Mitigation of atmospheric perturbations and solid Earth movements in a TerraSAR-X time-series

The TerraSAR-X (TSX) synthetic aperture radar (SAR) marks the recent emergence of a new generation of spaceborne radar sensors that can for the first time lay claim to localization accuracies in the sub-meter range. The TSX platform’s extremely high orbital stability and the sensor’s hardware timing accuracy combine to enable direct measurements of atmospheric refraction and solid Earth movements. By modeling these effects for individual TSX acquisitions, absolute pixel geolocation accuracy on the order of several centimeters can be achieved without need for even a single tiepoint. A 16-month time series of images was obtained over a fixed test site, making it possible to validate both an atmospheric refraction and a solid Earth tide model, while at the same time establishing the instrument’s long-term stability. These related goals were achieved by placing trihedral corner reflectors (CRs) at the test site and estimating their phase centers with centimeter-level accuracy using differential GPS (DGPS). Oriented in pairs toward a given satellite track, the CRs could be seen as bright “points” in the images, providing a geometric reference set. SAR images from the high-resolution spotlight (HS) mode were obtained in alternating ascending and descending orbit configurations. The highest-resolution products were selected for their small sample dimensions, as positions can be more precisely determined. Based on the delivered product annotations, the CR image positions were predicted, and these predictions were compared with their measured image positions both before and after compensation for atmospheric refraction and systematic solid Earth deviations. It was possible to show that when the atmospheric distortion and Earth tides are taken into account, the TSX HS products have geolocation accuracies far exceeding the specified requirements. Furthermore, this accuracy was maintained for the duration of the 16-month test period. It could be demonstrated that with a correctly calibrated sensor, and after accounting for atmospheric and tidal effects, tiepoint-free geolocation is possible with TSX with an absolute product accuracy of about 5 cm.     

基于RPC的TerraSAR-X影像立体定向平差模型

针对新型高分辨率雷达卫星TerraSAR-X立体像对,本文提出采用基于RPC的平差模型,通过少量的地面控制点来拟合因传感器不稳定、平台星历数据不精确及测距误差引起的影像几何畸变,从而达到精确定向目的.为验证RPC平差模型的适用性,通过在立体成像区域均匀市设人工角反射器点的方法验证其模型精度,并评估了其三维定向平差后的精...     

Detection of Slope Instability in Hong Kong Based on Multi-baseline Differential SAR Interferometry Using ALOS PALSAR Data

The monitoring of slope instability requires detailed observations of mass movements, which generally cannot be obtained by geodetic methods or global positioning systems (GPS). Differential synthetic aperture radar (SAR) interferometry has proven to be an effective way of measuring land deformation with millimeter accuracy over wide areas. Using data from the newly launched L-band ALOS PALSAR interferometer and the multi-baseline differential SAR interferometry technique, slope instability in Hong Kong was analyzed by means of measured surface displacement along look vectors. Owing to its enhanced vegetation penetration, less temporal decorrelation enabled the L-band data to improve spaceborne radar sensor land-surface deformation measurements. The results were validated by ENVISAT ASAR-derived outcomes and other ground survey data.     

Monitoring dam structural health from space: Insights from novel InSAR techniques and multi-parametric modeling applied to the Pertusillo dam Basilicata,Italy

The availability of new constellations of synthetic aperture radar (SAR) sensors is leading to important advances in infrastructure monitoring. These constellations offer the advantage of reduced revisit times, providing low-latency data that enable analysis that can identify infrastructure instability and dynamic deformation processes.In this paper we use COSMO-SkyMed (CSK) and TerraSAR-X (TSX) data to monitor seasonal induced deformation at the Pertusillo dam (Basilicata, Italy) using multi-temporal SAR data analysis. We analyzed 198 images spanning 2010–2015 using a coherent and incoherent PS approach to merge COSMO-SkyMed adjacent tracks and TerraSAR-X acquisitions, respectively. We used hydrostatic-seasonal-temporal (HST) and hydrostatic-temperature-temporal (HTT) models to interpret the non-linear deformation at the dam wall using ground measurements together with SAR time-series analysis. Different look geometries allowed us to characterize the horizontal deformation field typically observed at dams. Within the limits of our models and the SAR acquisition sampling we found that most of the deformation at the Pertusillo dam can be explained by taking into account only thermal seasonal dilation and hydrostatic pressure. The different models show slightly different results when interpreting the aging term at the dam wall. The results highlight how short-revisit SAR satellites in combination with models widely used in the literature for interpreting pendulum and GPS data can be used for supporting structural health monitoring and provide valuable information to ground users directly involved in field measurements.     

不依赖人工定标器的全极化SAR定标研究进展

极化定标是极化合成孔径雷达应用的前提。传统极化定标方法以地面布设的人工定标器为参考,通过极化畸变模型对系统误差进行求解与标定。然而,人工定标器价格昂贵、数量稀少,每次定标任务都需根据传感器过境方向、雷达视角等信息进行设备调整;此外,现代雷达系统工作波位多、入射角调节范围大,不同视角获取影像的定标参数也不相同,这对地面定标设备的布设精度、调整的时效性提出了更高要求。为了及时、快速地完成极化定标,如何以自然界中的某些特殊地物作为人工定标器的替代品来完成定标具有重大的科学价值。本文综述了近年来国内、外提出的不依赖人工定标器的SAR极化定标研究进展（即自主定标）。首先阐述了极化定标的基本流程与极化质量评价体系;然后对近年来高精度自主定标相关研究进行了梳理,根据技术特点将其分为基于自然地物约束的自主极化定标、基于似角反射器的自主极化定标两类,对不同算法适用性进行了分析;最后对未来的研究方向进行了展望。     

三维激光扫描数据获取高分辨率DTM试验研究

三维激光扫描技术能够提供实体表面点云数据,可用于获取高精度高分辨率数字地形模型。本文以重庆万州区付家岩滑坡体为例探讨了采用三维激光扫描监测技术获取数字地形模型的方法,着重讨论了相关点云数据处理流程和关键技术问题。通过结合差分GPS技术进行激光数据的相对定位和绝对定位、去噪、拼接等方法,获得了该区域地表高精度地形数据,并生成了相应的数字高程模型。试验结果初步说明该技术可用于获取小尺度高精度高分辨率数字地形模型,具有一定的应用前景。     

基于RPC模型的高分辨率SAR影像正射纠正

在分析TerraSAR-X、COSMO-SkyMed等高分辨率SAR影像成像几何模型的基础上,采用RPC模型拟合SAR影像的成像几何模型,拟合的精度在1%个像素以内;在1∶5万DRG上选取1个控制点对RPC模型参数精度的改进,结合1∶5万DEM对TerraSAR-X、COSMO-SkyMed数据进行正射纠正,纠正结果能满足1∶5万DOM的精度要求.从而说明RPC拟合雷达成像几何的正确性以及利用RPC模型进行高分辨率SAR影像正射纠正的可行性.     

考虑定向参数精度信息的TerraSAR-X和SPOT-5HRS影像RFM联合定位

卫星影像的RFM模型具有传感器无关的优点,适用于多源影像的几何定位处理,但在无地面控制点条件下联合定位时存在自主定位优势影像难以发挥主导作用且求解易发散的不足。本文通过将影像的先验自主定位精度和成像线性漂移转化为像方定向参数的精度和权信息,建立考虑影像定向参数精度信息的RFM模型。以12景TerraSAR-X和6对12景覆盖面积约为18万km2的SPOT-5HRS立体长条带影像为数据源,对两类影像定向参数先验精度配置偏差、SAR影像升降轨道方向、SAR影像数目、SAR影像分布等因素对定位精度的影响进行了系列定位试验,少量SAR与大范围HRS联合的影像自主定位平面/高程精度可达6.0m/4.2m。本文RFM平差模型无地面控制点定位精度和定向参数求解稳健性相对于传统模型有显著提升,是卫星影像无控制点1∶10万/1∶5万全球测图的一种潜在方法。     

GPS非差相位精密单点定位技术探讨

探讨了精密单点定位的基本原理，处理方法，所涉及的误差改正及数据处理中的一些关键技术；采用直接内插IGS卫星精密星历的方法代替利用IGS跟踪站进行轨道精化方法计算卫星轨道参数，对现有精密单点定位计算方法进行了简化，使之更具有实用性。最后利用自主研发的精密非差单点定位软件计算和分析了实测数据。计算结果表明，经过大约15min的初始化后，非差相位单历元的定位结果精确度在X，Y，Z方向上均优于20cm。     

GPS非差相位精密单点定位方法与实现

探讨了精密单点定位的基本原理、处理方法、所涉及的误差改正及数据处理中的一些关键技术;采用直接内插IGS卫星精密星历的方法代替利用IGS跟踪站进行轨道精化方法计算卫星轨道参数,对现有精密单点定位计算方法进行了简化,使之更具有实用性。最后利用自主研发的精密非差单点定位软件计算和分析了实测数据。计算结果表明,经过大约15 min的初始化后,非差相位单历元的定位结果精确度在X,Y,Z方向上均优于20 cm。     

Absolute geolocation accuracy of high-resolution spotlight TerraSAR-X imagery – validation in Wuhan

TerraSAR-X (TSX) can acquire high-resolution SAR images and due to its high orbit precision as well as its ability to acquire data from different off-nadir viewing angles, the high-precision stereo geolocation can be obtained. In this study, we investigate the absolute geolocation accuracy of TSX high-resolution images in Wuhan, China. We present a direct stereo SAR geolocation method and analyze the 2D and 3D geoposition accuracy of two corner reflectors. The sub-meter localization accuracy was achieved using only atmospheric correction information available in the TSX metadata.     

Fusion of TerraSAR-x and Landsat ETM+ data for protected area mapping in Uganda

TerraSAR-X satellite acquires very high spatial resolution data with potential for detailed land cover mapping. A known problem with synthetic aperture radar (SAR) data is the lack of spectral information. Fusion of SAR and multispectral data provides opportunities for better image interpretation and information extraction. The aim of this study was to investigate the fusion between TerraSAR-X and Landsat ETM+ for protected area mapping using high pass filtering (HPF), principal component analysis with band substitution (PCA) and principal component with wavelet transform (WPCA). A total of thirteen land cover classes were identified for classification using a non-parametric C 4.5 decision tree classifier. Overall classification accuracies of 74.99%, 83.12% and 85.38% and kappa indices of 0.7220, 0.8100 and 0.8369 were obtained for HPF, PCA and WPCA fusion approaches respectively. These results indicate a high potential for a combined use of TerraSAR-X and Landsat ETM+ data for protected area mapping in Uganda.     

Model improvements and validation of TerraSAR-X precise orbit determination

The radar imaging satellite mission TerraSAR-X requires precisely determined satellite orbits for validating geodetic remote sensing techniques. Since the achieved quality of the operationally derived, reduced-dynamic (RD) orbit solutions limits the capabilities of the synthetic aperture radar (SAR) validation, an effort is made to improve the estimated orbit solutions. This paper discusses the benefits of refined dynamical models on orbit accuracy as well as estimated empirical accelerations and compares different dynamic models in a RD orbit determination. Modeling aspects discussed in the paper include the use of a macro-model for drag and radiation pressure computation, the use of high-quality atmospheric density and wind models as well as the benefit of high-fidelity gravity and ocean tide models. The Sun-synchronous dusk–dawn orbit geometry of TerraSAR-X results in a particular high correlation of solar radiation pressure modeling and estimated normal-direction positions. Furthermore, this mission offers a unique suite of independent sensors for orbit validation. Several parameters serve as quality indicators for the estimated satellite orbit solutions. These include the magnitude of the estimated empirical accelerations, satellite laser ranging (SLR) residuals, and SLR-based orbit corrections. Moreover, the radargrammetric distance measurements of the SAR instrument are selected for assessing the quality of the orbit solutions and compared to the SLR analysis. The use of high-fidelity satellite dynamics models in the RD approach is shown to clearly improve the orbit quality compared to simplified models and loosely constrained empirical accelerations. The estimated empirical accelerations are substantially reduced by 30% in tangential direction when working with the refined dynamical models. Likewise the SLR residuals are reduced from \(-3\,\pm \,17\) to \(2\,\pm \,13\) mm, and the SLR-derived normal-direction position corrections are reduced from 15 to 6 mm, obtained from the 2012–2014 period. The radar range bias is reduced from \(-10.3\) to \(-6.1\) mm with the updated orbit solutions, which coincides with the reduced standard deviation of the SLR residuals. The improvements are mainly driven by the satellite macro-model for the purpose of solar radiation pressure modeling, improved atmospheric density models, and the use of state-of-the-art gravity field models.     

基于几何配准的多模式SAR影像配准及其误差分析

星载合成孔径雷达影像干涉处理时所需方位向配准精度因成像模式的差异而有所不同,目前在精密轨道条件下以几何配准为基础辅以影像信息的配准方案因其严格的理论模型和较高的精度成为干涉处理的首选。本文以TerraSAR-X影像为例,论证了不同成像模式影像所需的配准精度和卫星轨道精度,并通过理论分析和试验证明了精密轨道条件下,利用几何配准即可满足TerraSAR-X等卫星的条带模式影像干涉处理的需要;聚束模式影像需要在几何配准的基础上利用影像相干性或谱分集进一步优化配准结果。鉴于增强谱分集偏移量估计精度最高,本文进一步利用增强谱分集对比分析了不同轨道不同DEM条件下的几何配准误差。研究结果表明:卫星轨道切向误差是几何配准的主要误差源,目前常用3种DEM几何配准差异远小于0.001个像素,均可满足Sentinel-1影像干涉配准的需要。     

时序InSAR在城市地铁工程区形变监测中的应用

地铁建设会引发城市地表形变灾害,而传统的合成孔径雷达差分干涉测量（D-InSAR）难以实现城市地铁工程区域的精细测量。本文利用TerraSAR-X高分辨率数据,采用PS-InSAR和SBAS-InSAR方法对徐州地铁1号线东部工程场地进行了形变监测,获取了该区域2016年6月15日-2016年9月11日期间的形变时序图。通过与人工角反射器布设点的水准测量数据对比分析,发现利用两种时序InSAR测量方法得到的地表形变结果与水准测量结果非常一致,形变误差均在1 mm以内;而SBAS-InSAR探测地表形变的敏感性低于PS-InSAR。结果表明,利用高分辨率SAR影像监测城市地铁形变具有亚毫米级的测量精度和米级的定位能力,同时证明了时序InSAR分析技术在城市地铁工程形变监测应用中的广阔前景。     

Antenna phase center calibration for precise positioning of LEO satellites

Phase center variations of the receiver and transmitter antenna constitute a remaining uncertainty in the high precision orbit determination (POD) of low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites using GPS measurements. Triggered by the adoption of absolute phase patterns in the IGS processing standards, a calibration of the Sensor Systems S67-1575-14 antenna with GFZ choke ring has been conducted that serves as POD antenna on various geodetic satellites such as CHAMP, GRACE and TerraSAR-X. Nominal phase patterns have been obtained with a robotic measurement system in a field campaign and the results were used to assess the impact of receiver antenna phase patterns on the achievable positioning accuracy. Along with this, phase center distortions in the actual spacecraft environment were characterized based on POD carrier phase residuals for the GRACE and TerraSAR-X missions. It is shown that the combined ground and in-flight calibration can improve the carrier phase modeling accuracy to a level of 4 mm which is close to the pure receiver noise. A 3.5 cm (3D rms) consistency of kinematic and reduced dynamic orbit determination solutions is achieved for TerraSAR-X, which presumably reflects the limitations of presently available GPS ephemeris products. The reduced dynamic solutions themselves match the observations of high grade satellite laser ranging stations to 1.5 cm but are potentially affected by cross-track biases at the cm-level. With respect to the GPS based relative navigation of TerraSAR-X/TanDEM-X formation, the in-flight calibration of the antenna phase patterns is considered essential for an accurate modeling of differential carrier phase measurements and a mm level baseline reconstruction.

Unambiguous SAR signal reconstruction from nonuniform displaced phase center sampling

The displaced phase center (DPC) technique will enable a wide-swath synthetic aperture radar (SAR) with high azimuth resolution. In a classic DPC system, the pulse repetition frequency (PRF) has to be chosen such that the SAR carrier moves just one half of its antenna length between subsequent radar pulses. Any deviation from this PRF will result in a nonuniform sampling of the synthetic aperture. This letter derives an innovative reconstruction algorithm and shows that an unambiguous reconstruction of a SAR signal is possible for nonuniform sampling of the synthetic aperture. This algorithm will also have great potential for multistatic satellite constellations as well as the dual receive antenna mode in Radarsat 2 and TerraSAR-X.     

Precise Point Positioning Using IGS Orbit and Clock Products

The contribution details a post-processing approach that used undifferentiated dual-frequency pseudorange and carrier phase observations along with IGS procise orbit products, for stand-alone precise geodetic point positioning (static or kinematic) with cm precision. This is possible if one takes advantage of the satellite clock estimates available with the satellite coordinates in the IGS precise orbit products and models systematic effects that cause cm variations in the satelite to user range. This paper will describe the approach, summarize the adjustment procedure, and specify the earth- and space-based models that must be implementetd to achieve cm-level positioning in static mode. Furthermore, station tropospheric zenth path delays with cm precision and GPS receiver clock estimates procise to 0.1 ns are also obtained. ? 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

SAR image despeckling with a multilayer perceptron neural network

Speckle noise in synthetic-aperture radar (SAR) images severely hinders remote sensing applications; therefore, the appropriate removal of speckle noise is crucial. This paper elaborates on the multilayer perceptron (MLP) neural-network model for SAR image despeckling by using a time series of SAR images. Unlike other filtering methods that use only a single radar intensity image to derive their parameters and filter that single image, this method can be trained using archived images over an area of interest to self-learn the intensity characteristics of image patches and then adaptively determine the weights and thresholds by using a neural network for image despeckling. Several hidden layers are designed for feedforward network training, and back-propagation stochastic gradient descent is adopted to reduce the error between the target output and neural-network output. The parameters in the network are automatically updated in the training process. The greatest advantage of MLP is that once the despeckling parameters are determined, they can be used to process not only new images in the same area but also images in completely different locations. Tests with images from TerraSAR-X in selected areas indicated that MLP shows satisfactory performance with respect to noise reduction and edge preservation. The overall image quality obtained using MLP was markedly higher than that obtained using numerous other filters. In comparison with other recently developed filters, this method yields a slightly higher image quality, and it demonstrates the powerful capabilities of computer learning using SAR images, which indicate the promising prospect of applying MLP to SAR image despeckling.     

High Resolution TerraSAR-X Image Speckle Suppression and its Fusion with Multispectral IRS LISS –III Data for Himalayan Glacier Feature Extraction

In this study an attempt is made for studying the Himalayan glacier features using TerraSAR-X and Indian Remote Sensing Satellite, Linear Imaging Self Scanning System III (IRS LISS –III) images. New generation, synthetic aperture radar (SAR) data from TerraSAR-X (TS-X) sensor provide opportunity for glacier feature studies in Himalayan rugged terrain. Spot Light High resolution mode TS-X data give idea about glacial features which remained untraceable from other existing SAR system. However, presence of speckle noise in SAR images degrades the interpretability of the glacier features. Speckle suppression filters (Lee, Frost, Enhanced Lee, Gamma-Map) are applied on SAR intensity images. On the basis of field sight seeing and insitu observations it is observed that still features are not clear. Hence attempt has been made for fusing multitemporal multispatial speckle reduced TS-X SAR data and multispectral IRS LISS-III data for extracting the glacial features such as crevasses, exposed ice and superaglacier lakes. Principal component analysis (PCA) represents the high spectral resolution data in a linear subspace with minimum information loss. Herein, PCA based image fusion technique is adopted for this study and comparison is made between IHS fusion technique and PCA based technique for glacier studies in the Himalayan region.