Geocoding of AIRSAR/TOPSAR SAR Data

In this paper we presented a procedure to geocode the new AIRSAR/TOPSAR data. Furthermore, it was shown that geocoding of these data is well defined, without using, as is often done, transformations based on polynomials, which can strongly affect the geometric accuracy. Using geodetic and cartographic transforms, the geocoding can basically be carried out without the need of ground control points, which sometimes can be difficult, especially for those areas where the availability of topographic maps is almost impossible. At this time, we are testing this procedure for data sets acquired during the 1994 and 1995 campaigns in order to figure out the above mentioned error. In addition, we are planning to optimize the geocoding procedure without using the intermediary (s, c, hr) radar mapping system. This will allow a straight geocoding from slant range to a given reference map coordinate system, in order to deliver to the users geocoded AIRSARITOPSAR data.