[Texte]

TerraSAR-X Image
Product Guide
Basic and Enhanced Radar Satellite Imagery

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Ref.: OP00xxxxxxxxxx Commercial in Confidence

TerraSAR-X Image Product Guide
Basic and Enhanced Radar Satellite Imagery

1 Introduction

TerraSAR-X and TanDEM-X are commercial German Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) Earth
observation satellites, which were launched in June 2007 and June 2010 respectively. Both
satellites feature a scheduled lifetime of 5 years. However, in May 2014 it was announced
that both satellites display excellent health status with the radar instruments working
nominally and an exceptional battery status. Lifetime expectancy of TerraSAR-X and
TanDEM-X radar satellites was thus extended by a further five years, enabling the delivery
of first-class SAR data well beyond 2018.
TerraSAR-X and TanDEM-X offer outstanding operational features that have not been
available from spaceborne data sources before: The satellite design is based on well-
founded technology and knowledge achieved during the successful Synthetic Aperture
Radar SIR-C/X-SAR and SRTM missions. The satellites carry a high frequency X-band SAR
sensor, which can be operated in flexible imaging modes in order to meet the requirements
of versatile applications.
The TerraSAR-X and TanDEM-X missions are realised in the frame of a Public Private
Partnership (PPP) between the German Ministry of Education and Science (BMBF)
represented through the German Aerospace Centre (DLR) and Airbus Defence and Space.
Airbus Defence and Space successfully developed, integrated, and tested the satellite.
Commercial distribution of TerraSAR-X data, value-adding, service development, and user
training are the tasks of the Intelligence programme line within Airbus Defence and Space.
DLR implemented the satellite control system and the payload ground segment for
reception, processing, archiving and distribution of the X-band SAR data. DLR is also
responsible for instrument calibration and the operation of the two satellites. The scientific
use of TerraSAR-X and TanDEM-X data is coordinated via DLR's TerraSAR-X Science
Service System.
The two satellites are operated in a close formation flight with distances of down to only a
few hundred meters. Together they acquire the data basis for the global WorldDEM™ Digital
Elevation Model, featuring an unrivalled combination of coverage, accuracy and quality.
As the two satellites are virtually identically in construction and feature the same acquisition
modes and imaging characteristics, in this document reference is only made to TerraSAR-X.
However, all information provided is equally valid for TanDEM-X image products.

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Basic and Enhanced Radar Satellite Imagery

2 TerraSAR-X Facts

TerraSAR-X Technical Facts

5 years, for both satellites (TerraSAR-X and TanDEM-
X), an extended lifetime of that least another 5 years
Operational life
(beyond 2018) is expected by the operator DLR
(Status: April 2014).
Orbit Sun-synchronous repeat orbit
Repeat period 11 days
18:00 hrs ascending pass (± 0.25h)
Equatorial crossing time (GMT)
06:00 hrs descending pass (± 0.25h)
Inclination 97.44°
Altitude at the equator 514 km (319.8 miles)
Antenna type Active Phases Array Antenna, electronically separable
Antenna size 4.78 m x 0.7 m (15.7 feet x 2.3 feet)
Centre Frequency 9.65 GHz (X band)
Chirp bandwidth 150 MHz / 300 MHz
Nominal acquisition direction Right side
Single, dual - depending on imaging mode
Polarisation quadruple is available as advanced polarisation mode
for dedicated acquisition campaigns
GMT Greenwich Mean Time

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Basic and Enhanced Radar Satellite Imagery

3 TerraSAR-X Imaging Modes

The standard TerraSAR-X operational mode is the single receive antenna mode from
which the following imaging modes can be retrieved: SpotLight, StripMap, and ScanSAR.
The single receive antenna mode uses a chirp bandwidth of up to 300 MHz.

The SpotLight imaging modes use phased array beam steering in azimuth direction to
increase the illumination time, i.e. the size of the synthetic aperture. This leads to a
restriction in the image / scene size. Thus, the scene size is technically restricted to a
defined size: 10 km x 10 km (width x length) for the SpotLight (SL) mode and 5 to 10 km x 5
km (width x length) in the High Resolution SpotLight (HS) mode. The Staring SpotLight
(ST) mode is an extreme case, in which the antenna footprint rests on the scene and the
scene length corresponds to the length of the antenna footprint. Thus, the scene size is
highly dependent on the incidence angle: at small incidence angle wide footprints at short
length are received and with increasing incidence angle nearly equal proportions are
obtained, i.e. 7.5 km x 2.5 km @ 20° incidence angle and 4 km x 3.7 km @ 60° incidence
angle (width x length). This sophisticated imaging mode makes it possible to acquire data
with up to 0.25 m resolution in Staring SpotLight mode, 1 m resolution in High Resolution
SpotLight mode (acquired with a bandwidth of 300 MHz) and 2 m in SpotLight mode.
StripMap (SM) is the basic SAR imaging mode as known e.g. from ERS-1 and other radar
satellites. The ground swath is illuminated with continuous sequence of pulses while the
antenna beam is fixed in elevation and azimuth. This results in an image strip with a
continuous image quality (in flight direction). StripMap dual polarisation data have a slightly
lower spatial resolution and smaller swath than the single polarisation data.
In StripMap mode, a spatial resolution of up to 3 m can be achieved. The standard scene
size is 30 km x 50 m (width x length) in order to obtain manageable image files; however,
acquisition length is extendable up to 1,650 km.
In the ScanSAR imaging modes, electronic antenna elevation steering is used to acquire
adjacent, slightly overlapping coverages with different incidence angles that are processed
into one scene. In ScanSAR (SC) mode, a swath width of 100 km (and even more) is
achieved by scanning four adjacent ground sub-swaths with quasi-simultaneous beams,
each with different incidence angle.

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Basic and Enhanced Radar Satellite Imagery

In Wide ScanSAR (WS) mode, a swath width of up to 270 km is achieved by scanning six
adjacent ground sub-swaths. Due to the switching between the beams, only bursts of SAR
echoes are received, resulting in a reduced bandwidth and hence, reduced azimuth
resolution.
In ScanSAR mode a spatial resolution of up to 18.5 m is achieved, while for Wide ScanSAR
a spatial resolution of 40 m is achieved. The standard scene size is 100 km x 150 km (width
x length) for ScanSAR and up to 270 km x 200 km for Wide ScanSAR for easily manageable
image file size. The acquisition length is extendable up to 1,650 km for ScanSAR and up to
1,500 km for Wide ScanSAR.
The advanced TerraSAR-X imaging modes use a dual receive antenna by splitting the
antenna into two parts. The dual receive antenna is only available for ordering in case of
designated mission campaigns, which are announced by the operator DLR. It enables the
acquisition of the following products:
StripMap twin polarisation data recorded in HH and VV at a standard scene size of 30 km
x 50 km (width x length).
StripMap quadruple polarisation data recording the full scattering matrix, allows the
derivation of further polarisation states (circular or elliptic).
The table below gives an overview of the operational modes of TerraSAR-X. The six
different imaging modes are distinguished by their spatial resolution and coverage:

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Basic and Enhanced Radar Satellite Imagery

Standard Maximum Slant Full Per-

Azimuth
Imaging Scene Acquisition Range formance
Resolutionb Polarisation
Mode Sizea Length Resolutionb Range
[m]c
[km] [km] [m] [°]

Staring
Single
SpotLight 4 x 3.7d 3.7 0.6 0.24 20° to 45°
(VV or HH)
(ST)

HighRes
SpotLight Single
10 x 5d 5 0.6 1.1 20° to 55°
300 MHz (VV or HH)
(HS300)

Single
HighRes 1.2 1.1
(VV or HH)
SpotLight 10 x 5 5 20° to 55°
(HS) Dual
1.2 2.2
(HH & VV)

Single
SpotLight 1.2 1.7
(VV or HH)
(SL) 10 x 10 10 20° to 55°
Dual
1.2 3.4
(HH & VV)

Single
(VV or HH)
30 x 50
1.2 3.3
StripMap single pol
(SM) 1,650 Dual 20° to 45°
(HH & VV,
15 x 50
1.2 6.6 HH & HV,
dual pol
or VV and
VH)

ScanSAR 1.2 (at 150 Single

100 x 150 1,650 18.5 20° to 45°
(SC) MHz) (VV or HH)
Depending
Wide Single
d on range 15.6° to
ScanSAR 270 x 200 1,500 40 (VV, HH,
bandwidth 49°
(WS) HV or VH)
1.7 - 3.3

a
Width x length (range x azimuth)
b
Figures correspond to the Single Look Slant range Complex (SSC) image products
c
Figures correspond to the Single Look Slant range Complex (SSC) image products
d
Depending on incidence angle

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Basic and Enhanced Radar Satellite Imagery

4 TerraSAR-X Product Suites

TerraSAR-X products are differentiated into two major product groups: Basic Image
Products (or L1B Products) and Enhanced Image Products (EI Products).
Basic Image Products are satellite path oriented data sets. They correspond to the CEOS
Level 1b quality and can be ordered as future acquisitions or from the data catalogue. In
case of a future acquisition order, the customer can determine the following acquisition
options:
Acquisition Options
Area of Interest (or scene centre coordinate)
Imaging Mode Staring SpotLight (ST)
High Resolution SpotLight 300MHz (HS300)
High Resolution SpotLight (HS)
SpotLight (SL)
StripMap (SM)
ScanSAR (SC)
Wide ScanSAR (WS)
Polarisation Mode Single (S) for all modes
Dual (D) for High Resolution SpotLight (HS), SpotLight
(SL) and StripMap (SM)
Incidence Angle Range 15° - 60° e
Pass Direction Ascending (A) or Descending (D)
Acquisition Start and Stop Time
Polarisation Channels Single polarisation: HH or VV, for Wide ScanSAR
additionally: HV or VH,
Dual polarisation: HH/VV, for StripMap only: HH/HV or
VV/VH

Naturally, for Basic Image Products ordered from the catalogue, these parameters are fixed.
Processing options for TerraSAR-X Basic Image Products, however, can be determined
for both future acquisition orders and catalogue orders. The Basic Image Products
processing options are described in the detailed in Section 5 of this document.
Enhanced Image Products are typically area of interest or map oriented products, which
represent a higher level of processing in terms of a more precise geometric correction,
orthorectification or mosaicking.
TerraSAR-X Basic Image Products are used as input for generating Enhanced Image
Products. Thus they can be generated based on future acquisition, catalogue data, or a
combination of both. For future acquisition orders, the customer can influence the acquisition
options. More processing options and auxiliary raster data are part of the Enhanced Image
Products; further described in section 6.

e
Data outside performance range (see table chapter 3) might not fulfill the product specification.

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5 TerraSAR-X Basic Image Products

The SAR raw data are processed by the TerraSAR-X Multi Mode SAR Processor (TMSP).
For each order - future acquisition order or catalogue order - the customer can specify
processing options, which determine the Basic Image Product w.r.t.
■ the geometric and radiometric resolution,
■ the geometric projection and
■ the auxiliary information and annotation.
All TerraSAR-X Basic Image Products are processed and delivered in radar brightness β0,
making them comparable to the detected ground range products from ERS-1 and 2,
ENVISAT/ASAR and RADARSAT. In contrast to ENVISAT and ERS, the complex slant
range products are also delivered in radar brightness.
With respect to the geometric projection and data representation of the data, TerraSAR-X
Basic Image Products are differentiated into four product types, which are described in the
following. Each product type is available individually; a combination is also possible.

5.1 Slant Range Product

The slant range product is a single look product of the focused radar signal. For this product,
no additional processing options are available.
SSC - Single Look Slant Range Complex
The SSC product is a single look product of the focused radar signal.
The pixels are spaced equidistant in azimuth (according to the pulse
repetition interval PRI=1/PRF) and in slant range (according to the
range sampling frequency). The data are represented as complex
numbers containing amplitude and phase information. Each image pixel
is processed to zero Doppler coordinates in range direction, i.e.
perpendicular to the flight track. Due to the nature of azimuth/slant-
range coordinates, no geocoding is available. The SSC is delivered in the DLR-defined
binary COSAR format (see TerraSAR-X Level1B Product Format Specification).
The product is compatible with the standard slant range products (SLC) available from
ERS-1/2, ENVISAT ASAR, RADARSAT-1 and X-SAR/SIR-C.
The SSC product is intended for applications that require the full bandwidth and phase
information, e.g. for SAR interferometry and polarimetry. Depending on the required
application, this product may be preferred to geocoded data, since it does not include any
radiometric artefacts, which may be introduced during spatial resampling and geocoding.

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5.2 Detected Products

In the detected products, the spatial resolution is reduced (the number of looks is increased
accordingly) in order to reduce speckle and thermal noise, i.e. to improve the radiometric
resolution. Three different product types of detected image products exist for all imaging
modes.

MGD - Multi Look Ground Range Detected

The MGD product is a detected multi look product with reduced speckle
and approximately square resolution cells. The image coordinates are
oriented along flight direction and along ground range. The pixel
spacing is equidistant in azimuth and in ground range. For the slant to
ground range projection the WGS84 ellipsoid and an average, constant
terrain height value are used.
The MGD corresponds to the ERS-1/2 PRI or ENVISAT ASAR product
called ASA_IMP_1P.
The advantage of this product is the fact that no image rotation to a map coordinate system
has been performed and interpolation artefacts are thus avoided. This product is useful, if
geocoding or orthorectification is to be applied by the customer, or in case geocoding is not
required.

GEC - Geocoded Ellipsoid Corrected

The GEC product is a multi-look detected product, which is resampled
and projected to the WGS84 reference ellipsoid assuming one average
height. The image is represented in map geometry with ellipsoidal
corrections only, thus no terrain correction is performed. Available grid
formats are UTM (Universal Transversal Mercator) and UPS (Universal
Polar Stereographic).
Since the ellipsoid correction does not use height information from a
Digital Elevation Model (DEM) for geometric correction, the pixel location accuracy varies
depending on the local terrain. For other types of relief, the terrain induced SAR specific
distortions are not corrected and significant location shifts can appear, particularly for a
strong relief and/or steep incidence angles (see Annex for details on pixel location
accuracy).
The product corresponds to the ERS-1/2 GEC or the ENVISAT SAR product called
ASA_IMG_1P.
The GEC allows a fast orientation for the interpreter. Further, the data can be combined
directly with other sources of information. For flat terrain, a good pixel location accuracy of
the multi-temporal and reference data sets is achieved.

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EEC - Enhanced Ellipsoid Corrected

The EEC product is a multi-look detected product as well, projected and
resampled to the WGS84 reference ellipsoid. However, image
distortions caused by varying terrain height are corrected using an
external Digital Elevation Model (DEM). The image is represented in
map geometry with terrain correction. The available map projections are
UTM or UPS.
The pixel localization of this product is of a higher accuracy, however, it
depends on the type of terrain, the quality and the resolution of the DEM used for the
orthorectification and the incidence angle of the acquisition (see Annex for details on pixel
location accuracy).
The product corresponds to the ERS-1/2 GTC or respective ENVISAT ASAR DLR-value-
added product.
The EEC product features the highest level of geometric correction available for TerraSAR-X
Basic Image Products and is thus quickly interpretable and combinable with other sources of
information.

5.3 Basic Image Products Processing Options

For the Detected Products, the customer can specify additional processing options. These
influence the spatial / radiometric resolution and the auxiliary information and annotation.

5.3.1 Resolution Mode

In contrast to ERS-1 and ENVISAT/ASAR, the range resolution of TerraSAR-X is close to or
even better than the azimuth resolution and looks cannot be derived by degrading the
azimuth resolution. Therefore, two variants of detected products have been designed: one is
optimised for resolution (spatially enhanced) and one is optimised for radiometry
(radiometrically enhanced). In either variant, a square ground resolution cell is implemented.
For each Detected Product, the customer can choose either one of the two resolution
modes: spatially enhanced (SE) or radiometrically enhanced (RE) products.
The Spatially Enhanced Product (SE) is designed for the highest possible square ground
resolution. Depending on imaging mode, polarisation and incidence angle, the larger
resolution value of azimuth or ground range determines the square pixel size. The smaller
resolution value is adjusted to this size and the corresponding reduction of the bandwidth is
used for speckle reduction.
For the two ScanSAR modes no Spatially Enhanced Products are available.
The Radiometrically Enhanced Product (RE) is optimised with respect to radiometry. The
range and azimuth resolution are intentionally reduced. This significantly reduces speckle by
averaging 5 to 7 looks to obtain a radiometric resolution of about 1.5 dB.

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5.3.2 Orbit Measurement Precisions

Positional accuracies depend (among other things) on the precision of the orbit
measurement (see Annex for details on pixel location accuracy).
Three orbit precisions are available for Basic Product generation. Customers can choose
between them, taking their availability into account.

Type of Orbit Accuracy Processing Purpose

Used for processing of Near Real Time
Predicted Orbit 700 m along track
products; available within 2 to 4 h.

Standard processing for basic image products;

Rapid Orbit 2 m (3-d, 1 sigma)
available within 1 to 2 days after acquisition.

The science orbit provides the highest location

accuracy and is recommended for data stacks
20 cm (3-d, 1 sigma) (e.g. time series, interferometry).
Science Orbit
aiming at 10 cm Basic image products generated with this orbit
are typically available within 5 to 7 days after
acquisition.

5.3.3 Auxiliary Raster Products

A Geocoded Incidence Angle Mask (GIM) is available for the Enhanced Ellipsoid
Corrected (EEC) product. The GIM contains information on the local incidence angle and on
the location of radar shadowing and layover in a coded mask. The mask can be used for
further processing such as radiometric calibration.
The EEC product is always accompanied by a DEM Coverage Map (DEM Map). The DEM
Map is a matrix containing an index that identifies the name(s) of the DEM(s) used for the
orthorectification (EEC generation) process. A lookup table, which describes the index, is
part of the delivered product.
The DEM used for EEC product generation itself is typically not a TerraSAR-X product and is
not delivered with the product.

5.3.4 File Format

The TerraSAR-X Basic Image Product SSC is delivered in the DLR-defined COSAR binary
format. The detected products are delivered in GeoTiff format. The annotation information of
all Basic Image Products is provided in xml format.
Standard COTS software packages (e.g. Leica Geosystems Erdas Imagine, PCI Geomatics,
ENVI, etc.) support the formats. For up-to-date information on software that supports
TerraSAR-X data, please visit http://www.intelligence-airbusds.com/en/3018-software-tools.

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5.3.5 Processor Gain Attenuation

TerraSAR-X Basic Image Products are available in 16 bit integer values. As sometimes the
backscatter values of the TerraSAR-X images exceed this data range, a scaling of the
values is required. It might happen that the backscatter values of very bright targets (e.g.
corner reflectors) are clipped due to this scaling.
The processing parameter processor gain attenuation parameter influences the scaling,
i.e. the clipping of values of very bright targets is prevented at the cost of not optimally
quantised radiometry for low backscatter areas. Thus, it can be used to increase or reduce
the radiometric contrast between very high returns (from land) versus very low return
(water).
Selectable values: 0 dB (default), 10 dB and 20 dB
Examples:
For military applications, where shadows or low values are of interest, the default value 0 dB
is usually used. For images of very dense urban area acquired in the Staring Spotlight mode,
which are characterised by a lot of very high returns, the recommended value for the
processor gain attenuation is 10 dB.

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6 TerraSAR-X Enhanced Image Products

TerraSAR-X Enhanced Image (EI) Products are mainly focussed on a particular area of
interest or are map products, which represent a higher level of processing in terms of
radiometric correction and orthorectification, mosaics, subsets and merges.
The Enhanced Image Products are based on TerraSAR-X Basic Image Products and they
can be generated from future acquisition, catalogue orders or a combination of both. Thanks
to their higher processing level, the products provide more processing options than the Basic
Image Products, along with additional auxiliary information. With these products, customers
are not limited to satellite specific images and image strips but can order a full geometrically
and radiometrically adjusted coverage of a particular region of interest. Further, it is possible
to generate Enhanced Image Products from other Enhanced Image Products, e.g. a radar
mosaic based on high-quality orthorectified images.
In the next chapter the different TerraSAR-X Enhanced Image Products are described,
followed by details regarding the main processing options.

6.1 Enhanced Image Products

ORISAR - Orthorectified Image

The Orthorectified Image product is a highly accurate geocoded image
with terrain correction included. Terrain distortions inherent in satellite
imagery, particularly in areas of high relief, are removed. Due to the
major influence of the Digital Elevation Model (DEM) on the pixel
location accuracy of an orthorectified image, only high precision DEMs
are used for ORISAR production. The result shows increased pixel
location accuracy in comparison to an EEC product. (See Annex for
more information on the influencing factors on pixel location accuracy
and the quality of DEMs used for EEC production.)
The high precision DEMs used for ORISAR production can either be provided by the customer
or be purchased by Airbus Defence and Space. The image is represented in map geometry.
The standard map projections are UTM or UPS with WGS84 ellipsoid.
ORISAR products are available with the same radiometric representation in radar brightness
β0 as the Basic Image Products, but an additional radiometric calibration (σ0) or radiometric
normalisation (γ0) can be ordered (see RaNSAR).
This product has a higher level of geometric correction in comparison to Basic Image
Products. It is quickly interpretable and an excellent complement to other sources of
information.

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RaNSAR - Radiometrically Corrected Image

The Basic Image Products GEC and EEC are delivered in radar
brightness (β0). The customer can request an additional radiometric
calibration or radiometric normalisation of these products. The resulting
product is called RaNSAR (radiometrically corrected or normalised GEC
or EEC image).
Both corrections compensate for topography induced effects such as
local pixel scattering area and local incidence angle. Radiometric
calibration and normalisation lead to an absolute measurement of the sigma naught (σ0) or
gamma naught (γ0) coefficient respectively, depending on the customer’s selection (see also
chapter 6.2.1). Like the Basic Image Products GEC and EEC the RaNSAR product is
represented in map geometry. The standard map projections are UTM or UPS with WGS84
ellipsoid.
Radiometric correction is recommended if the imagery is to be used for classifications which
do not take angular dependencies of the SAR data into account. Further, it is also important
whenever several images of the same area or neighbouring areas are to be composed, as
this minimises the differences in the radiometry of the various images.

MCSAR - Mosaic
In order to cover a geographical area larger than a standard scene,
neighbouring geocoded or orthorectified images are combined into one
image in a seamless way. Supported input products are ORISAR, EEC or
GEC depending on the customer’s localisation accuracy requirements.
During production, specific mosaicking boundaries are automatically
detected, e.g. along natural edges or line structures like tree lines,
streets or field borders. These are used in the mosaicking production in
order to avoid the visibility of cutting edges in the final image product. All scenes are
radiometrically balanced, which results in a seamless mosaic without breaks or visible
cutlines. The MCSAR is represented in map geometry. The standard map projections are
UTM or UPS with WGS84 ellipsoid.
The product provides seamless image information of an area larger than a standard scene. It
is quickly interpretable and combinable with other sources of information and can be used
for map sheet generation.

ADMSAR - Ascending / Descending Merge

The ADMSAR product is an orbit merge, i.e. a combination of SAR
images from ascending and descending right looking orbits is used for
image analysis. This achieves a reduction of the impact of the typical
SAR effects of shadow and layover, which are usually visible and may
obscure parts of the area under investigation.
EEC, ORISAR or MCSAR from both orbit directions are used as an input to
ADMSAR generation. The Source Image Mask (SOU) shows the origin of
each pixel in the product. Optionally, the delivery includes all individual orthorectified source
images (ORISAR) for the respective ascending and descending orbits.

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The ADMSAR is represented in map geometry. The standard map projections are UTM or
UPS with WGS84 ellipsoid. The ADMSAR is of particular interest for areas with steep
mountainous terrain, where shadow and layover can significantly disturb the analysis.

6.2 Enhanced Image Products Processing Options

In addition to the processing options for the TerraSAR-X Basic Imagery, a number of
processing options are available for Enhanced Image Products only:

6.2.1 Radiometric Correction

TerraSAR-X Basic Image Products are delivered in radar brightness (β0). A radiometric
correction yielding either sigma naught or gamma naught is delivered for the Enhanced
Image Products RANSAR or optionally also for ORISAR (see chapter 6.1).
The following types of radiometric corrections are selectable for ORISAR and RANSAR:

Radiometric Calibration
The correction factor sinθ results in sigma naught (σ°). It is normalised over the actual
ground area and thus it is independent of the acquisition geometry and topography.
Radiometric calibration is preferred by scientists as sigma naught values are those values
directly related to the ground.

Radiometric Normalisation
The correction function 1/cosθ is applied to sigma naught, which results in gamma naught
(γ°). It is normalised orthogonally to the incidence ray. A relatively constant reflectivity is
maintained for a wide range of incidence angles, particularly for rough surfaces, thus it is
preferred for calibration purposes.

6.2.2 Auxiliary Raster Products

All TerraSAR-X Enhanced Image Products are accompanied by auxiliary raster products,
which contain conversion, positional information and / or other ancillary information.
Depending on the Enhanced Image Product type, different auxiliary raster products are
available. All auxiliary raster products available for the different Enhanced Image Products
are detailed below:
Geocoded Incidence Angle Mask (GIM): The GIM contains information on the local
incidence angle and on the location of radar shadow and layover. The mask can be used for
further processing like radiometric calibration using the incidence angle information.
The GIM is available for EEC products and for ORISAR, RANSAR, and any other Enhanced
Image Product derived from them.
Incidence Angle Mask (IAM): The IAM is an alternative representation of the local
incidence angle information. The values are not coded, thus the mask can be applied directly
for further processing such as radiometric calibration.
The IAM is available for ORISAR, RANSAR, and any other Enhanced Image Product derived
from them.

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Layover and Shadow Mask (LSM): The LSM is the second part of the alternative
representation of the GIM. It contains the information on radar shadow and layover regions
in the image. Like the IAM, it can be directly composed with the image data.
The LSM is available for ORISAR, RANSAR, and any other Enhanced Image Product derived
from them.
Local Resolution Mask (RES): The RES identifies the actual ground resolution of the SAR
system for each pixel as this depends on the local topography and incidence angle for every
pixel.
The RES is available for the ORISAR and products derived from it.
Source Mask (SOU): The SOU provides a numeric value that allows the identification of the
source input image for each output pixel.
The SOU is available for the MCSAR, ADMSAR as well as any oriented image (OISAR)
generated from one of these products.
Enumeration files: Enumeration files consist of the Along Track Enumeration file (ALT) and
Across Track Enumeration file (ACT). Both files provide the original location in SAR
geometry (range-azimuth) for each output pixel. These files are useful for conversions
between slant range and geocoded geometries, e.g. for geocoding additional products that
are co-registered with the input image.
The Enumeration files are available for the ORISAR only if it is produced with a DEM owned
by the customer.
The following table provides an overview on the availability of Auxiliary Raster Products for
TerraSAR-X Enhanced Image Products.

Availability of Auxiliary Files

Geocoded Layover
Local Along Across
Incidence Incidence and Source
Resolution Track Enu- Track Enu-
Angle Angle Shadow Mask
Mask meration meration
Mask Mask (IAM) Mask (SOU)
(RES) file (ALT) file (ACT)
(GIM) (LSM)

ORISAR     * *

RANSAR   

MCSAR * * *  *

OISAR * * * * *

ADMSAR * * *  *
* Optional, depending on input products type (see description)

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6.3 Customisation Services

Customisation Services are available for TerraSAR-X Basic and Enhanced Image Products.
In the following the different customisation services are detailed.

6.3.1 Oriented Image (OISAR)

OISAR - Oriented Image

The Oriented Image is a subset of an orthorectified or geocoded image
scene, a mosaic or an ascending / descending merge. The subset
region is defined by the customer via an Area of Interest polygon or
corner coordinates of the desired region. The product can either be
characterised by the user defined Area of Interest or by a map sheet
orientation according to relevant mapping standards or customer
defined extensions.
The product is represented in map geometry, with the standard map projections being UTM
or UPS with WGS84 ellipsoid.
The OISAR can be combined with other sources of information, thus it can be used as direct
input e.g. for map sheet generation. Customers receive an image that covers the selected
Area of Interest instead of satellite-typical image strips that cover the area only in fractions.

6.3.2 Projections
The standard cartographic projections for TerraSAR-X Basic and Enhanced Image Products
are Universal Transversal Mercator (UTM) and Uniform Polar Stereographic (UPS) with
WGS84 ellipsoid.
The Customisation Services include the transfer of the products to other cartographic
projections selectable by the customer.

6.3.3 Scaling
All TerraSAR-X Basic and Enhanced Image Products are produced in 16 bit. On occasion,
the data may be reduced to 8 bit, e.g. for visualisation purposes in mapping applications, or
in case that such scaling does not lead to significant loss of informational detail.
The Customisation Services provide an additional 8 bit scaling of the image data, either as
automated or as interactive 8 bit scaling.
The automated option considers the minimum and maximum data values inherent to the
input data set and scales this data range to the 8 bit numerical range of 1 to 255.
In the interactive option the minimum and maximum values of the input data set to be scaled
to 8 bit can be specified by the customer.

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7 Ordering & Delivery

7.1 Ordering Process

7.1.1 Standard Ordering Procedures

The easiest way to order TerraSAR-X data is to contact the regional TerraSAR-X Services
Partner (http://www.intelligence-airbusds.com/en/34-commercial-network) or Airbus Defence
and Space's Customer Service at tel.: +49 7545 8 4344 or eMail [email protected]
In order to select exactly the TerraSAR-X data product optimised for a specific purpose, it is
recommended to refer to the TerraSAR-X data request form (available on
http://www.intelligence-airbusds.com/en/2901-terrasar-x-data-request-form). Airbus Defence
and Space's Customer Service Team is happy to support the selection of the most suitable
ordering parameters.
Together with the customer, Airbus Defence and Space's Customer Service Team carefully
reviews the data requirements and discusses any remaining questions. The customers will
then receive an acquisition plan, with technical details about the requested acquisition for
the Area of Interest, and a financial quotation, which must be countersigned by the
customer and returned by fax.
Upon receipt of the signed financial quotation, the acquisition request is entered into the
ordering system and the order is confirmed to the customer, who will be kept informed
about the status of the acquisition. An automated email will be sent as soon as the product
has been delivered to the customer's account. Invoicing will follow delivery of the data.
For customers that require large data volumes, it is possible to install an on-site order work
station with a direct link to Airbus Defence and Space's system, so the customer can
search, plan and set up orders. A corresponding training will be provided. This unique
agreement is typically part of a framework contract.

7.1.2 Priority and Tasking Concept

The acquisition of TerraSAR-X images is subject to a priority concept. There are three
Levels of Priority:
Standard orders and programming are handled as Low, which is applied for signed order
sent anytime up to 3 days before submission deadline. No surcharges apply.
The next level of priority, named Medium, applies for orders signed and sent any time up to
1 day before submission deadline. A surcharge applies for this priority level.
The highest level of priority is High. With this level of programming, customers can decide
with submission of the signed order until the submission deadline whether to confirm the
order or not. A surcharge is applicable for this priority level.
In case of conflicts between two acquisitions, the one with higher priority will be acquired.
There are two submission deadlines each day: 8:30 hrs and 21:30 hrs (UTC). They
correspond to uplink windows for satellite tasking. The early submission deadline

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corresponds to an acquisition window in the evening of the same day, the later submission
deadline corresponds to the acquisition window early in the next day.
The submission deadlines are indicated in the acquisition plan. The financial quotation must
be signed and sent back to Airbus Defence and Space prior to this point in time in order for
the desired acquisition to be tasked at the specified programming level and the
corresponding price.

7.1.3 Archive Orders

All acquired images are archived and can be ordered by customers. The TerraSAR-X
Archive (https://terrasar-x-archive.terrasar.com/) contains an overview of all available
archive data as Google Earth file (.kml) and ESRI-Shapefile (.shp).
Depending on acquisition parameters and acquisition date, discounts are applicable for
archive data.
For placing an archive order, customers are asked to provide details regarding the selected
scene, i.e. acquisition date, time and location (as .kml or .shp) to Airbus Defence and
Space's Customer Service Team.

7.1.4 Considerations before Ordering

In order to identify the best possible data parameters for a specific application, the following
considerations should be made before ordering:
■ What application will the data be used for?
■ Are several acquisitions required (time? repeat passes?)?
■ Resolution and extend of the area of interest are key factors for selecting the
acquisition mode (ST, HS, SL, SM, SC or WS).
■ Will single or dual polarisation imagery provide the required information better
(reduced resolution in dual polarisation acquisitions)?
Airbus Defence and Space’s Customer Service is happy to assist with any doubts regarding
these choices. If need be, a team of SAR experts is available to discuss such problems so
the customer is guaranteed a sound advice.

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7.2 Registration and Legal Aspects

In order for Airbus Defence and Space to meet the requirements of the German Satellite
Data Security Law (SatDSiG), all customers must be formally checked and registered with
the ordering system.
For this registration, companies must provide:
■ Full name and legal address of the company
■ Name and nationality of a key contact person
■ A valid fax number
Further, a copy of your business licence (or another appropriate document for institutions
such as universities or governmental authorities) is required for an identity verification of the
company. In some cases, a certified document may be requested by the German Satellite
Data Security Law (SatDSiG).

7.2.1 German Satellite Data Security Law

Airbus Defence and Space has to comply with the German Satellite Data Security Law
(SatDSiG). This means that for images with a certain resolution and / or covering specific
areas, German governmental authorities reserve the right to either release or to prohibit the
delivery of the data. This is decided on a case by case basis. A delivery delay of 5 days is
possible for certain resolutions.
Customers must be aware that Airbus Defence and Space is required by law to disclose the
customer data to the governmental authorities responsible for the Satellite Data Security
Law (SatDSiG). The authorities are obliged to keep these data confidential.

7.2.2 End User Licence Agreement

The End User Licence Agreement applies to all TerraSAR-X data and any derived products
purchased by an end user. An end user is either a person acting in their own name, or an
organisation, which is supplied with TerraSAR-X data and / or any derived products. The end
user must accept Airbus Defence and Space’s End User Licence Agreement in advance of
any usage.
In case an end user plans to use TerraSAR-X data and / or derived products as a single user
the Single User Licence Agreement shall be applicable. The current version is available on
http://www.intelligence-airbusds.com/en/886-legal-documents-and-supply-conditions.
In case an end user wishes to use TerraSAR-X data and / or derived products as multi user
(e. g. within a project together with other project partners) the Multi User Licence Agreement
is be applicable. This agreement will be provided upon request.

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7.3 Delivery

7.3.1 Delivery Media

TerraSAR-X Basic Image and Enhanced Image Products can be delivered via S-FTP or on
DVD.

7.3.2 File Sizes

TerraSAR-X Basic Image Product file dimensions depend on image mode, product type,
near or far range position of the image, resolution, and polarisation mode. For the Enhanced
Image products ORISAR and RANSAR, the image file sizes are similar to those of the basic
image product file sizes. For all other Enhanced Image products the file size depends on the
customer specified area of interest.
The following table provides an overview of the file dimensions of Basic Image Products.
Minimum and
Product Size Product Size
Imaging Polarisation Maximum Number of
[Mb] [Mb]
Mode Mode Pixels of an MGD
EEC g SSC
Product f
Staring 9.375 x 3.125 to 20.000
Single 117 to 1.480 592 to 750
SpotLight x 18.500

HS 300 5.600 x 4.000 to 14.000

Single 90 to 560 350 to 625
MHz x 10.000

5.000 x 2.500 to 20.000 275

High Single 50 to 800
x 10.000
Resolution
SpotLight 3.333 x 1.667 to 10.000
Dual 33 to 300 333
x 5.000

3.333 x 3.333 to
Single 44 to 711 338
13.333 x 13.333
SpotLight
2.500 x 2.500 to 10.000
Dual 38 to 600 342
x 10.000

7.500 x 12.500 to
Single 375 to 3840 3300
24.000 x 40.000
StripMap
2.727 x 9.091 to
Dual 149 to 500 2667
5.000 x 16.667
ScanSAR Single 12.121 x 18.182 802 5940
Wide 12.933 to 17.733 x
Single 690 to 946 ~7500
ScanSAR 13.333

f
Width x length (range x azimuth)
g
EEC is the largest of the detected products; approximated size including GIM.

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8 Annex

8.1 Pixel Location Accuracy

Positional accuracies depend on the precision of the orbit measurement, on incidence angle
under which the scene had been acquired and on the type of DEM which has been used for
the orthorectification. The available orbit measurement precisions are described in the
section on Basic Image Product processing options (chapter 5.3.2).

8.1.1 Incidence Angle

The following table demonstrates the pixel displacement in range that is caused by DEM
elevation errors. An elevation range from 2 m to 100 m is listed vs. the incidence angle
range of TerraSAR-X.
Incidence
20° 23° 26° 29° 32° 35° 38° 41° 44° 47° 48° 50°
Angle
Displace-
2.75 2.36 2.05 1.80 1.60 1.43 1.28 1.15 1.03 0.93 0.90 0.83
ment Factor
DEM Eleva-
Resulting Location Error [m]
tion Error
2 5.5 4.7 4.1 3.6 3.2 2.9 2.6 2.3 2.1 1.9 1.8 1.7
6 16.5 14.2 12.3 10.8 9.6 8.6 7.7 6.9 6.2 5.6 5.4 4.9
8 22 19 16 14 13 12 11 9 9 8 7 7
16 44 38 33 29 25 23 21 18 17 15 14 13
30 82 71 61 54 48 43 38 34 31 28 27 25
100 275 236 205 180 160 143 128 115 103 93 90 83
Source: DLR Basic Product Specification Document

8.1.2 Type of DEM

In the following table the Digital Elevation Models (DEM) used for processing of TerraSAR-X
EEC Products are listed. The vertical accuracy, the spatial resolution and the geographical
coverage of the DEMs is depicted.
Vertical Accuracy [m] Grid Size Limitations
DEM Product Relative Absolute [Arc Seconds]
SRTM/X-SAR 6m 16 m 1” +/- 60º with gaps
SRTM 8m 16 m 3” +/- 60º
ERS-tandem 20 m 30 m 1” Limited availability
DTED-1 20 m 30 m 3” Limited availability
GLOBE Varying 10 to 100s meters 30” No restrictions, poor quality
Source: DLR Basic Product Specification Document

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8.2 Radiometric Resolution

TerraSAR-X radiometric accuracies were determined during the commissioning phase of
TerraSAR-X for StripMap products:
Design
Type of
Definition Specification
Accuracy
[dB]

Absolute Root mean square (RMS) error between the

Radiometric measured and the true radar cross section at
0.6
different locations within one scene and also
Accuracy over time
Relative Standard deviation of the radiometric error of 0.3 (for StripMap,
Radiometric known targets within one data take, i.e. over incl. long term
Accuracy range and within 220 seconds stability)

8.3 Support Data

All TerraSAR-X products are shipped with annotation files, which include the meta-
information in xml format. The annotation files contain product and product component file
description, order parameters as well as source image description (for EI products). Each
image file has the standard header information of the GeoTiff format.
Further components of the delivery are preview images, quality reports and auxiliary raster
files if available.

8.4 Technical Documentation

Further information on TerraSAR-X Basic and Enhanced Image products can be found in the
respective documents on the website of Airbus Defence and Space: http://www.intelligence-
airbusds.com/en/228-terrasar-x-technical-documents. Available documents include:
TerraSAR-X Basic Products:
 TerraSAR-X Basic Product Specification Document
 TerraSAR-X L1B Product Format Specification
TerraSAR-X Enhanced Image Products:
 TerraSAR-X Value Added Product Specification
 TerraSAR-X Enhanced Image Product Format Specification

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9 Contact

For feedback or further inquiry please contact the Airbus Defence and Space Customer
Service via telephone at +49 7545 8 4344 / eMail: [email protected] or visit
http://www.intelligence-airbusds.com/terrasar-x/

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