SAR data acquisition for event-driven mapping of urban areas using GIS


Airborne SAR systems allow a flexible ground mapping with high geometric resolution, independent from daytime and weather conditions. This offers the opportunity of using this technology for the analysis of built-up areas. However, the oblique SAR illumination limits the visibility of certain objects in urban areas depending on the viewing direction. Especially at building locations different SAR specific phenomena like layover, shadow, and multipath-propagation burden the interpretation of the SAR imagery even for experts. But, in case of bad viewing conditions, SAR may be the only way to map special events (e.g. flooding, fire, earthquake). In this paper, the benefit of the utilisation of different kinds of GIS data for the SAR mission planning and the analysis of acquired SAR data after such an event are discussed. Simulations based on 3D models of the scene and maps can optimise the SAR data acquisition parameters. In a similar manner fusing the gathered data with the GIS information can support an image interpreter.
Soergel U, Thoennessen U, Stilla U (2004) SAR data acquisition for event-driven mapping of urban areas using GIS. In: Altan MO (ed) International Archives of Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing. Vol. 35, Part B3, 500-505
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