Abstract
Abstract. The TanDEM-X mission will derive a global digital elevation model (DEM) with satellite SAR interferometry. Two radar satellites (TerraSAR-X and TanDEM-X) will map the Earth in a resolution and accuracy with an absolute height error of 10m and a relative height error of 2m for 90% of the data. In order to fulfill the height requirements in general two global coverages are acquired and processed. Besides the final TanDEM-X DEM, an intermediate DEM with reduced accuracy is produced after the first coverage is completed. The last step in the whole workflow for generating the TanDEM-X DEM is the calibration of remaining systematic height errors and the merge of single acquisitions to 1°x1° DEM tiles. In this paper the current status of generating the intermediate DEM and first validation results based on GPS tracks, laser scanning DEMs, SRTM data and ICESat points are shown for different test sites.
Highlights
The final product of the TanDEM-X mission (Krieger et al 2007) will be a global digital elevation model (DEM) with an absolute height error of 10m and a relative height error of 2m for 90% of the data, respectively. For this purpose at least two global coverages will be acquired with SAR interferometry
Even though the intermediate DEM (IDEM) will not have the final TanDEM-X DEM accuracy, it provides a first impression on the prospective quality of this product
Even for a DEM generated with only one coverage these results prove full compliance with the absolute height requirements (Table 1)
Summary
The final product of the TanDEM-X mission (Krieger et al 2007) will be a global digital elevation model (DEM) with an absolute height error of 10m and a relative height error of 2m for 90% of the data, respectively. For this purpose at least two global coverages will be acquired with SAR interferometry. As a pre-version, the intermediate DEM (IDEM) will be produced for selected areas utilizing the first global coverage only. Even though the IDEM will not have the final TanDEM-X DEM accuracy, it provides a first impression on the prospective quality of this product.
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