Comparison of Airborne and Orbital Radar Imagery and Its Digital Processing for Geologic Exploration and Development

Allen M. Feder

Orbital and airborne imaging radar systems each have characteristic parameters, including wavelength, terrain penetration, resolution, precision, illumination, and coverage. They even have separate economic factors.

Two image sets, each consisting of an orbital- and an airborne-acquired radar image, have been compared. One set is for an arid region, the other for a humid tropic region.

A salient fact arising from the comparison is that each type system can produce a unique image content. This is primarily a function of the radar equipment characteristic of each of the two involved vehicle types, rather than the data acquisition modes.

Both the longer wavelength orbital and shorter wavelength airborne radar types have their distinct utility, it is concluded, so that the use of both their data in a complementary manner promises best results for geologists.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #91030©1988 AAPG Annual Convention, Houston, Texas, 20-23 March 1988.