Integration of X-SAR observations with data of other remote sensing techniques: preliminary results achieved with Cosmo/SkyMed announcement of opportunity

The Italian Space Agency is funding 27 scientific projects in the framework of
Cosmo/Skymed program (hereafter CSK) . A subset of them are focusing on the improvements of the quality
and quantity of information which can be extracted from X-SAR data if integrated with other independent
techniques like GPS or SAR imagery in L and C bands. The GPS observations, namely zenith total delays
estimated by means of GPS ground stations, could be helpful to estimate the troposphere bias to remove
from IN-SAR imagery. Another contribution of GPS could be the improvements of the orbits of
Cosmo/SkyMed satellites. In particular the GPS navigation data of the CSK satellites could serve to improve
the atmospheric drag models acting on them. The integration of SAR data in L and C bands on the other
hand are helpful to investigate land hydrogeology parameters as well as to improve global precipitation
observations. The combined use of L, C and X SAR data with different penetration depth could give profiles
of land surface properties, especially in forest and snow/ice-packs. For what concern the use of X-SAR
imagery for rain precipitation monitoring, particular attention will be paid to its polarimetric properties that
we plan to determine aligning the CSK observations with those obtained with ground L and C radars.
Anyway the study goals, the approaches proposed, the test sites identified and the external data selected for
the development and validation will be described for each project. Particular attention will be paid to single
the advantages that the research activities can benefit from the added potentials of CSK system: the more
frequent revisiting time and the higher resolution capabilities.