Operational DEM generation by means of SAR interferometry

SAR images from the ERS Tandem Phase have been shown to be suitable for generation of digital elevation models by means of SAR interferometry. Based on previous work on SAR interferometry at VTT, a project has been started in Finland on the use of repeat-pass SAR interferometry for operational generation of digital elevation models. The project uses Northern Finland as a test area. This is an area covering approximately 100000 square kilometers between 66 and 70 degrees north. The dataset used is approx. 35 image pairs from the ERS Tandem mission, containing both ascending and descending passes. The area is moderately hilly, with relatively small amounts of areas causing radar overlay or shadowing. Most of the area is covered by boreal forests. An elevation model already exists for the area, as well as forest and land use maps. This makes the area very suitable as a test bed for operational DEM generation. Results indicate an elevation accuracy of 10 meters and a throughput of one image pair of 100 km by 100 km per day per operator