Traffic Measurement with TerraSAR-X: Processing System Overview and First Results

TerraSAR-X is the first civilian SAR satellite capable of acquiring data with multiple apertures in along-track direction. This allows for effective detection of ground object motions and thus for a demonstration of spaceborne traffic measurement with SAR. Due to the high relevance of high quality traffic information DLR has started the development of a traffic processor for TerraSAR-X data. In this paper we give an overview on the ground moving target indication techniques applied in the processor. Furthermore, we present results of the first traffic measurements for different motorways and address the integration of the system into a near-real-time processing chain.