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Abstract
The Use of Radar Mapping for Natural Resource Needs in Tropical Regions
Skip Maselli
EarthData International,
USA
Email: smaselli@earthdata.com
Many of the world’s natural resources such as timber, oil and gas as well as developing economies are located in countries along the equatorial belt. Clouds and dense forest canopy challenge airborne and ground mapping systems particular due to environmental conditions and hazards. The need for precise elevation data and non-obscured imagery is essential for current and accurate geospatial data. This paper describes several large mapping project in South America and Asia that employ Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (IFSAR) technology to overcome these challenges. The use of the GeoSAR airborne IFSAR system is discussed for producing DEMs and precisely registered imagery over large areas in tropical cloud belt regions. GeoSAR acquires X- and P-band IFSAR simultaneously from both sides of the same platform, mapping 250 sqkm per minute. X-band provides first surface reflective data (tree canopies and man-made structures), while P-band is capable of penetrating dense tree canopy down to the ground. GeoSAR maps day or night in almost any weather condition.This presentation includes imagery and elevation examples from GeoSAR to illustrate fundamental datasets used in natural resource management. The paper discusses the integration of other data with IFSAR to optimize cost, promote human safety, and mitigate environmental impact.
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