programs TerraSAR-X

TerraSAR-X, Spatial Energy’s newest, high resolution radar solution, is a German radar satellite that was launched on June 15, 2007.  It carries a high frequency X-band SAR sensor that can be operated in different modes (resolutions) and polarization. TerraSAR-X’s complementary near real time data acquisition capabilities offer a whole new approach to the use of space-borne datasets in time critical situations.  Furthermore, the satellite's very high resolution of up to 1m, its high radiometric accuracy, its weather and daylight independence, and its quick site access time of 2.5 days max. (2 days at 95% probability) to any point on Earth make TerraSAR-X an ideal sensor to support sensitive decision making in time-critical situations.

Topographic Base Maps provide information about the Earth's surface on an artificial and natural level. The extracted linear, point, and spatial thematic features of TerraSAR-X data are a valuable input to topographic base mapping and map updating.  Particularly in equatorial regions that are almost permanently covered by clouds, TerraSAR-X, compared to most existing airborne and space-borne sensors, enables a more cost- and time-efficient base mapping approach in these areas. In all areas of the world, TerraSAR-X data can serve as a basis for regular updates of existing high-resolution mapping data.

The use of radar imagery offers an innovative and competitive alternative to today’s approaches using optical satellites or aerial campaigns. Depending on the specific application and its requirements, scales of maps created with TerraSAR-X data range from large area overviews (1:250,000) to higher resolution maps (1:10,000).

Land Use/Land Cover Maps provide land surface information on different thematic levels. TerraSAR-X data delivers new input parameters that improve existing interpretation methodologies and thus the quality of land use and land cover maps.

Digital Elevation Models (DEM) display relief information of the Earth’s surface. TerraSAR-X itself can provide valuable inputs for DEM generation and updates.