Further analysis of SIR-C antenna patterns for radiometric corrections: use of new calibration areas

Radiometric applications of images from the SIR/X-SAR missions depended and depend on accurate removal of the effect of the antenna pattern. The authors determined the elevation patterns of the radars for several modes using backscatter from the Amazon rain forest as a standard, and found that many such areas can be used. This permitted use of areas in many parts of the world, where possible solar distortions of the antenna would be different. Moreover, use of other areas allowed much better calibration of the various beam-spoiling modes on SIR-C. Consequently, the authors have a far more complete catalog of SIR-C performance that can guide investigators attempting to use SIR-C radiometry for their analyses and interpretations of SIR-C images