Spatially detailed mapping of settlement patterns using SAR data of the TanDEM-X mission

The German satellite mission ‘TerraSAR-X add-on for Digital Elevation Measurement (TanDEM-X)’ aims at the collection of two global data sets of very high resolution (VHR) synthetic aperture radar (SAR) imagery for the years 2011 and 2012. With a spatial resolution of around three meters, these X-band SAR images provide a valuable source for the identification and delineation of built-up areas at a unique spatial detail with respect to global data sets available so far. This paper describes the methodological approach towards the fully operational mapping of human settlements based on TanDEM-X data, presents first results of the global analysis and gives an outlook on potential urban follow-up products that might also be derived from the TanDEM-X data base.