Synthetic interferometer radar for topographic mapping

Abstract

The production of topographic maps requires two kinds of information. First, the detail to be placed on the map sheet must be identified. Second, the positions of the various objects and features must be measured in three dimensions. Current airborne radar technology provides the means to satisfy both of these requirements in adverse weather and at any time, day or night. Radar used specifically for this purpose employs synthetic-aperture techniques to obtain fine resolution measurement in two dimensions and interferometry to obtain the third measurement.