Towards Global 3D/4D Urban Modeling Using TanDEM-X Data

TanDEM-X mission delivers a global digital elevation model of high quality (12 m posting) close to the HRTI-3 standard. However, when it comes to urban areas, layover effect caused by the side-looking nature of the radar satellites handicaps the use of classical multi-baseline phase unwrapping and TanDEM-X data alone for a precise 3D reconstruction. This calls for advanced SAR image processing methods or complementary data, such as volunteered geographic information. This paper proposes a series of novel algorithms aiming at delivering the world's first global 3D and 4D urban model using primarily the TanDEM-X data.