and / or dry climate). In this regard, it is important to note that none of the currently known techniques, which exploit images of the Earth's surface, generated by remote sensing systems for the research and identification of water leaks, in particular none of the techniques described in Refl, Ref2, Ref3, Ref4 and Ref5, does not provide a control of the weather conditions of remote sensing images; in particular, none of the techniques described in Refl, Ref2, Ref3, Ref4 and Ref5 provides for selective acquisition of only the remotely sensed images with appropriate meteorological conditions to perform an analysis of the soil moisture content.

In addition, it should also be emphasized that none of the said documents Refl, Ref2, Ref3, Ref4 and Ref5 refer, even briefly, to the fact that the meteorological conditions for the remote sensing of images may have, as explained above, an impact (sometimes very strong) on the performance of sensors used for remote sensing (eg optical sensors and / or TIR) and, therefore, also on the results of the same techniques for identifying and identifying water leaks, which exploit images generated by remote sensing systems.

It is also important to note that Ref3 cites (on this subject, we can refer to the first nine lines of paragraph 4.3 on page 164 of Ref3) a pretreatment of satellite images, this pretreatment comprising a geometric correction and an atmospheric correction of the images. . Naturally, as is well known in the satellite remote sensing sector, the atmospheric correction of images generated by remote sensing satellite systems serves only to eliminate (or to attempt to eliminate) possible artifacts present in the satellite images due to to atmospheric phenomena (such as clouds, veils, fog, etc.), but it is absolutely not comparable to the selective acquisition according to the present invention (block 12), based on the control of remote sensing meteorological conditions images.

Therefore, in the light of the above, the results achieved through the implementation of Method 1 are extremely reliable and accurate, in particular they are much more accurate and reliable than those obtained through techniques described in Refl, Ref2, Ref3, Ref4 and Ref5, thanks to the fact of excluding a priori and, therefore, not to use for the search and the identification of water leaks, all the remote sensed images with meteorological conditions unsuitable for the analysis of soil moisture content, or even interfering with it.

In addition, the method 1 also comprises: the realization of a processing of the acquired satellite SAR images and georeferencing data of the water network to be inspected, in particular of said georeferenced map (s) of the water network. and generating, on the basis of the processing performed, a georeferenced digital map which shows said water network and soil moisture content in the region where said water network (block 13) extends; and detecting and locating one or more water network leaks based on the georeferenced digital map (block 14).

Suitably, the leak detection and location phase of the water network (block 14) is based on an analysis of the georeferenced digital map, said analysis being intended to identify the areas where the water network passes (or which are immediately adjacent to the pipes of the water network) and where the moisture content of the soil is high (for example it is higher than a predefined indicative threshold of an average humidity value of the surrounding land).

FIG. 2 shows an example of a georeferenced digital map generated by method 1. In particular, the map of FIG. 2, which shows a water network and the moisture content of the soil in the region where the said area extends. water network, shows the water leaks detected through the execution of method 1, as well as other elements identified on the processed satellite images (in particular, the roof of a building, a roof covered with photovoltaic panels and an agricultural field).

Using the method 1, it is therefore possible to send an operator to identified geographical locations for a final field search (performed, for example, using a geophone), in order to find the leak or better to identify the cause of the leak and, therefore, to make sure to eliminate it.

Process 1 can be conveniently implemented by means of a timely electronic system. In this regard, Figure 3 illustrates schematically illustrated a water network leakage search system (generally indicated as 2) which is adapted to perform the method 1, in particular which comprises programmed processing means 21 means of a software code and / or a suitable firmware) to implement the method 1.

Preferably, the system 2 also comprises user interface means 22, designed to allow a user to enter data and / or to transmit commands (for example by means of a keyboard and / or a mouse and / or touch screen) and to display the results of the searches carried out, in particular to display on a screen the georeferenced digital maps with the indication of the identified leaks.

In addition, the system 2 is suitably configured to connect (for example via one or more telecommunication networks) to: • at least one databank 3, which stores satellite SAR images of the earth's surface in order to perform research, selection and acquisition of satellite SAR images; and, preferably, also at least one weather data bank 4, for selecting the satellite SAR images, based on the weather control. From the foregoing description, the innumerable advantages of the present invention are immediately obvious.

In particular, it is important to underline the fact that the present invention significantly reduces the time and cost of finding a water leak, compared to current research methodologies and techniques "in the field" of leakage. based on the use of geophones, correlators, tracer gases, step tests, etc. The present invention makes it possible, in fact, to remotely control a water network in a very short time compared to those required for field research carried out by operators over the entire water network extension (as previously explained, with the present invention, the use of operators is limited only to the last phase of identification and repair of leaks, at geographical locations identified by the use, precisely, of the present invention).

In detail, the present invention offers the following advantages: • high reliability and high accuracy in identifying and locating the leak; • possibility to estimate the size of the leaks identified, as well as to predict the potential annoyances caused by these leaks; • increased response speed in identifying and classifying leaks with a consequent reduction in water production and distribution costs; • drastic reduction of the presence of leaks in a water network; • immediate visualization of leaks on a georeferenced digital map; • no extension limit; • points identified in high resolution (approximately 5 m); • non-invasive and non-harmful technology for the environment; • no inconvenience to end users • reduced costs, risks and labor required to search and repair pipes; • Reduced costs for maintenance, for machining, for products used, etc. ; • reduction of costs for the water supply of equipment; • short payback period; • zero bureaucracy.

In addition, referring again to the previous hypothesis of search for water leaks over an area of 100 km2 where is a water network consisting of 500 km of pipes, we draw attention to the fact that the present invention in this case, would imply a total cost of 40 000/50 000 euros, with savings of 30/40% compared to the 75 000 euros required with current water leak detection processes, based on the use of geophones, correlators, tracer gases, step tests, etc.

In addition, it is important to emphasize again that the results obtained using the present invention are much more accurate and reliable than those obtained using the techniques described in Refl, Ref2, Ref3, Ref4 and Ref5, thanks to that a priori, and therefore, that is not used for research and identification of water leaks, all remote sensed images with weather conditions not suitable for the analysis of the content in soil moisture, or even interfering with them.

In conclusion, it is clear that various modifications can be made to the present invention, all falling within the scope of protection of the invention, as defined in the appended claims. In particular, it is important to emphasize once again that the present invention can properly exploit, for water leakage, also images generated by other types of remote sensing (eg optical remote sensing, TIR , multispectral, hyperspectral, etc.), in addition to or as an alternative to SAR remote sensing. In addition, the present invention can also conveniently exploit remotely sensed images through air platforms (such as aircraft, drones, etc.), in addition to or as an alternative to satellite images.

Claims (9)

1. Method (1) for leakage of a water network, said method (1) comprising: a) obtaining georeferencing data of a water network (block 11); b) acquiring, on the basis of the georeferencing data of the water network, images generated by remote sensing systems, where the acquired images represent a region of the terrestrial surface where said water network extends (block 12); c) performing a processing of acquired images and georeferencing data of the water network and generating, on the basis of the processing performed, a georeferenced digital map which shows said water network and a soil moisture content in the water network; region where said water network extends (block 13); and d) detecting and locating one or more water network leaks based on the generated georeferenced digital map (block 14); said method (1) being characterized in that phase b) (block 12) comprises acquiring, from at least one data bank (3) which stores images of the terrestrial surface generated by remote sensing, only images that represent a region of the earth's surface where the water network extends and have been remotely sensed with meteorological conditions that meet predefined meteorological requirements. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the phase b) (block 12) comprises: the selection, from the images stored on said databank (3) which stores images of the terrestrial surface generated by remote sensing systems , only images representing a region of the earth's surface where the water network extends and which have been remotely sensed with meteorological conditions that satisfy the predefined meteorological requirements, excluding all images that do not represent a region of the earth's surface where the water system extends and all the images that represent a region of the earth's surface where the water network extends and have been remotely sensed with meteorological conditions that do not meet the predefined meteorological requirements; and acquiring, from said databank (3), which stores images of the terrestrial surface generated by remote sensing systems, only selected images. 3. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein the phase b) (block 12) comprises: the search, in said database (3) which stores images of the terrestrial surface generated by remote sensing systems, images of a region of the Earth's surface where the water network extends; and for each image found, the control, on the basis of data retrieved from one or more meteorological data banks (4), of the meteorological conditions of the region where the water network extends on the date of the remote sensing of said image and acquisition of said image only if the meteorological conditions satisfy said predefined meteorological requirements. 4. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: • the leakage of the water network is detected and localized by performing an analysis of the soil moisture content, shown on the digital map georeferenced at said water network or near this one; and • said predefined meteorological requirements are indicative of predefined meteorological conditions adapted to perform said analysis of the soil moisture content. The method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein said georeferencing data comprises one or more georeferenced maps of the water network. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the phase b) (block 12) comprises the acquisition of one or more of the following types of images: images remote sensed by a synthetic aperture radar, images remotely sensed by through optical sensors, images remotely sensed through sensors operating in the thermal infrared spectrum, multispectral images, hyperspectral images. 7. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein phase b) (block 12) comprises the acquisition of remote sensed images via satellite and / or aerial platforms. 8. System (2) characterized in that it is configured to implement the method (1) for leakage of a water network as claimed in any one of the preceding claims. 9. Computer product characterized in that it comprises parts of software code and / or firmware that are: • executable by processing means (21); and • capable of ensuring that, when executed, said processing means (21) implement the method (1) for leakage of a water network, as claimed in any one of claims 1 to at 7.