Topographic mapping using star‐1 radar data

Abstract This paper summarizes a new methodology which is available for topographic mapping purposes at scales of 1: 50 000 or smaller. The process, referred to as STARMAP, uses airborne Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) data collected in stereo mode, from which a digital terrain model (DTM) is derived and used to remove terrain displacement effects during rectification of the imagery. A new product ‐the Radar Image Map ‐ is presented in the paper and the elements of a hypothetical operational STARMAP program are described. This methodology provides a means by which topographic mapping products can be reliably obtained in habitually cloud or haze covered regions. For many user agencies in such regions, this may be the only method available for generating high quality topographic maps.