TerraSAR-X: Exploration of Multitemporal PolSAR and Pol-InSAR Data

Abstract

In this paper two selected system modes of TerraSAR-X, polarimetric SAR and repeat pass interferometric SAR will be investigated with respect to multi- temporal X-band data acquisition. Even if the primary mission goal of TerraSAR-X was not SAR polarimetry and SAR interferometry, TerraSAR-X offers a number of new perspectives to polarimetric and interferometric SAR when compared to current SAR Sensors. The investigations are focused on the change of the observed bio- /geophysical parameters with time over an agricultural and urban area based using the partial polarimetric and repeat pass interferometric data sets. The potential of using X-band polarimetry for surface parameter estimation and coherent scatterer detection will be analysed. Further, the sensitivity of the interferometric coherences to volume decorelation of short vegetated crops will be explored using repeat pass interferometric modes and the effect of temporal decorrelation using DLR's airborne E-SAR system X-band will be quantified. The TerraSAR-X data in single, dual will be explored in comparison with the X-band airborne data from the DLR's E-SAR system.