Sissterra is an advanced, non‑destructive geophysical imaging solution that delivers high‑resolution 3D visualization of subsurface conditions using passive seismic technology. Originating from cutting‑edge academic research and oil & gas industry innovation, Sissterra provides engineers with a fast, reliable, and cost‑effective way to understand complex underground environments without drilling additional boreholes or deploying active seismic sources.
By capturing and analyzing naturally occurring ambient seismic noise, Sissterra enhances geological models, reduces uncertainty, and supports safer, more efficient underground construction. Whether the goal is to refine excavation parameters, optimize soil‑improvement strategies, or mitigate geotechnical risks, Sissterra gives project teams the clarity they need to make informed decisions.
“The innovation provided by Sissterra lies in its passive technique and its speed of implementation. Using Sissterra gave us a better understanding of the geology and allowed us to adjust our excavation parameters, successfully eliminating settlement in the area.”
Lionel Suquet
Project Director of Line 15 T3C package Grand Paris
VINCI Construction Grands Projects
Learn More About Sissterra
A Turnkey Solution for 3D Underground Imaging
Sissterra is a fully integrated passive seismic solution designed for restricted, dense, or sensitive environments where conventional geophysical methods are difficult or impossible to deploy. Using only ambient noise generated by human activity (traffic, machinery, vibrations), Sissterra produces detailed 2D and 3D images of the subsurface and monitors how it evolves over time.
Sissterra supports:
- Optimization of surface and underground works
- Protection of people, property, and critical infrastructure
- Faster, more confident decision‑making
- Reduced environmental and operational impact
Because Sissterra requires no active seismic sources, it is ideal for congested urban areas, transportation corridors, industrial sites, and locations with strict environmental or regulatory constraints.
A Single Point of Contact for the Entire Value Chain
Sixense experts manage every stage of the Sissterra workflow, ensuring technical consistency and high‑quality results:
- Analysis of project challenges and definition of acquisition parameters
- Deployment of autonomous geophones and field data acquisition
- Advanced signal processing, 2D/3D visualization, and interpretation
- Comprehensive diagnostics, risk assessment, and engineering recommendations
This end‑to‑end approach ensures that Sissterra results are not only accurate, but also directly applicable to engineering and construction decisions.
How Sissterra Works
Sissterra is based on seismic interferometry, a technique that correlates ambient seismic noise to reconstruct the subsurface’s elastic properties. Here’s how the process unfolds:
- Ambient Noise Capture A dense network of autonomous geophones is installed across the study area to record naturally occurring vibrations generated by human activity and environmental sources.
- High‑Volume Data Collection The large dataset collected ensures robust imaging and reliable interpretation, even in complex geological settings.
- Advanced Processing Data is transferred to Sixense’s high‑performance computing servers, where it undergoes optimized signal processing workflows developed in collaboration with VINCI Construction’s R&D teams.
- 3D Visualization & Monitoring Sissterra produces 3D seismic tomography models that reveal subsurface structures, stratigraphy, and anomalies. The system can also remain active to monitor changes over time, supporting real‑time decision‑making during construction.
Proven Performance in the Field
“Sissterra helped us optimize injection works and assess their impact both quantitatively and spatially. It significantly improved safety management and budget control on the project.”
Simon Robert
Development Manager – Geophysics Division
Sixense
Explore Your Subsurface in Record Time
Quick, easy deployment with minimal administrative requirements
Fully passive and autonomous, with no disruption to site operations
Ideal for dense, urban, or hard‑to‑access areas
Developed with world‑leading experts from Sisprobe and academic research institutions
Highly robust, thanks to large‑volume data acquisition
Unrivaled processing capacity, enabling rapid turnaround of high‑quality results
Download the Sissterra Datasheet
