The Experts below are selected from a list of 10452 Experts worldwide ranked by ideXlab platform
Josef Mittermayer - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Polarization Capabilities and Status of TerraSAR-X
2020Co-Authors: Irena Hajnsek, Josef Mittermayer, Kostas PapathanassiouAbstract:TerraSAR-X is the first German Radar satellite for scientific and commercial applications. The project is a public-private partnership between DLR and EADS Astrium GmbH. TerraSAR-X consists of a high resolution Synthetic Aperture Radar at X-Band. The radar antenna is based on active phased array technology that allows the control of many different instrument parameters and operational modes (Stripmap, ScanSAR and Spotlight) with various polarizations. The TerraSAR-X launch was the 15 June 2007. Only 4 days later the first image was delivered. The variety of TerraSAR-X polarization modes is reviewed and validation results of each mode are presented. The polarization modes include operational modes like dual-pol in Stripmap and Spotlight. Additionally there are experimental modes like twin polarization mode which is similar to the ASAR alternating polarization mode, or the full polarimetric mode which is realized in the TerraSAR-X Dual Receive Antenna configuration. The Dual Receiving Antenna Mode (DRA) of TerraSAR-X offers a high variety of interesting applications and experiments, e.g. along track interferometry, geometric resolution enhancement and especially the full polarimetric mode. In the DRA mode of TerraSAR-X, the complete antenna is used for transmission but in receive, the antenna is divided into two separate partitions in along track. The signals of both receiving antennas are recorded separately by exploiting the redundant receiver chain of the instrument. Both signals are not recorded separately but as sum and difference signal. This demands for special calibration in the reconstruction of fore and aft channel before SAR processing and has influence on the polarimetric performance. The paper provides a selection of TS-X images acquired in different polarization modes and thus demonstrates the polarimetric capabilities of TerraSAR-X. .
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Staring spotlight imaging with TerraSAR-X
2012 IEEE International Geoscience and Remote Sensing Symposium, 2012Co-Authors: Josef Mittermayer, Pau Prats, Steffen Wollstadt, Rolf Scheiber, Wolfgang KoppeAbstract:This paper presents the outcome of a staring spotlight experiment with TerraSAR-X for considerably enhanced azimuth resolution. The commanding is discussed in terms of calculation of the azimuth steering angle. The performance estimation results are given for TerraSAR-X parameters and a steering angle range from -2.2° to +2.2°. The first TerraSAR-X staring spotlight images are presented.
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IGARSS - Staring spotlight imaging with TerraSAR-X
2012 IEEE International Geoscience and Remote Sensing Symposium, 2012Co-Authors: Josef Mittermayer, Pau Prats, Steffen Wollstadt, Rolf Scheiber, Wolfgang KoppeAbstract:This paper presents the outcome of a staring spotlight experiment with TerraSAR-X for considerably enhanced azimuth resolution. The commanding is discussed in terms of calculation of the azimuth steering angle. The performance estimation results are given for TerraSAR-X parameters and a steering angle range from −2.2° to +2.2°. The first TerraSAR-X staring spotlight images are presented.
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X-band backscatter map generation using TerraSAR-X data
2010 IEEE International Geoscience and Remote Sensing Symposium, 2010Co-Authors: Paola Rizzoli, Steffen Wollstadt, Benjamin Bräutigam, Josef MittermayerAbstract:The goal of this work is the generation of an X-Band backscatter map by assembling images acquired by the TerraSAR-X mission. Global backscatter data is required for accurate performance estimation and instrument commanding inside the TerraSAR-X and TanDEM-X missions. Moreover, many scientific applications can be based on the analysis of backscatter behavior and evolution. The complete ground coverage will be achievable with TanDEM-X mission data. An interpolator, that allows the estimation of the backscatter for any required polarization and incidence angle from the available data, has been implemented. In this paper, the backscatter map generation algorithm will be presented, together with the first obtained results, generated using TerraSAR-X data. Moreover, the validity of the interpolation models will also be discussed, presenting the preliminary results of a statistical analysis of backscatter from TerraSAR-X data.
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IGARSS - X-band backscatter map generation using TerraSAR-X data
2010 IEEE International Geoscience and Remote Sensing Symposium, 2010Co-Authors: Paola Rizzoli, Steffen Wollstadt, Benjamin Bräutigam, Josef MittermayerAbstract:The goal of this work is the generation of an X-Band backscatter map by assembling images acquired by the TerraSAR-X mission. Global backscatter data is required for accurate performance estimation and instrument commanding inside the TerraSAR-X and TanDEM-X missions. Moreover, many scientific applications can be based on the analysis of backscatter behavior and evolution. The complete ground coverage will be achievable with TanDEM-X mission data. An interpolator, that allows the estimation of the backscatter for any required polarization and incidence angle from the available data, has been implemented. In this paper, the backscatter map generation algorithm will be presented, together with the first obtained results, generated using TerraSAR-X data. Moreover, the validity of the interpolation models will also be discussed, presenting the preliminary results of a statistical analysis of backscatter from TerraSAR-X data.
Thomas Fritz - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Serving the TerraSAR-X Mission For Over Eight Years: Current Status and Recent Extensions of the TerraSAR-X Ground Segment
2015Co-Authors: Birgit Schättler, Falk Mrowka, Egbert Schwarz, Thomas FritzAbstract:Since 2007, the TerraSAR-X mission provides high-resolution SAR data with high quality and an unprecedented geometric accuracy to both commercial and science users. The first satellite TSX was supplemented by a second, mostly identical, satellite TDX in 2010 for the generation of a global Digital Elevation Model (DEM) in the frame of the TanDEM-X (TerraSAR-X Add-On For Digital Elevation Measurements) mission. Since then the two missions share a joint space segment consisting of both TSX and TDX and a common ground segment which was first developed for TerraSAR-X and had been later extended for TanDEM-X. While TanDEM-X uses both satellites (nominally one in receive-only mode) for an acquisition, TerraSAR-X data are acquired by either one of the two satellites. It is this sharing of one ground segment which necessitated on-going updates of the TerraSAR-X ground segment in accordance with the TanDEM-X mission constraints. Furthermore, both satellites show a good health and resources, specifically the TSX which has considerably exceeded its nominal life time of 5.5 years by now, and thus justify on-going improvements to even better support user needs. This presentation summarizes the current SAR imaging modes and product portfolio and describes the recent ground segment system updates. Among these are the following: After having completed the global DEM data acquisition, the TanDEM-X mission currently focuses on the provision of radar data products for a number of new science technology related applications based not only on a bistatic, but also on a pursuit mono-static flight configuration. This pursuit mono-static flight configuration with its time lag of about 10 seconds between the two satellites allowed the processing of TanDEM-X acquisitions into TerraSAR-X product pairs which are offered to both the TerraSAR-X and the TanDEM-X science community. This includes fully polarimetric and along-track interferometry data acquired in the dual-receive antenna configuration. Receiving stations may be combined in a so-called TerraSAR-X ground station pool. Data takes ordered for such a station pool (instead of a single receiving station) are then planned for downlink to one or even several stations (in case of a partial downlink) by the mission planning leading to a much better exploitation of the limited downlink resources. Originally, the TerraSAR-X mission was not designed for near-real time (NRT) applications. Thus, the NRT functionality had to be included “as best as possible” within given constraints. Due to a growing demand for TerraSAR-X NRT products, the NRT capability was extended considerably over the last years. The TerraSAR-X product portfolio now supports maritime applications like ship and oil detection, wind and wave products are currently under integration. An improved mission planning and the downlink station pool concept leads to reduced product latencies.
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TerraSAR-X TOPS, ScanSAR and WideScanSAR interferometric processing
EUSAR 2014; 10th European Conference on Synthetic Aperture Radar, 2014Co-Authors: Nestor Yague-martinez, Helko Breit, Ulrich Balss, Fernando Rodriguez-gonzalez, Thomas FritzAbstract:The German TerraSAR-X and TanDEM-X satellites are able to acquire images operationally in ScanSAR and WideScanSAR modes and experimentally in TOPS mode. This paper gives an overview of the interferometric processing steps of burst-mode acquisitions, emphasizing the importance of the co-registration stage. A co-registration approach based on incoherent cross-correlation is presented. Interferometric results, including differential interferogram, of TerraSAR-X repeat-pass images are provided.
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Operational stacking of TerraSAR-X ScanSAR and tops data
2013 IEEE International Geoscience and Remote Sensing Symposium - IGARSS, 2013Co-Authors: Nestor Yague-martinez, Helko Breit, Thomas Fritz, Marie Lachaise, Ulrich Balss, Fernando Rodríguez González, Nico AdamAbstract:The german TerraSAR-X and TanDEM-X satellites are able to acquire images operationally in ScanSAR mode and experimentally in TOPS mode, the future Sentinel-1 Interferometric Widesath and Extra Wideswath modes. This paper gives an overview of the interferometric processing steps of burst-mode acquisitions and present the current status in preparation for future algorithm development towards PSI. Interferometric results of TerraSAR-X repeat-pass images in ScanSAR and TOPS mode are shown.
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IGARSS - Operational stacking of TerraSAR-X ScanSAR and tops data
2013 IEEE International Geoscience and Remote Sensing Symposium - IGARSS, 2013Co-Authors: Nestor Yague-martinez, Helko Breit, Thomas Fritz, Marie Lachaise, Ulrich Balss, Fernando Rodríguez González, Nico AdamAbstract:The german TerraSAR-X and TanDEM-X satellites are able to acquire images operationally in ScanSAR mode and experimentally in TOPS mode, the future Sentinel-1 Interferometric Widesath and Extra Wideswath modes. This paper gives an overview of the interferometric processing steps of burst-mode acquisitions and present the current status in preparation for future algorithm development towards PSI. Interferometric results of TerraSAR-X repeat-pass images in ScanSAR and TOPS mode are shown.
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TerraSAR-X SAR Processing and Products
IEEE Transactions on Geoscience and Remote Sensing, 2010Co-Authors: Helko Breit, Thomas Fritz, U. Balss, Marie Lachaise, Andreas Niedermeier, M. VonavkaAbstract:The TerraSAR-X mission was launched in June 2007. After successful completion of the commissioning phase, the mission entered its operational phase in January 2008. Since that time, TerraSAR-X provides the scientific remote sensing community and commercial customers with high-quality spaceborne synthetic aperture radar (SAR) data products. The intention of this paper is to present the SAR data processing concept and the comprehensive portfolio of products reflecting the instrument's diverse imaging capabilities together with options of processing and achieved product quality as well as the essentials of SAR processing. Furthermore, it shall also provide details on how to fully exploit the precision of the TerraSAR-X products.
Michael Eineder - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Applying geodetic SAR with TerraSAR-X and TanDEM-X
2016Co-Authors: Christoph Gisinger, Ulrich Balss, Sina Montazeri, Xiaoying Cong, Stefan Hackel, Roland Pail, Michael EinederAbstract:Within the project “High-resolution Geodetic Earth Observation” funded by the Helmholtz Association DLR@Uni, our research group composed of German Aerospace Center (DLR) and Technical University of Munich (TUM) has considerably extended the concept of geometric spaceborne Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), and developed new applications for this approach now termed Geodetic SAR. Its core element is the use of range and azimuth as observation quantities, which are encoded in a SAR image through the fundamental SAR image formation process. Perturbations caused by atmospheric path delay (ionosphere, troposphere) and signals of the dynamic Earth (solid earth tides, ocean loading effects ...) are well known in the field of geodesy, and applying the geodetic correction principles to TerraSAR-X revealed its potential of cm-level radar observations [1]. During our research, we have examined the geometric processing chain of TerraSAR-X and developed prototypes for improving its elements, namely the precise orbit determination [2], the image generation by the TerraSAR-X Multimode SAR processor (TMSP) [3], and the geodetic corrections [4]. The tests using corner reflectors (CRs) with known reference coordinates demonstrated that TerraSAR-X/TanDEM-X range and azimuth data are accurate within 2-3 cm. Moreover, our rigorous solution of the range-Doppler equations enables absolute 3-D positioning of point targets by means of stereo SAR at a similar accuracy level, if the precise orbit and the corrected observations are combined [4]. Persistent Scatterers or CRs localized by TerraSAR-X may not only serve as reference points for the phase-based methods (Persistent Scatterer Interferometry, TomoSAR) [5], but can also be used to observe wide-area displacement signals affecting the Radar scene as whole. An example is the post glacial rebound (PGR), leading to uplift signals of up to 1.5 cm/y. For the city of Oulu, Finland, located in the region of the Scandinavian PGR, TerraSAR-X and TanDEM-X have repeatedly acquired high-resolution spotlight images from four different geometries, i.e. two ascending and two descending tracks. The acquisitions started in July 2014 and based on this data set, we will highlight different aspects of Geodetic SAR (image formation process, Orbit determination, the geodetic corrections, the 3-D positioning ...), and present first results of our attempt to detect the PGR with TerraSAR-X/TanDEM-X imagery.
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High Bandwidth Spotlight SAR Interferometry with TerraSAR-X
IGARSS 2008 - 2008 IEEE International Geoscience and Remote Sensing Symposium, 2008Co-Authors: Michael Eineder, Nico Adam, Ramon Brcic, Nestor Yague-martinez, Thomas FritzAbstract:TerraSAR-X data are operationally available to the public since January 2008. This paper shows selected TerraSAR-X interferometric examples with an emphasis on challenges introduced by the high resolution in spotlight mode and with 300 MHz.
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IGARSS (2) - High Bandwidth Spotlight SAR Interferometry with TerraSAR-X
IGARSS 2008 - 2008 IEEE International Geoscience and Remote Sensing Symposium, 2008Co-Authors: Michael Eineder, Nico Adam, Ramon Brcic, Nestor Yague-martinez, Thomas FritzAbstract:TerraSAR-X data are operationally available to the public since January 2008. This paper shows selected TerraSAR-X interferometric examples with an emphasis on challenges introduced by the high resolution in spotlight mode and with 300 MHz.
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TerraSAR-X Image Products: Characterization and Verification
2008Co-Authors: Thomas Fritz, Marie Lachaise, Ulrich Balss, H. Breit, Birgit Schaettler, Michael EinederAbstract:The German SAR satellite TerraSAR-X has been launched in June 2007. The instruments flexibility and the capabilities of the operational TerraSAR-X Multi-Mode SAR Processor (TMSP) allow a huge variety of product types and variants for numerous applications. Already within weeks from the launch, the operational modes were checked out and the full variety of basic products was generated and delivered by the TMSP. This allowed to start the SAR product characterization early, providing major inputs to the overall SAR system characterization and calibration. Also the optimization of instrument commanding and SAR data processing is widely based on the SAR product characterization results. However, the image products are the outcome of an all-embracing workflow including ordering, commanding, instrument operation, reception, screening, processing, archival and delivery. Prerequisites for complete product verification are a stable and settled system and verified input products. Thus the SAR basic product verification could only be the final step of the very successful TerraSAR-X calibration and verification activities. The operationally available level 1b product portfolio and the product format are presented. Similarities and differences between the product variants are pointed out. Besides the basic products also experimental products, which may be available in a later project phase, are introduced. Product performance parameters for varying acquisition parameters are presented. Handling and interpretation of the TerraSAR-X SAR data products is addressed.
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TerraSAR-X Ground Segment Basic Product Specification Document
2008Co-Authors: Michael Eineder, Josef Mittermayer, Thomas Fritz, Achim Roth, E. Boerner, H. BreitAbstract:Abstract : TerraSAR-X is a joint project between the German Aerospace Center (DLR) and the German industry (ASTRIUM). DLR owns and operates the satellite and the payload ground segment (PGS) and holds the rights for the scientific exploitation of the data. ASTRIUM holds the exclusive rights for the commercial exploitation of the data products. This document specifies the operational TerraSAR-X basic products generated at PGS for scientific and commercial use. In the context of the project the products are called basic products because they are the basis for higher level information products. The document summarizes the operation modes of TerraSAR-X and the characteristic parameters. It describes the product design criteria, lists the different product types and introduces their structure. The document in hand is supplemented by the Level 1b Product Format Specification document [RD 8] specifying the binary data formatting and the detailed annotation parameters of the product.
Ulrich Balss - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Applying geodetic SAR with TerraSAR-X and TanDEM-X
2016Co-Authors: Christoph Gisinger, Ulrich Balss, Sina Montazeri, Xiaoying Cong, Stefan Hackel, Roland Pail, Michael EinederAbstract:Within the project “High-resolution Geodetic Earth Observation” funded by the Helmholtz Association DLR@Uni, our research group composed of German Aerospace Center (DLR) and Technical University of Munich (TUM) has considerably extended the concept of geometric spaceborne Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), and developed new applications for this approach now termed Geodetic SAR. Its core element is the use of range and azimuth as observation quantities, which are encoded in a SAR image through the fundamental SAR image formation process. Perturbations caused by atmospheric path delay (ionosphere, troposphere) and signals of the dynamic Earth (solid earth tides, ocean loading effects ...) are well known in the field of geodesy, and applying the geodetic correction principles to TerraSAR-X revealed its potential of cm-level radar observations [1]. During our research, we have examined the geometric processing chain of TerraSAR-X and developed prototypes for improving its elements, namely the precise orbit determination [2], the image generation by the TerraSAR-X Multimode SAR processor (TMSP) [3], and the geodetic corrections [4]. The tests using corner reflectors (CRs) with known reference coordinates demonstrated that TerraSAR-X/TanDEM-X range and azimuth data are accurate within 2-3 cm. Moreover, our rigorous solution of the range-Doppler equations enables absolute 3-D positioning of point targets by means of stereo SAR at a similar accuracy level, if the precise orbit and the corrected observations are combined [4]. Persistent Scatterers or CRs localized by TerraSAR-X may not only serve as reference points for the phase-based methods (Persistent Scatterer Interferometry, TomoSAR) [5], but can also be used to observe wide-area displacement signals affecting the Radar scene as whole. An example is the post glacial rebound (PGR), leading to uplift signals of up to 1.5 cm/y. For the city of Oulu, Finland, located in the region of the Scandinavian PGR, TerraSAR-X and TanDEM-X have repeatedly acquired high-resolution spotlight images from four different geometries, i.e. two ascending and two descending tracks. The acquisitions started in July 2014 and based on this data set, we will highlight different aspects of Geodetic SAR (image formation process, Orbit determination, the geodetic corrections, the 3-D positioning ...), and present first results of our attempt to detect the PGR with TerraSAR-X/TanDEM-X imagery.
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TerraSAR-X staring spotlight imaging: A chance to estimate absolute heights
2015 IEEE International Geoscience and Remote Sensing Symposium (IGARSS), 2015Co-Authors: Sergi Duque, Helko Breit, Ulrich Balss, Alessandro ParizziAbstract:The work presented exploits the long Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) of a single TerraSAR-X Staring Spotlight (ST) acquisition to derive absolute heights. Here, the slight azimuth defocussing effect due to height mismatch between true height and the height assumed in SAR focusing is analyzed. The impact is almost negligible for most of acquisition modes. In contrast, spaceborne modes with very long aperture, such as TerraSAR-X ST acquisition mode, present sensibility that can be used to retrieve absolute heights. The accuracy depends on incidence angle, orbit type and mainly on Signal to Clutter Ratio (SCR). A result over real data is presented to demonstrate that absolute heights can be retrieved with an accuracy of few meters using a single TerraSAR-X ST acquisition.
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IGARSS - TerraSAR-X staring spotlight imaging: A chance to estimate absolute heights
2015 IEEE International Geoscience and Remote Sensing Symposium (IGARSS), 2015Co-Authors: Sergi Duque, Helko Breit, Ulrich Balss, Alessandro ParizziAbstract:The work presented exploits the long Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) of a single TerraSAR-X Staring Spotlight (ST) acquisition to derive absolute heights. Here, the slight azimuth defocussing effect due to height mismatch between true height and the height assumed in SAR focusing is analyzed. The impact is almost negligible for most of acquisition modes. In contrast, spaceborne modes with very long aperture, such as TerraSAR-X ST acquisition mode, present sensibility that can be used to retrieve absolute heights. The accuracy depends on incidence angle, orbit type and mainly on Signal to Clutter Ratio (SCR). A result over real data is presented to demonstrate that absolute heights can be retrieved with an accuracy of few meters using a single TerraSAR-X ST acquisition.
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Absolute Height Estimation Using a Single TerraSAR-X Staring Spotlight Acquisition
IEEE Geoscience and Remote Sensing Letters, 2015Co-Authors: Sergi Duque, Helko Breit, Ulrich Balss, Alessandro ParizziAbstract:The work presented in this letter exploits the long synthetic aperture radar (SAR) of a single TerraSAR-X Staring Spotlight (ST) acquisition to derive absolute heights. Here, the slight azimuth defocusing effect due to height mismatch between the true height and the height assumed in SAR focusing is analyzed. The impact is almost negligible for most of acquisition modes. In contrast, spaceborne modes with very long aperture, such as the TerraSAR-X ST acquisition mode, present sensibility that can be used to retrieve absolute heights. The accuracy depends on incidence angle, orbit type, and mainly on signal-to-clutter ratio. Two different results are presented to demonstrate that absolute heights can be retrieved with accuracy of few meters using a single TerraSAR-X ST acquisition.
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TerraSAR-X TOPS, ScanSAR and WideScanSAR interferometric processing
EUSAR 2014; 10th European Conference on Synthetic Aperture Radar, 2014Co-Authors: Nestor Yague-martinez, Helko Breit, Ulrich Balss, Fernando Rodriguez-gonzalez, Thomas FritzAbstract:The German TerraSAR-X and TanDEM-X satellites are able to acquire images operationally in ScanSAR and WideScanSAR modes and experimentally in TOPS mode. This paper gives an overview of the interferometric processing steps of burst-mode acquisitions, emphasizing the importance of the co-registration stage. A co-registration approach based on incoherent cross-correlation is presented. Interferometric results, including differential interferogram, of TerraSAR-X repeat-pass images are provided.
Benjamin Bräutigam - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Results from TerraSAR-X geometric and radiometric calibration
IET International Conference on Radar Systems 2007, 2020Co-Authors: Benjamin Bräutigam, Marco Schwerdt, Markus Bachmann, Björn DöringAbstract:As TerraSAR-X, due for launch in June 2007, will be an operational scientific mission with commercial potential, product quality is of crucial importance. The success or failure of the mission essentially depends on the calibration of the TerraSAR-X system ensuring the product quality and the correct in-orbit operation of the entire SAR system. This paper describes the calibration procedures for TerraSAR-X and the dedicated activities to be performed during the five months commissioning phase. Results from on-ground tests are discussed with respect to geometric and radiometric calibration of the TerraSAR-X system.
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X-band backscatter map generation using TerraSAR-X data
2010 IEEE International Geoscience and Remote Sensing Symposium, 2010Co-Authors: Paola Rizzoli, Steffen Wollstadt, Benjamin Bräutigam, Josef MittermayerAbstract:The goal of this work is the generation of an X-Band backscatter map by assembling images acquired by the TerraSAR-X mission. Global backscatter data is required for accurate performance estimation and instrument commanding inside the TerraSAR-X and TanDEM-X missions. Moreover, many scientific applications can be based on the analysis of backscatter behavior and evolution. The complete ground coverage will be achievable with TanDEM-X mission data. An interpolator, that allows the estimation of the backscatter for any required polarization and incidence angle from the available data, has been implemented. In this paper, the backscatter map generation algorithm will be presented, together with the first obtained results, generated using TerraSAR-X data. Moreover, the validity of the interpolation models will also be discussed, presenting the preliminary results of a statistical analysis of backscatter from TerraSAR-X data.
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SAR performance monitoring for TerraSAR-X mission
2010 IEEE International Geoscience and Remote Sensing Symposium, 2010Co-Authors: Benjamin Bräutigam, Paola Rizzoli, D. Schrank, Daniel Schulze, C. Gonzalez, Mathias Weigt, Marco SchwerdtAbstract:The TerraSAR-X satellite features an advanced X-Band SAR based on the active phased array technology which allows flexible operation of Spotlight, Stripmap, and ScanSAR mode for various combinations and elevation angles. It combines the ability to acquire high resolution images for detailed analysis as well as wide swath images for overview applications. The SAR performance of the system is analysed with respect to geometric and radiometric parameters. Long-term monitoring of system parameters like instrument characteristics or SAR image quality confirms the continuous stability of the system. By launching a twin satellite TanDEM-X for global DEM acquisition, the TerraSAR-X mission is now supported by two satellites. The approach presented in the following shows how to keep the SAR performance for both satellites, TerraSAR-X and TanDEM-X.
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IGARSS - X-band backscatter map generation using TerraSAR-X data
2010 IEEE International Geoscience and Remote Sensing Symposium, 2010Co-Authors: Paola Rizzoli, Steffen Wollstadt, Benjamin Bräutigam, Josef MittermayerAbstract:The goal of this work is the generation of an X-Band backscatter map by assembling images acquired by the TerraSAR-X mission. Global backscatter data is required for accurate performance estimation and instrument commanding inside the TerraSAR-X and TanDEM-X missions. Moreover, many scientific applications can be based on the analysis of backscatter behavior and evolution. The complete ground coverage will be achievable with TanDEM-X mission data. An interpolator, that allows the estimation of the backscatter for any required polarization and incidence angle from the available data, has been implemented. In this paper, the backscatter map generation algorithm will be presented, together with the first obtained results, generated using TerraSAR-X data. Moreover, the validity of the interpolation models will also be discussed, presenting the preliminary results of a statistical analysis of backscatter from TerraSAR-X data.
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IGARSS - SAR performance monitoring for TerraSAR-X mission
2010 IEEE International Geoscience and Remote Sensing Symposium, 2010Co-Authors: Benjamin Bräutigam, Paola Rizzoli, D. Schrank, Daniel Schulze, C. Gonzalez, Mathias Weigt, Marco SchwerdtAbstract:The TerraSAR-X satellite features an advanced X-Band SAR based on the active phased array technology which allows flexible operation of Spotlight, Stripmap, and ScanSAR mode for various combinations and elevation angles. It combines the ability to acquire high resolution images for detailed analysis as well as wide swath images for overview applications. The SAR performance of the system is analysed with respect to geometric and radiometric parameters. Long-term monitoring of system parameters like instrument characteristics or SAR image quality confirms the continuous stability of the system. By launching a twin satellite TanDEM-X for global DEM acquisition, the TerraSAR-X mission is now supported by two satellites. The approach presented in the following shows how to keep the SAR performance for both satellites, TerraSAR-X and TanDEM-X.
