Large scale interferometric DEM generation using ERS Tandem data: example of the Czech Republic

The main subject of this paper is an assessment of the potential to generate large scale digital elevation models by means of interferometric processing of ERS SAR data. A DEM of the entire Czech Republic has been produced using Tandem data preferably from the winter period 1995/96. The corresponding processing steps, with emphasis on data selection and mosaicking, are presented. The results are compared to reference elevation information and show a typical vertical accuracy in the order of 10 m, indicating the potential of the methodology to generate large area DEMs on principle. Finally, elementary limitations are discussed.