Channel delay estimation for SAR and InSAR

The cable delay-time effect of the airborne SAR and InSAR system can introduce additional error in the slant range, which in turn impacts the accuracy of the cartographic surveying. By discussing the relationship between the contrast and the error of the slant-range, we present a novel method to estimate the channel delay without needing the Ground Control Points (GCPs). This method can reliably estimate the slant range error using both Map Drift method and Contrast Optimum according to the optimization rule of the contrast. Experiments on actual InSAR data demonstrate that this method guarantees the maneuverability and dependability, which benefits the subsequent mapping.