Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar Geodesy

Abstract

Satellite-based interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR) provides a synoptic high spatial resolution perspective of Earth’s deforming surface, permitting one to view large areas quickly and efficiently. We review basic InSAR theory for geodetic applications and attempt to provide an overview of what processing and analysis schemes are currently used and a glimpse of what the future may hold. As part of this discussion, we present a biased view of what constitutes best practices for use of InSAR observations in geodetic modeling. Finally, we provide a basic primer on the ties between different mission design parameters and their relationship to the character of the resulting observations.