Georeferencing of Continental Scale JERS-1 SAR Mosaics Based on Matching Homologous Features With a Digital Elevation Model: Theory and Practice

An effective method for a posteriori orthorectification of continental scale SAR mosaics using a digital elevation model (DEM) has been developed. The method is based on homologous feature matching between the DEM and a simulated SAR image. The simulated image is derived from the radar viewing geometry, topographic information and contextual information provided by the SRTM Water Bodies data set (SWBD) and GeoCover Landsat mosaics. Two large L-band SAR mosaics (the GBFM Siberia mosaic and the GRFM Africa mosaic), assembled from JERS-1 data, were accurately geo-referenced, orthorectified and radiometrically corrected for topographic effects. The accurate co-registration with the digital elevation model allows for improved classification methods based on the combination of SAR backscatter with terrain features. Comparison of the revised GBFM and GRFM mosaics with a forthcoming set of continental scale mosaics assembled from ALOS PALSAR data will offer a unique possibility for change detection studies over the Tropical and Boreal forest zones with a temporal spacing of some 10 years.

KROPACEK Jan;  DE GRANDI Gianfranco;  RAUSTE Yrjo; 

2013-10-09

TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTD

JRC57652

0143-1161,   

http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/01431161.2011.609843,    https://publications.jrc.ec.europa.eu/repository/handle/JRC57652,   

10.1080/01431161.2011.609843,