Geocoding of TerraSAR-X Data

Abstract

TerraSAR-X is a new German radar satellite that shall be launched in April 2006. The expected lifetime is 5 years. It carries a high frequency X-band SAR sensor that can be operated in different modes and polarisation. The Spotlight-, Stripmap- and ScanSAR-modes provide high resolution SAR images for detailed analysis as well as wide swath data whenever a larger coverage is required. Imaging will be possible in single, dual and quad-polarisation. TerraSAR-X will be an operational SAR-system for scientific and commercial applications. DLR currently develops the TerraSAR-X Ground Segment. One part is the geocoding system that will provide geocoding capability for multi-resolution, multi-polarisation and multi-frequency data. The user can select different products with respect to the geometric processing and quality. Multi-look ground range products as well as ellipsoid and terrain correction capabilities are provided. A new product called Enhanced Ellipsoid Corrected will be offered. It considers Digital Elevation Models (DEM) of a moderately coarser resolution then the 1 up to 3 m resolution of the TerraSAR-X modes. SRTM/X-SAR DEMs with approximately 25 m spacing will be the backbone for this operational and fully automated service. The system design considers the processing of SAR data provided by other sensors as well. High precision terrain correction using high resolution DEMs, tie-pointing and image adjustment will be implemented in an experimental processor.