Radar Backscatter Mapping Using TerraSAR-X

Global backscatter data can be used for accurate synthetic aperture radar (SAR) performance estimation and optimizing instrument settings for SAR systems, e.g. the TerraSAR-X mission (TSM) and the TanDEM-X mission (TDM). The goal of this work is the generation of X-band backscatter maps by mosaicking images acquired by the TSM. An algorithm that allows the estimation of the on-ground backscatter, for any required polarization and incidence angle from the available data, is implemented. In this paper, the backscatter map generation algorithm is presented, together with the first results, obtained from the TSX-1 data. The validity of the interpolation models is also discussed, as they will form the basis for a future global statistical analysis and modeling of backscatter behavior in X-band SAR data.