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ASF/STEP's Interferometry Software

Introduction

One of the software projects we have been working on at STEP is interferometry. For those new to this term, interferometry is the study of interference patterns caused by either two signals received at the same source or one signal being received at two sources.

How do we get interference patterns from one signal receiving at one satellite?

Most Earth-observing satellites orbit in a repeat pattern. This means that it will fly over approximately the same patch of ground once every orbital period. However, the satellite does not fly EXACTLY over the same spot. With this separation, we have one signal being received at two sources. Hence, an interference pattern can be generated.

For SAR satellites, this interference pattern contains information about a difference in path length. Depending on the situation, this interferogram can contain information about:

Software

The interferometry software is available to registered users and requires a password.

If you are registered, use the quick link below to download the source code.

Software Tutorial

A step-by-step description of each ASF-STEP interferometry tool is below. This set of web pages describes the 8/27/98 release.

We also have a list of concepts used in interferometry, and a set of web pages organized by program.

If you would like test data, contact Rick Guritz for more information.

Examples

Articles, Papers, and Other Sources of Information

When taken in the context of the history of science, interferometry using earth remote sensing satellites is brand new. However, there is plenty of information available that discusses interferometry, especially interferometry using ERS-1 SAR data. Check out our bibliography for more information.

Acknowledgements

The staff of STEP would like to thank the following people who either helped with advice or contributed software or both.


Last Updated: September 1, 1998
If you have any questions, please feel free to email olawlor@acm.org