Accuracy of high resolution CSK interferometric Digital Elevation Models

The accuracy of COSMO-SkyMed DEMs is investigated using StripMap mode images, acquired during the interferometric Tandem-Like mission characterized by a temporal baseline of 24 hours and spatial baselines maintained around 150-200 m. Some Couples of both Ascending and Descending interferometric pairs, acquired on selected test sites located in the California have been processed using the open source Delft Object-oriented Radar Interferometric Software (DORIS) and CSK DEMs with 10m posting generated. The validation has been conducted comparing CSK DEMs with more accurate DEMs (IfSar Coastal southern California DEMs). DEMANAL software, developed by prof. K. Jacobsen of the Leibniz University of Hannover, has been used for validation. Atmospheric effects have been removed using an auxiliary low-resolution height data (SRTM90). Ascending and Descending pass images on rough area have been fused in order to enhance the DEM quality. Results show a reduction in number of invalid pixels after fusion.