A treatise on InSAR geometry and 3D displacement estimation

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleScientificpeer-review

134 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

The estimation of displacement vectors for (objects on) the Earth's surface using satellite InSAR requires geometric transformations of the observables based on orbital viewing geometries. Usually, there are insufficient viewing geometries available for full 3-D reconstruction, leading to nonunique solutions. Currently, there is no standardized approach to deal with this problem, resulting in products that are based on haphazard and/or oversimplified assumptions with biased estimates and reduced interpretability. Here, we show that a clear definition of - and subsequent adherence to - enabling conditions guarantees the validity and quality of displacement vector estimates leading to standardized interferometric products with improved interpretability. We introduce the concept of the null line as a key metric for InSAR geometry and bias estimation, assess its impact and orientation for all positions on Earth, and propose a novel reference system that is inherently unbiased. We evaluate current operational practice, leading to a taxonomy of frequently encountered misconceptions and to recommendations for InSAR product generation and interpretation. We also propose new subscript notation to uniquely distinguish different projection and decomposition products. Our propositions contribute to further standardization of InSAR product definition, improved map annotation, and robust interpretability.

Original languageEnglish
Article number5217811
Number of pages11
JournalIEEE Transactions on Geoscience and Remote Sensing
Volume61
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2023

Keywords

  • Azimuth
  • decomposition
  • Earth
  • Estimation
  • Geometry
  • InSAR
  • line-of-sight
  • null line
  • projection
  • Satellite constellations
  • Satellites
  • solution space
  • surface displacements
  • Three-dimensional displays

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'A treatise on InSAR geometry and 3D displacement estimation'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this