SRTM-Mission - cross comparison of X and C band data properties

Abstract

In February 2000 the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM) mapped large areas of the global landmass using two radar systems operating simultaneously in X- and C-band. The radar mapping instrument consisted of modified versions of the SIR-C C-band and X-band radars flown on the shuttle in 1994. Modifications included a 60 m retractable: boom, with C-band and X-band receive-only antennas attached to the boom's end. High accuracy metrology systems were added to measure the shuttle position and attitude, and the position of the boom antennas. The dual apertures at each band form radar interferometers suitable for making high accuracy topographic maps of the Earth. The C-band data set is being processed by JPL for the archives of the US National Imaging and Mapping Agency (NIMA) and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). The X-band data set is processed and distributed at DLR Germany. This paper compares the specific properties of the X- and C-band data sets with respect to global coverage, height accuracy, sensor specific errors, product definition, product format and availability.