Overview
ISO/TS 19159-3:2018 - Geographic information - Calibration and validation of remote sensing imagery sensors and data - Part 3: SAR/InSAR - defines how to calibrate and validate synthetic aperture radar (SAR) and interferometric SAR (InSAR) sensors and associated calibration metadata for earth‑based remote sensing. The Technical Specification covers both airborne and spaceborne SAR/InSAR systems and documents the models, metadata elements and validation processes needed to ensure traceable, consistent sensor calibration.
Key Topics
- Scope and purpose: Calibration of SAR/InSAR sensors and validation of calibration information (note: it does not validate derived geospatial products).
- Sensor models and metadata: Formal metadata and data dictionaries for calibration reporting, consistent with ISO conceptual schema practices.
- General SAR calibration model: Top‑level models covering radar system, antenna system, antenna phase centre, SAR signal processing, atmospheric propagation and earth motion.
- InSAR and PolSAR models: Specific calibration models and requirements for interferometric SAR (baseline, phase stability) and polarimetric SAR (cross‑talk, scattering matrix).
- Calibration quantities and definitions: Standardized terms such as calibration coefficient, backscattering coefficient, antenna pattern, aperture reference point (ARP), integrated side lobe ratio (ISLR).
- Calibration field and equipment: Guidance on calibration targets (natural and man‑made), corner reflectors, transponders and ground receivers.
- Validation & conformance: Requirements, abstract test suites and validation processes (normative annexes include test suite and data dictionary; informative annexes give geometric and radiometric use cases).
- Normative references: Aligns with ISO 19103, ISO/TS 19130 (imagery sensor models), ISO 19157 (data quality), and other parts of ISO/TS 19159.
Applications and Users
This standard is practical for:
- Satellite and airborne SAR operators - establish and document radiometric and geometric calibration workflows.
- Calibration laboratories and test facilities - design validation procedures and report standardized metadata.
- Remote sensing analysts and geomatics engineers - ensure traceable backscatter and phase measurements for change detection, DEM generation, land‑cover mapping, and interferometry.
- Sensor manufacturers and system integrators - implement antenna, processing and phase‑centre models required for system specifications.
- Standards bodies and data custodians - harmonize metadata and quality reporting for SAR/InSAR archives.
Related Standards
Keywords: ISO/TS 19159-3:2018, SAR calibration, InSAR validation, SAR metadata, radiometric calibration, geometric calibration, PolSAR, remote sensing standards.