Geocoding SAR interferograms by least squares adjustment

A geocoding model for Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) interferometry based o n a least-squares adjustment combining interferometric phase, range, Dopple r centroid frequency, flight path and control point data is proposed. The c omplete mathematical framework for the computation of object space coordina tes without approximations is presented. It provides a way to an efficient implementation of the algorithm for geocoding the pixels of an interferogra m. The method is preferably applicable to spaceborne dual-pass interferomet ry, and independent of the orbit configuration. An accuracy analysis of obj ect point positioning is conducted and results of geocoding an ERS tandem i nterferogram are shown. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.