Generation and Investigation of Backscatter Mosaics using TerraSAR-X Data

Global backscatter data is required for accurate performance estimation and instrument commanding inside the TerraSAR-X and TanDEM-X missions. The goal of this work is the generation of an X-Band backscatter map by assembling images acquired by the TSX satellite. The complete data ground coverage will be achievable with TanDEM-X mission data. An interpolator, that allows the estimation of the on ground backscatter for any required polarization and incidence angle from the available data, has been implemented too. In this paper, the backscatter map generation algorithm will be presented, together with the first obtained results, generated using TSX data. Moreover, the validity of the interpolation models will also be discussed, presenting a statistical analysis of backscatter behaviour from TSX data.