Interferometric Potential of High Resolution Spaceborne SAR

The new class of high resolution space-borne SAR systems, like TerraSAR-X and COSMO-Skymed opens new possibilities for SAR interferometry. The 1m resolution is particularly helpful when 2D, 2.5D, 3D, or 4D (space-time) imaging of buildings and urban infrastructure is required, where the non-interferometric interpretation of SAR imagery is difficult. Structure and deformation of individual buildings can be mapped, rather than only coarse deformation patterns of areas. The paper demonstrates several new developments in high resolution SAR interferometry using TerraSAR-X as an example. Of particular interest is the very high resolution spotlight mode, which requires some care in interferometric processing. Results from interferometry, Persistent Scatterer Interferometry (PSI), and tomographic SAR in urban environment are presented. The high resolution of TerraSAR-X also supports accurate speckle and feature tracking. An example of glacier monitoring is shown and discussed.