Persistent Scatterer localization and prediction technique

Synthetic aperture radar (SAR) Persistent Scatterer Interferometry (PS-InSAR) is an extension of the Differential Interferometry (D-InSAR). Using a large data stack consisting of a time-series of SAR images of the same area, stable reflectors which persist over a long period of time, the so-called Persistent Scatterers (PS), are determined and the phase shifts of these PS over time are measured. In this way, temporal decorrelation caused by unstable targets can be avoided. The disturbances by the atmosphere are eliminated by assuming the atmospheric effects are uncorrelated in time but correlated in space. Using PS-InSAR, small movements in the line-of-sight of the sensor of each PS can be measured. PSInSAR is a precise measurement technique and can measure deformations in the scale of millimetres per year. Using high-resolution SAR satellite systems, e.g. TerraSAR-X, a higher density of PS per square kilometre can be found, compared to PS-InSAR based on mid-resolution systems like ERS. In high-resolution SAR, each location of a PS can be determined more precisely and the higher spatial resolution allows the clear distinction of each PS. This allows us to differentiate between PS measured on building façades and PS on the ground. Based on 3D city models, the PS of each building can be determined. Knowing the location of each PS and adding topological information allows for a more precise and meaningful PS-InSAR analysis.