On the feasibility of applying orbital corrections to saocom-1 data with free open source software (FOSS) to generate digital surface models: a case study in Argentina

Abstract

In this work we present an orbital correction workflow developed with FOSS tools to compensate for orbital errors present in Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) interferograms. The technique is tested in forested areas in Argentina, using full polarimetric images from the argentinean SAR constellation SAOCOM-1 (Satélite Argentino Con Microondas). The results are contrasted with field measurements of canopy height provided by local producers, and the results show that the Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) of the satellite measurements is significantly reduced after the orbital correction. Moreover, forest plantation become more distinguishable in the retrieved Digital Surface Models, especially in those pairs with larger spatial baseline. A section of this article is also dedicated to the discussion on which are the best parameters to run the module, and how different configurations can affect the result.