Accuracy Assessment of DEMs Derived from Multiple SAR Data Using the InSAR Technique

Abstract

In this study, digital elevation models (DEMs) derived from AlosPalsar data (Japanese Space Agency—JAXA), Sentinel-1A data, and Envisat ASAR data (European Space Agency—ESA) were compared by using a global navigation satellite system (GNSS). In addition, AW3D30, SRTM, and ASTER GDEM (open-access DEMs) data were also included in the accuracy evaluation. The DEM accuracies were investigated in three different terrain types, namely a plain area, mountainous area and agricultural area, and compared at elevation values on a pixel-based. The accuracy obtained from the ALOS PALSAR satellite data was found to be more reliable for all three terrain types. The standard deviation and root mean square values were calculated and compared to each other. The results of the accuracy assessments showed that the best result for the plain area was obtained with the Sentinel-1A and SRTM data, for the mountainous area was obtained with the SRTM data and for agricultural area was obtained with the ALOS PALSAR and SRTM data.