Relief effects and the use of terrain models in SAR image processing

The use of digital terrain models in Canada to overcome the effects of topographic relief on geometric and radiometric fidelity of SAR imagery is discussed. Digital elevation models (DEM) can reduce, to 15 m, errors incurred in overlaying multipass SAR imagery of mountainous terrain. Neglect of topography can result in errors of hundreds of meters. Shadow or layover problem areas can be identified using DEM's.