Project Title:

Polarimetry-Based, SAR Shape from Shading for Terrain Reconstruction

07.02-0094
Polarimetry-Based, SAR Shape from Shading for Terrain Reconstruction
Vexcel Corporation
2905 Wilderness Place
Boulder
CO
80301
Franz W.
Leberl
(303-444-0094)
GSFC

Abstract:

This project is directed toward the development of algorithms and software which
incorporate polarization data into techniques for terrain reconstruction using shape-from-shading
in multiple-image, synthetic-aperture-radar (SAR), quadpole data. This represents
an innovative approach to the problem of resolving the ambiguities inherent in attributing
the changes in SAR-image shading to either actual changes in terrain slope or to
changes in scattering cross section. This solution will combine complex polarization
data with spatial data to achieve higher resolution terrain reconstruction from SAR
data than can be obtained by radar stereo techniques alone.

Potential Commercial Application:

Potential Commercial Applications:  Applications could be in high resolution terrain
mapping to support geophysical prospecting.