Accuracy assessment of DEMs derived from multi-frequency SAR images

Digital elevation model (DEM) is useful for land surface terrain analysis and is an important requirement for topographic correction of SAR backscatter data in hilly region. SAR interferometric (InSAR) techniques are very useful for deriving DEM of a large patch of land area with considerable accuracy in a faster and cost-effective manner. Today, various orbital radars operating in different frequencies and orbital periods are capable of providing data suitable for interferometric analysis. In the present study we have generated DEMs of Jharia coalmine region, India using InSAR techniques from ALOS-PALSAR, Radarsat-2 data and compared them with SRTM (Shuttle Radar Topography Mission) DEM and then, validated the DEMs against DGPS elevations measured as Ground Control Points (GCPs). We have then attempted to use the InSAR generated high resolution DEM for topographic corrections of SAR backscatter data.