In-Depth Verification of Sentinel-1 and TerraSAR-X Geolocation Accuracy Using the Australian Corner Reflector Array

This article shows how the array of corner reflectors (CRs) in Queensland, Australia, together with highly accurate geodetic synthetic aperture radar (SAR) techniques-also called imaging geodesy-can be used to measure absolute and relative geometric fidelity SAR missions. We describe, detail, end-to-end methodology apply it TerraSAR-X Stripmap (SM) ScanSAR (SC) data Sentinel-1 interferometric wide swath (IW) data. Geometric distortions within images that are caused by commonly processor approximations explained, we show correct them during postprocessing. Our results, supported analysis 140 across different modes using 40 array, confirm our achieve limits predicted theory for both TerraSAR-X. After corrections, residual errors 6 cm range 26 azimuth, including all error sources. The findings confirmed mutual independent processing carried out at University Zurich (UZH) German Aerospace Center (DLR). represents an improvement geolocation accuracy approximately a factor four two azimuth compared standard products. results even better. achieved now approaches global navigation satellite system (GNSS)-based survey CRs positions, which highlights potential geodesy.