SRTM X-SAR calibration results

The paper presents the results of the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM) X-band calibration at DLR as of April 2001, the time of writing. While some areas may be subject to further improvement, the overall image will not change significantly. We summarize the various calibration issues, the methods applied and the results obtained. Addressed topics are: Timing calibration, SNR and coherence, motion analysis and instrument phase errors. The qualitative and quantitative effects of the distortions above on the DEM quality are discussed.