Optimizing space radars for geological analysis in tropical environments

A swath along the Motagua Fault in northeastern Guatemala was imaged with the AN/APS-94D airborne and the SIR-A Space Shuttle-borne radars with a difference in look direction on the order of ten degrees. Imagery of the Panama Canal Zone, overlapping in coverage but with diverse look directions was produced by the AN/APQ-97 and GEMS airborne radars and SIR-A. Taking into account the diversity of system and operational parameters, comparative analysis of the images well documented that the increased data content of the airborne radar imagery was due to the high look angles at which these systems operate.