Radar Satellite Imaging

The use of Radar satellites is a relatively new technology for earth imaging. Radar is an excellent alternative to optical sensor systems for imaging and mapping cloud-covered areas. Radar is also particularly sensitive to texture, physical properties and surface orientations, aiding in the process of classification mapping. 3Di acquires and processes data from all major radar sources including Radarsat, JERS, ERS and the Shuttle Imaging Radar (SIR).

3Di acquires and processes radar data to support:

• Land Use/Land Cover Mapping
  
• Trafficability
  
• Mineral Exploration
  
• Terrain Mapping
  
• Subsidence Investigations
  
• Wireless Antennae Siting
  
• Coastal Mapping

Radar data can also be used with other 3Di sensor data to improve analysis and mapping results.

3Di is a leader in the commercial application and development of radar sensors and data. Currently, 3Di has a performance-based contract under the NASA EOCAP-SAR Program to conduct market assessment and prototype product development of Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR)-derived information products related to the telecommunications and seismic survey industry. This program is focused on developing solutions using NASA's planned LightSAR polarimetric radar. Other Radar Satellite Imagery Projects from 3Di include:

ARCO Sakhalin: 3Di used radar data to map coastal areas, geologic structure and oil seeps for Sakhalin Island, Russia.

Albuquerque Subsidence: 3Di used ERS – 1 data to map subsidence near the city of Albuquerque, NM. The study showed that an area northwest of the city had experienced a drop in surface elevation of 40mm between 199 and 199 and a rebound between 199 and 199. A withdrawal of water from the local aquifers beyond the recharge rate is the anticipated cause of the phenomenon.

3Di LLC, 28969 Information Lane, Easton, MD 21601. Tel: 800-546-4437; Fax: 410-820-5613.