7. Applications and prospects for radar interferometry

7.1 Topography calculation

Compared with other topography calculation methods, radar interferometry retains the advantages and disadvantages of radar imaging. Its all-weather nature makes it easy to obtain torques, but the combination of overlap and masking makes access to mountainous areas tricky. For the latter, it is likely that the use of an optical system with a front-to-back shot, a moderate base-to-height ratio and a local time not too far from midday will be optimal. On the other hand, in low-contrast terrain with slopes well below the angle of incidence, interferometry may be more appropriate, especially if it is almost simultaneous.

It should also be noted that even radar instruments with modest resolution can achieve interesting topographic resolutions:...