Point Target Data Analysis for the Sentinel-1a Quality Assessment using the Cyclops Strategic Infrastructure in Cyprus

Kurzfassung

The Cyprus Continuously Operating Natural Hazards Monitoring and Prevention System (CyCLOPS) is a national, strategic research infrastructure focusing on geohazard monitoring in Cyprus, and EMMENA region. CyCLOPS comprises six permanent sites, each equipped with a Tier-1 GNSS reference station and two calibration-grade corner reflectors (CRs), oriented to the ascending and descending tracks of ESA's Sentinel-1 satellite mission. As of June 2021, CyCLOPS has reached full operational capacity and plays a crucial role in monitoring the geodynamic regime and tracking landslides in Cyprus. Furthermore, it supports the radiometric calibration and geometric validation of C- and X- band SAR imagery. This paper presents initial validation results from analyzing Sentinel-1 products using CyCLOPS CRs, showing consistent performance with a high-quality CR network. Radiometric parameters remained constant, and geolocation measurements were precise in range and azimuth. These results, based on two years of operational data, enhance understanding of SAR product quality and CyCLOPS infrastructure's effectiveness.