What is an interferogram?

Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) is a technique for using pairs of high resolution SAR images acquired with a small baseline to generate high quality digital elevation maps, monitor crustal deformation due to natural and anthropogenic activities, based on the interference of complex SAR images. For more information one can refer to the articles below. 

1. Synthetic Aperture Radar Interferometry - Richard Bamler, Philipp Hartl, 1998
   This is a great literature overview for InSAR. It is a must read with lots of examples. It's step by step writing style makes it easier to understand.
2. A Beginner's Guide to Interferometric SAR Concepts and Signal Processing, Mark A. Richards, 2007
   This is a nice paper on InSAR for the technical minded people. It covers quite a wide range of topics with enough detail. It reflects some of the more recent developments not covered in Bamler and Hartl paper from 1998.
3. InSAR Training Manual - ESA, 2007
   This training manual consists of three sections: InSAR Principles, InSAR Processing - Practical and InSAR Processing - mathematical. It is published by the European Space Agency and can be purchased as a hard copy.

What are the advantages of P-Band SAR?

P-Band polarimetric backscatter provides the unique capability of mapping the forest cover, disturbance from deforestation and degradation, forest recovery, wetland inundation, and aboveground biomass. P-Band SAR (0.3 - 1 GHz or 30 - 100 cm wavelength) measures forest biomass directly up to 200 Mg/ha (Megagrams per hectare) because of the longer wavelengths and deeper penetration into the canopy. The longer P band wavelength of is also desirable for several critically important science measurements such as permafrost and ice dynamics, in addition to archaeological applications.

What flights are currently planned? Can I request a flight?

Upcoming flights for 2017 are under discussion, but currently there are no set dates or locations. If you would like to discuss setting up an EcoSAR flight over a location, please contact Lola Fatoyinbo.

Where and when will the data be available?

Data products are available for download from our anonymous ftp site: ftp://fusion.gsfc.nasa.gov/radar/EcoSAR/.

Currently, data from our two test flights on Andros Island and Costa Rica are available. Visit the data section for a detailed description of the data format.