GeMoS-a system for the geocoding and mosaicking of interferometric digital elevation models

The task of mapping and monitoring the Earth's surface covers various application fields. Usually this 3-dimensional problem is split into a 2-dimensional planar description of the Earth's surface in maps supplemented with the height information, stored as separate digital elevation models (DEMs). However there is a lack of suitable global height information. DLR's Remote Sensing Data Center (DFD) implemented a production chain for the operational generation of DEMs. It currently offers this service on the basis of SAR data from the ERS tandem missions. Starting in late 1999 it will be used for the processing of the X-band data of the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM). The system will also be adapted for the generation of interferometric products delivered from the ASAR sensor of ESA's ERS follow on system ENVISAT. Part of the interferometric processing chain is the Geocoding and Mosaicking System (GeMoS). It enables the conversion of the unwrapped phase to height values, their geocoding into a variety of map projections, as well as the composition of individual InSAR DEMs to a large area, quality enhanced elevation product. An adjustment procedure improves the imaging parameters and as a consequence the product quality. The present paper briefly describes the system, its functionalities and the implemented approaches.