An algorithm for radiometric and geometric correction of digital SLAR data

In The Netherlands an accurate SLAR system with digital data recording is used for measurements within the framework of the national microwave remote sensing research program. However, the images are disturbed by unwanted platform motions due to, e.g., turbulence at the low operating height (300–3000 m) of the SLAR system. An algorithm is developed for the geometric and radiometric correction of the radar data by means of aircraft attitude and position measurements. These measurements can be obtained from an Inertial Navigation System (INS) onboard the plane. Some additional information like the aircraft height and the measurement distance is obtained from the radar signal. The correction model is implemented in a computer program. The results clearly show an improvement of the image quality. Some specific problems that were encountered will be discussed and some results win be shown.