SRTM X-SAR DEM of Europe - Results and Algorithmic Improvements

Abstract

In February 2000, the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission acquired a global digital elevation model (DEM) within only 11 days. During the years 2000 and 2001 extensive testing and calibration activities primarily based on ocean surface data took place at DLR. The calibration phase is now finished and the quality of the products analyzed so far met all specifications. The routine processing of the German X-band data at DLR began in November 2001, starting with Europe. Now, that hundreds of image frames over Europe are being processed and mosaicked to a continent-wide DEM, the largescale system stability becomes visible. Our paper reports the experiences from mosaicking based on self-consistency tests and on comparison with independent reference data. While the overall quality is promising, there are still some outliers to be investigated and compensated. The calibration concept based on the use of ocean data will be presented and discussed. Adaptations and improvements based on selfconsistency will be presented, that allow a more robust and automated processing.