Operational Processing Large Areas of Interferometric SAR Data

Abstract

Processing of interferometric ERS SAR data is still a challenging task. The amount of data to be handled is enormous, the input data often expensive, the data quality a priori unknown, the algorithms require fast computers and some key algorithms like phase unwrapping are still under development. Therefore, investigating the large scale quality of ERS tandem data is not a straightforward task. In an attempt to assess the quality of ERS data with respect to DEM generation and to prepare for the operational processing of SRTM (Shuttle Radar Topographic Mission, [3]) data to digital elevation models (DEMs), DLR processed more than 700 ERS interferograms into a large interferometric data base. This paper describes the systems involved, notes the key algorithms and the products generated. From our experience, interferometric processing of ERS data can now be done in a automatic and operational manner, but deriving DEMs is still a difficult task with operator interactions required.