This file contains 1424 household responses to two scales. First, the demographic scale results for the Solotvyno household survey. The demographic household survey contained the following variables:1) Age; 2)Sex; 3) Family type; 4) Religion; 5) Ethnic Origin; 6) Education; 7) Housing; 8) Annual income (in USD); 9) Years of stay; 10) Housing Type; 11) Living Situation and 12) disability.

Second, the results from the Solotvyno Municipality Land Subsidence scale. The first land subsidence risk evaluation sub-scale seeks to answer the following two questions:1) Do you have the following ready in case the land subsides? Please check to each item either 'yes','unsure' or 'no.' and 2) Please rate the difficulty of preparing for each item, by your household, on a five-point scale ranging from 'not difficult at all' to 'extremely difficult.' The second land subsidence sub-scale seeks to answer the following two questions: 1) Please indicate the extent of disaster risk preparedness by your household to each item, by checking either 'yes', 'unsure' or 'no.' 2) Please rate the difficulty of preparing for each item, by your household, on a five-point scale ranging from 'not difficult at all' to 'extremely difficult.'

The BGS PSA dataset provides insurers and homeowners access to a better understanding of the shrink-swell hazard at both the individual property and/or postcode level for Great Britain. It builds upon the GeoSure shrink-swell data by mapping the hazard to the individual building polygon and considering the other susceptibility factors of building type, foundation depth, and drainage and tree proximity. The user receives GIS building polygons with an overall susceptibility to subsidence score between 1-100. Scores are also classified from non-plastic to very high. Each building polygon is also scored from 1-10 for each subsidence factor (geology, foundation, drainage, building type, building storey and tree proximity). Postcode data is also available as a table and shapefiles showing the ‘average’ PSA score for all buildings within the postcode. The identification of shrink-swell related subsidence prone areas, alongside the inclusion of potential sources to exacerbate this phenomena, can better inform insurers and homeowners and form the basis to make decisions concerning prevention and remediation. The product enhances geological information obtained from GIP and GeoSure via the inclusion of the crucial shrink-swell susceptibility factors (proximity to trees and foundation depth). This therefore allows the derivation of a risk element for the housing stock at Building level, which is then generalised to Postcode level.

The property subsidence assessment dataset provides an understanding of the shrink-swell hazard at both the individual property and/or postcode level for England and Wales. It builds upon the BGS GeoSure shrink-swell data by mapping the hazard to the individual building polygon and considering the other susceptibility factors of building type, foundation depth, and drainage and tree proximity. The data consist of GIS building polygons with an overall susceptibility to subsidence score between 1-100. Scores are also classified from non-plastic to very high. Each building polygon is also scored from 1-10 for each subsidence factor (geology, foundation, drainage, building type, building storey and tree proximity). Postcode data is also available as a table showing the ‘average’ PSA score for all buildings within the postcode. The identification of shrink-swell related subsidence prone areas, alongside the inclusion of potential sources to exacerbate these phenomena, can better inform insurers and homeowners and form the basis to make decisions concerning prevention and remediation. The product enhances geological information obtained from GIP (BGS GeoSure Insurance Product) and GeoSure via the inclusion of the crucial shrink-swell susceptibility factors (proximity to trees and foundation depth). This therefore allows the derivation of a risk element for the housing stock at Building level, which is then generalised to Postcode level. BGS GeoSure - a series of GIS digital maps identifying areas of potential natural ground movement hazard in Great Britain

Waikato District Council - Proposed District Plan (Stage 2 Natural Hazards), Notified 27 July 2020. This layer is a spatial representation of an overlay in the Proposed District Plan and indicates where land use will be regulated by various associated rules. It will be used as a guide in the regulatory process of implementing the Proposed District Plan and managing land use, subdivision, the environment and economy. This dataset is subject to changes undertaken through the Resource Management act. Note individual Proposed Plan rules can have different statuses, some may have current legal effect and others will not until the Proposed Plan becomes operative. This data is provided for use in the District Plan only.

The Mine Subsidence Risk Area identifies land in Huntly East that is currently at risk of subsidence due to historic underground coal mining activities and the subsequent closure and refilling of the Huntly East underground mine. An assessment has been carried out to confirm the likelihood of ongoing mine subsidence and methane gas migration from mine workings to the ground surface above the Huntly East mine and the South Headings as a result of the closure of the Huntly East Mine and subsequent flooding of the underground mine workings (see Appendix 5(c) of Section 32 report Natural Hazards and Climate Change). This belongs to the series of data relating to Natural Hazards which includes the following groups - coastal erosion, coastal inundation, inland flooding, and land subsidence. This layer belongs to the land subsidence group (this is the only layer in this group).

The physical properties of soil can affect the stability of construction. In particular, soil swelling potential (a term which includes swelling/shrinking) is often overlooked as a natural hazard. Similar to risk assessment for other hazards, assessing risk for soil swelling can be defined as the product of the probability of the hazard and the value of property subjected to the hazard. This research utilizes past engineering and geological assessments of soil swelling potential, along with economic data from the U.S. Census, to assess the risk for soil swelling at the census-block level in Louisiana, a U.S. state with a relatively dense population that is vulnerable to expansive soils. Results suggest that the coastal parts of the state face the highest risk, particularly in the areas of greater population concentrations, but that all developed parts of the state have some risk. The annual historical property loss, per capita property loss, and per building property loss are all concentrated in southeastern Louisiana and extreme southwestern Louisiana, but the concentration of wealth in cities increases the historical property loss in most of the urban areas. Projections of loss by 2050 show a similar pattern, but with increased per building loss in and around a swath of cities across southwestern and south-central Louisiana. These results may assist engineers, architects, and developers as they strive to enhance the resilience of buildings and infrastructure to the multitude of environmental hazards in Louisiana.

The global Mine Subsidence Insurance market is poised for significant expansion, projected to reach a market size of approximately $850 million by 2025, with a robust Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 7.5% anticipated through 2033. This growth is primarily propelled by increasing awareness of the risks associated with mining activities, particularly in regions with extensive historical mining operations. Escalating stringent regulatory frameworks mandating adequate insurance coverage for potential subsidence damage also acts as a key driver. Furthermore, the growing complexity of mining operations, including deeper and more extensive excavations in both surface and underground mining sectors, heightens the potential for subsidence, thereby fueling demand for specialized insurance solutions. The personal purchase segment, driven by individual homeowners in proximity to mining areas, is expected to see steady growth, while collective buying from mining enterprises for comprehensive coverage is a significant contributor to the overall market value. However, the market faces certain restraints, including the high cost of premiums for comprehensive coverage, which can be a deterrent for some policyholders. The challenge of accurately assessing subsidence risk, given geological complexities and the long-term nature of potential impacts, can also lead to pricing uncertainties. Despite these challenges, emerging trends such as the integration of advanced risk assessment technologies, including AI and geological modeling, are expected to improve underwriting accuracy and potentially reduce premium costs over time. The market is also witnessing a consolidation of insurance providers and strategic partnerships aimed at offering more integrated and cost-effective solutions. Geographically, North America and Europe are expected to remain dominant regions due to their established mining industries and mature insurance markets, while the Asia Pacific region presents substantial growth opportunities owing to its expanding mining sector and increasing adoption of risk management practices. This report offers an in-depth analysis of the global Mine Subsidence Insurance market, projecting a significant growth trajectory from a base value of approximately $500 million in 2025 to an estimated $1.2 billion by 2033. The study encompasses a comprehensive historical period (2019-2024), a detailed base year analysis (2025), and a robust forecast period (2025-2033), providing actionable insights for stakeholders.

The 5km Hex GS Landslides dataset shows a generalised view of the GeoSure Landslides v7 dataset to a hexagonal grid resolution of 64.95km coverage area (side length of 5km). This dataset indicates areas of potential ground movement in a helpful and user-friendly format. The rating is based on a highest level of susceptibility identified within that Hex area: Low (1), Moderate (2), Significant (3). Areas of localised significant rating are also indicated. The summarising process via spatial statistics at this scale may lead to under or over estimation of the extent of a hazard. The supporting GeoSure reports can help inform planning decisions and indicate causes of subsidence. The methodology is based on the BGS Digital Map (DiGMapGB-50) and expert knowledge of the behaviour of the formations so defined. This dataset provides an assessment of slope instability. Landslide hazard occurs due to particular slope characteristics (such as geology, gradient, sources of water, drainage, man-made constructions) combining to cause the slope to become unstable. Downslope movement of materials, such as a landslide or rockfall may lead to a loss of support and damage to buildings. Complete Great Britain national coverage is available.

Activation date: 2018-10-26
Event type: Other

Activation reason:
The EMSN057 service provides geospatial information facilitating assessment of drivers of ground subsidence and to supporting analysis of the relation between detected ground subsidence and land use changes in Ca Mau, Long Xuyen and Rach Gia areas in the Mekong delta, Vietnam. The primary objective of the service is provision of spatially and temporally consistent, dense and synoptic results giving insight on the distribution and variance of subsidence phenomena in space and its dynamics in time. The persistent scatterers interferometry (PSI) technique, measuring ground deformations from stacks of archive SAR imagery (Sentinel-1 and TerraSAR-X), was utilized to estimate displacements. Products should complement ground based measurements, information from previous InSAR studies and contribute to evidence-based risk assessment.Annual Ground Subsidence Displacement The raster product, with 10 x 10m resolution, shows annual ground subsidence displacements in the vertical direction. The product was interpolated from displacement values of persistent scatterer points detected by the PSI technique from a stack of archived satellite SAR images.Annual Ground Subsidence Displacement ChangeThe change product shows differences of annual ground subsidence displacements in the vertical direction. It was obtained by deduction of previous from subsequent annual versions of Displacement products.In addition, average annual subsidence displacement velocity and displacement trend were evaluated from the PSI results, as demonstrated below.

The newGeoSure Insurance Product (newGIP) provides the potential insurance risk due to natural ground movement. It incorporates the combined effects of the 6 GeoSure hazards on (low-rise) buildings. This data is available as vector data, 25m gridded data or alternatively linked to a postcode database - the Derived Postcode Database. A series of GIS (Geographical Information System) maps show the most significant hazard areas. The ground movement, or subsidence, hazards included are landslides, shrink-swell clays, soluble rocks, running sands, compressible ground and collapsible deposits. The newGeoSure Insurance Product uses the individual GeoSure data layers and evaluates them using a series of processes including statistical analyses and expert elicitation techniques to create a derived product that can be used for insurance purposes such as identifying and estimating risk and susceptibility. The Derived Postcode Database (DPD) contains generalised information at a postcode level. The DPD is designed to provide a 'summary' value representing the combined effects of the GeoSure dataset across a postcode sector area. It is available as a GIS point dataset or a text (.txt) file format. The DPD contains a normalised hazard rating for each of the 6 GeoSure themes hazards (i.e. each GeoSure theme has been balanced against each other) and a combined unified hazard rating for each postcode in Great Britain. The combined hazard rating for each postcode is available as a standalone product. The Derived Postcode Database is available in a point data format or text file format. It is available in a range of GIS formats including ArcGIS (.shp), ArcInfo Coverages and MapInfo (.tab). More specialised formats may be available but may incur additional processing costs. The newGeoSure Insurance Product dataset has been created as vector data but is also available as a raster grid. This data is available in a range of GIS formats, including ArcGIS (.shp), ArcInfo coverage's and MapInfo (.tab). More specialised formats may be available but may incur additional processing costs. Data for the newGIP is provided for national coverage across Great Britain. The newGeoSure Insurance Product dataset is produced for use at 1:50 000 scale providing 50m ground resolution. This dataset has been specifically developed for the insurance of low-rise buildings. The GeoSure datasets have been developed to identify the potential hazard for low-rise buildings and those with shallow foundations of less than 2 m deep. The identification of ground instability and other geological hazards can assist regional planners; rapidly identifying areas with potential problems and aid local government offices in making development plans by helping to define land suited to different uses. Other users of these data may include developers, homeowners, solicitors, loss adjusters, the insurance industry, architects and surveyors.

This dataset has been superseded The newGeoSure Insurance Product (newGIP) provides the potential insurance risk due to natural ground movement. It incorporates the combined effects of the 6 GeoSure hazards on (low-rise) buildings. This data is available as vector data, 25m gridded data or alternatively linked to a postcode database – the Derived Postcode Database. A series of GIS (Geographical Information System) maps show the most significant hazard areas. The ground movement, or subsidence, hazards included are landslides, shrink-swell clays, soluble rocks, running sands, compressible ground and collapsible deposits. The newGeoSure Insurance Product uses the individual GeoSure data layers and evaluates them using a series of processes including statistical analyses and expert elicitation techniques to create a derived product that can be used for insurance purposes such as identifying and estimating risk and susceptibility. The Derived Postcode Database (DPD) contains generalised information at a postcode level. The DPD is designed to provide a ‘summary’ value representing the combined effects of the GeoSure dataset across a postcode sector area. It is available as a GIS point dataset or a text (.txt) file format. The DPD contains a normalised hazard rating for each of the 6 GeoSure themes hazards (i.e. each GeoSure theme has been balanced against each other) and a combined unified hazard rating for each postcode in Great Britain. The combined hazard rating for each postcode is available as a standalone product. The Derived Postcode Database is available in a point data format or text file format. It is available in a range of GIS formats including ArcGIS (.shp), ArcInfo Coverages and MapInfo (.tab). More specialised formats may be available but may incur additional processing costs. The newGeoSure Insurance Product dataset has been created as vector data but is also available as a raster grid. This data is available in a range of GIS formats, including ArcGIS (.shp), ArcInfo coverage’s and MapInfo (.tab). More specialised formats may be available but may incur additional processing costs. Data for the newGIP is provided for national coverage across Great Britain. The newGeoSure Insurance Product dataset is produced for use at 1:50 000 scale providing 50 m ground resolution. This dataset has been specifically developed for the insurance of low-rise buildings. The GeoSure datasets have been developed to identify the potential hazard for low-rise buildings and those with shallow foundations of less than 2 m deep. The identification of ground instability and other geological hazards can assist regional planners; rapidly identifying areas with potential problems and aid local government offices in making development plans by helping to define land suited to different uses. Other users of these data may include developers, homeowners, solicitors, loss adjusters, the insurance industry, architects and surveyors. Version 7 released June 2015.

This dataset has been superseded The newGeoSure Insurance Product (newGIP) provides the potential insurance risk due to natural ground movement. It incorporates the combined effects of the 6 GeoSure hazards on (low-rise) buildings. This data is available as vector data, 25m gridded data or alternatively linked to a postcode database – the Derived Postcode Database. A series of GIS (Geographical Information System) maps show the most significant hazard areas. The ground movement, or subsidence, hazards included are landslides, shrink-swell clays, soluble rocks, running sands, compressible ground and collapsible deposits. The newGeoSure Insurance Product uses the individual GeoSure data layers and evaluates them using a series of processes including statistical analyses and expert elicitation techniques to create a derived product that can be used for insurance purposes such as identifying and estimating risk and susceptibility. The Derived Postcode Database (DPD) contains generalised information at a postcode level. The DPD is designed to provide a ‘summary’ value representing the combined effects of the GeoSure dataset across a postcode sector area. It is available as a GIS point dataset or a text (.txt) file format. The DPD contains a normalised hazard rating for each of the 6 GeoSure themes hazards (i.e. each GeoSure theme has been balanced against each other) and a combined unified hazard rating for each postcode in Great Britain. The combined hazard rating for each postcode is available as a standalone product. The Derived Postcode Database is available in a point data format or text file format. It is available in a range of GIS formats including ArcGIS (.shp), ArcInfo Coverages and MapInfo (.tab). More specialised formats may be available but may incur additional processing costs. The newGeoSure Insurance Product dataset has been created as vector data but is also available as a raster grid. This data is available in a range of GIS formats, including ArcGIS (.shp), ArcInfo coverage’s and MapInfo (.tab). More specialised formats may be available but may incur additional processing costs. Data for the newGIP is provided for national coverage across Great Britain. The newGeoSure Insurance Product dataset is produced for use at 1:50 000 scale providing 50 m ground resolution. This dataset has been specifically developed for the insurance of low-rise buildings. The GeoSure datasets have been developed to identify the potential hazard for low-rise buildings and those with shallow foundations of less than 2 m deep. The identification of ground instability and other geological hazards can assist regional planners; rapidly identifying areas with potential problems and aid local government offices in making development plans by helping to define land suited to different uses. Other users of these data may include developers, homeowners, solicitors, loss adjusters, the insurance industry, architects and surveyors. Version 7 released June 2015.

Activation date: 2020-02-14
Event type: Other

Activation reason:
The scope is the assessment of the sinkhole risk in the mining area of Solotvyno, Zakarpattya region, Ukraine, in continuation of the previous service EMSN-030. A systematic salt mining began in the second half of the 18th century with up to eight salt mines in operation. Although the flooding with ground water and the erosion of subsoil salt layers began in the early 2000s, the extraction of salt had not been completely stopped until 2010, when in December 3000m³ of land collapsed.The aim is to provide an up-to-date situational picture based on i) VHR satellite imagery and on ii) a time series analysis of SAR data to identify dimension and velocity of the land surface deformations as input for further modelling and preparedness actions within the ImProDiReT project (DG ECHO).Proposed solution and resultsUpdate of reference data and LULC, including sinkholes, craters and landslidesDInSAR time series analysis for 2016 -2019 based on Sentinel-1 data applying the SBAS methodologyDelineation of potential subsidence areas and compilation of risk zones Landslide risk (pattern) and subsidence risk analysis (filled) from 2016 to 2020 Time series of displacement covering 2016-2019 in Sentinel-1 descending mode

Coal fires are a significant environmental and geological threat, causing extensive ecological damage and loss of resources. Existing monitoring methods, though effective, have limitations in terms of precision and adaptability. This study integrates multiple monitoring techniques, including remote sensing, thermal infrared imaging, UAV based surveys, and field investigations, to assess the environmental and geological consequences of coal fires. The results indicate that: 1) Vegetation cover in the affected regions decreased from 0.43 to 0.38 between 2017 and 2024, with Fire Zone 1 showing minimal recovery and Fire Zone 3 exhibiting moderate improvement, though the overall low vegetation area expanded due to ongoing fires; 2) The Remote Sensing Ecological Index (RSEI) declined from 0.41 to 0.38, with poor-rated areas increasing significantly, particularly in Fire Zone 3, reflecting the ongoing degradation of ecological conditions caused by both fire activity and climate factors; 3) The Flat Spectral Shape Index (FSSI) showed stability, but fluctuations in the areas with moderate and high probability of exposed coal, especially in Fire Zone 3, pointed to the expanding fire footprint and worsening ecological degradation; 4) Surface subsidence varied considerably, with Fire Zone 3 experiencing the most severe subsidence, indicating unstable geological conditions exacerbated by fire activity. The study underscores the importance of continuous monitoring and effective disaster risk management strategies. Despite localized improvements in soil potassium levels, coal fires have caused significant declines in soil nutrients and moisture content. This research contributes to the development of more effective strategies for managing coal fire impacts and supporting ecological restoration efforts in affected regions.

The GeoSure Insurance Product (GIP) dataset identifies potential natural ground movement hazard within Great Britain by postcode. These data are available in GIS point feature and database format, updated on a 6 monthly basis. The GeoSure Insurance Product represents the end of an interpretation process starting with the BGS Digital Geological Map of Great Britain at the 1:50,000 scale (DiGMapGB-50). This digital map is the definitive record of the types of rocks underlying Great Britain (excluding Northern Ireland), as represented by various layers, starting with Bedrock and moving up to overlying Superficial layers. In 2003, the BGS published a series of GIS digital maps identifying areas of potential natural ground movement hazard in Great Britain, called GeoSure, demonstrating a grade of potential for 6 separate hazards: shrink-swell clays, slope instability, dissolution of soluble ground, running sand, compressible and collapsible deposits. These maps were derived by combining the rock-type information from DiGMapGB-50 with a series of other influencing factors which may cause the geological hazards (e.g. steep slopes, groundwater). In 2005, the BGS used the GeoSure maps to make an interpretation of subsidence insurance risk for the British property insurance industry, released as the GeoSure Insurance Product. This represents the combined effects of the 6 GeoSure hazards on buildings in a postcode database. The combined hazard is represented numerically in the database as the Total Hazard Score, with a breakdown into the component hazards. The methodology behind these data involves balancing the 6 GeoSure natural ground stability hazards against each other. The GeoSure maps themselves have a fivefold coding (A to E), and the balancing exercise involves comparing each level across the six hazards e.g. comparing a level C shrink-swell clay area with a level C running sand area. Each level of each of the hazards is given a 'hazard score' which can then be added together to derive a Total Hazard Score within a 300m radius from the population weighted postcode point.

Geohazard Risk Assessment Consulting Market Outlook

According to our latest research, the global geohazard risk assessment consulting market size in 2024 stands at USD 4.2 billion, reflecting the increasing prioritization of risk mitigation strategies across critical infrastructure sectors worldwide. The market is expected to grow at a robust CAGR of 7.1% during the forecast period, reaching an estimated USD 7.8 billion by 2033. This growth is primarily driven by heightened awareness of geohazard threats, rapid urbanization in vulnerable areas, and stringent regulatory frameworks mandating detailed risk assessments for public and private projects.

The expansion of the geohazard risk assessment consulting market is underpinned by several key growth factors. First, the increasing frequency and severity of natural disasters such as earthquakes, landslides, and floods have propelled governments and private enterprises to invest heavily in advanced risk assessment services. The consequences of geohazards on human lives, infrastructure, and economies are substantial, prompting a paradigm shift towards proactive hazard identification and mitigation. Moreover, the integration of cutting-edge technologies like remote sensing, AI-driven data analytics, and real-time monitoring systems has significantly enhanced the accuracy and reliability of geohazard assessments, making consulting services indispensable for high-stakes projects in sectors like mining, oil & gas, and construction.

Another significant driver fueling market growth is the surge in infrastructure development across emerging economies, particularly in Asia Pacific and Latin America. These regions are witnessing unprecedented urban expansion into geologically sensitive zones, necessitating comprehensive geohazard risk assessments to ensure the safety and sustainability of new developments. Furthermore, insurance companies and financial institutions are increasingly mandating rigorous risk evaluations before underwriting large-scale infrastructure projects, further boosting demand for specialized consulting services. The interplay between regulatory compliance, technological advancement, and risk-aware investment strategies is creating a fertile environment for market expansion.

Additionally, the growing emphasis on sustainability and climate resilience has led to a broader adoption of geohazard risk assessment consulting services. Stakeholders are recognizing the long-term value of integrating geohazard risk management into planning and operational processes, which not only minimizes potential losses but also enhances the reputation and credibility of organizations. The transition towards smart cities and resilient infrastructure, supported by government initiatives and international frameworks, is expected to sustain demand for geohazard consulting well into the next decade. As a result, consulting firms are diversifying their service portfolios to address emerging risks such as urban subsidence, volcanic eruptions, and multi-hazard scenarios.

Regionally, Asia Pacific dominates the geohazard risk assessment consulting market, accounting for approximately 38% of the global market share in 2024. This leadership is attributed to the region’s high exposure to natural hazards, rapid urbanization, and significant investments in infrastructure modernization. North America and Europe follow closely, driven by stringent regulatory standards and advanced technological adoption. Meanwhile, Latin America and the Middle East & Africa are emerging as high-potential markets, fueled by growing awareness and increasing government initiatives aimed at disaster risk reduction. Each region presents unique challenges and opportunities, shaping the global competitive landscape of geohazard consulting.

Service Type Analysis

The service type segment of the geohazard risk assessment consulting market encompasses a diverse array of offerings, including site assessment, hazard mapping, risk analysis, monitoring & early warning, mitigation planning, and others. Site assessment remains a foundational service, as it involves the detailed examination of geological, hydrological, and environmental conditions at project sites. Consulting firms utilize advanced geospatial technologies, remote sensing, and field investigations to identify potential geohazards and assess site-specific vulnerabilities. The increasing complexity of infrast

Sinkhole Insurance Market Outlook

According to the latest research conducted in 2025, the global sinkhole insurance market size stands at USD 3.2 billion in 2024, reflecting a robust demand across both developed and emerging economies. The market is expected to register a CAGR of 6.9% from 2025 to 2033, reaching an estimated USD 6.3 billion by the end of the forecast period. This significant growth trajectory is primarily driven by increasing awareness of natural disaster risks, rising property values, and a growing need for comprehensive risk mitigation solutions among property owners worldwide.

One of the primary growth factors fueling the sinkhole insurance market is the increasing frequency and severity of sinkhole occurrences linked to climate change and urban expansion. As urbanization accelerates and more land is developed for residential, commercial, and industrial purposes, the risk of ground subsidence and sinkhole formation rises, especially in regions with soluble rock formations such as limestone. This has prompted both individuals and businesses to seek specialized insurance products to protect their assets from potentially catastrophic losses. Furthermore, advancements in geotechnical assessment and risk modeling have enabled insurers to better price and tailor sinkhole insurance products, making them more accessible and relevant to a broader range of customers.

Another important driver is the evolving regulatory landscape and the increasing involvement of government agencies in mandating or recommending sinkhole coverage in high-risk zones. Several states in the United States, for instance, have introduced regulations requiring insurers to offer sinkhole coverage as part of property insurance packages or as optional endorsements. This regulatory push, combined with public awareness campaigns and educational initiatives, has led to a surge in policy uptake, particularly in regions historically affected by sinkhole events. Additionally, the growing integration of advanced technologies such as satellite imagery and ground-penetrating radar has enhanced risk assessment capabilities, resulting in more accurate underwriting and claims processing.

The proliferation of digital distribution channels and the rise of insurtech platforms have also played a pivotal role in expanding the sinkhole insurance market. Online platforms and digital brokers have simplified the process of comparing, purchasing, and managing insurance policies, thereby attracting a tech-savvy demographic and increasing market penetration. The ongoing digital transformation within the insurance sector has further enabled insurers to offer personalized products and improve customer engagement, driving sustained growth in the sinkhole insurance market.

Regionally, North America dominates the global sinkhole insurance market, accounting for the largest share in 2024, followed by Europe and Asia Pacific. The high prevalence of sinkhole-prone areas in the United States, particularly in states like Florida, Pennsylvania, and Tennessee, has made North America a focal point for both product innovation and regulatory activity. Meanwhile, Europe and Asia Pacific are witnessing steady growth, driven by increasing urban development, improved risk awareness, and the gradual adoption of specialized insurance solutions. Latin America and the Middle East & Africa, while still emerging markets, are expected to register notable growth rates over the forecast period as infrastructure development and insurance penetration continue to rise.

Coverage Type Analysis

The sinkhole insurance market, when segmented by coverage type, includes Structural Coverage, Contents Coverage, Additional Living Expenses, and Others. Structural coverage remains the most sought-after segment, as it directly addresses the primary concern of property owners: the risk of structural damage or collapse due to sinkhole activity. This coverage typically encompasses repairs to the foundation, walls, and other integral components of buildings, ensuring that policyholders are protected against significant financial losses. The increasing incidence of severe sinkhole events, particularly in urban and suburban areas, has heightened demand for comprehensive structural coverage, prompting insurers to refine their product offerings and underwriting criteria.

Contents coverage, which protects personal belongings and valuable assets within a property, has seen rising interest, es

The GeoSure data sets and reports from the British Geological Survey provide information about potential ground movement or subsidence in a helpful and user-friendly format. The reports can help inform planning decisions and indicate causes of subsidence. The methodology is based on BGS DiGMap (Digital Map) and expert knowledge of the behaviour of the formations so defined. This dataset provides an assessment of the potential for a geological deposit to shrink and swell. Many soils contain clay minerals that absorb water when wet (making them swell), and lose water as they dry (making them shrink). This shrink-swell behaviour is controlled by the type and amount of clay in the soil, and by seasonal changes in the soil moisture content (related to rainfall and local drainage). The rock formations most susceptible to shrink-swell behaviour are found mainly in the south-east of Britain. Clay rocks elsewhere in the country are older and have been hardened by burial deep in the earth and are less able to absorb water. The BGS has carried out detailed geotechnical and mineralogical investigations into rock types known to shrink, and are modelling their properties across the near surface. This research underpins guidance contained in the national GeoSure dataset, and is the basis for our responses to local authorities, companies and members of the public who require specific information on the hazard in their areas. The BGS is undertaking a wide-ranging research programme to investigate this phenomenon by identifying those areas most at risk and developing sustainable management solutions. Complete Great Britain national coverage is available. The storage formats of the data are ESRI and MapInfo but other formats can be supplied.

Activation date: 2021-04-30
Event type: Mass movement

Activation reason:
The service was activated by a request from the Federal Office of Civil Protection and Disaster Assistance (BBK) on behalf of Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) – authorized user, and the University of Philippines – local user. Several sources suggest that the Manila NCR and lower Pampanga river basin, Philippines, has been affected by ground subsidence phenomena impacting settlements and increasing flood risk.The EMS service aims to provide evidence of ground motion patterns in the targeted areas using multi-temporal satellite SAR data analysis – by persistent scatterers interferometry. Product derived from time series of Sentinel-1 imagery provides insight into localization and extent of sinking zones and severity of phenomena related to estimated motion velocity or different adversary patterns.The ground motion map shows average annual vertical and horizontal ground motion velocities. Furthermore, the vector product provides value-adding features such as temporally coherent targets, comparing annual motion trends and classification of motion dynamics such as motion acceleration.

The 5km Hex GS Shrink Swell dataset shows a generalised view of the GeoSure Shrink Swell v8 dataset to a hexagonal grid resolution of 64.95km coverage area (side length of 5km). This dataset indicates areas of potential ground movement in a helpful and user-friendly format. The rating is based on a highest level of susceptibility identified within that Hex area: Low (1), Moderate (2), Significant (3). Areas of localised significant rating are also indicated. The summarising process via spatial statistics at this scale may lead to under or over estimation of the extent of a hazard. The supporting GeoSure reports can help inform planning decisions and indicate causes of subsidence. The Shrink Swell methodology is based on the BGS Digital Map (DiGMapGB-50) and expert knowledge of the behaviour of the formations so defined. This dataset provides an assessment of the potential for a geological deposit to shrink and swell. Many soils contain clay minerals that absorb water when wet (making them swell), and lose water as they dry (making them shrink). This shrink-swell behaviour is controlled by the type and amount of clay in the soil, and by seasonal changes in the soil moisture content (related to rainfall and local drainage). The rock formations most susceptible to shrink-swell behaviour are found mainly in the south-east of Britain. Clay rocks elsewhere in the country are older and have been hardened by burial deep in the earth and are less able to absorb water. The BGS has carried out detailed geotechnical and mineralogical investigations into rock types known to shrink, and are modelling their properties across the near surface. This research underpins guidance contained in the national GeoSure dataset, and is the basis for our responses to local authorities, companies and members of the public who require specific information on the hazard in their areas. The BGS is undertaking a wide-ranging research programme to investigate this phenomenon by identifying those areas most at risk and developing sustainable management solutions. Complete Great Britain national coverage is available.