This Phase I activity examined the feasibility of using imaging Doppler interferometry (IDI) as a method of obtaining three-dimensional, high-resolution images of the earth's surface via radar from aircraft. Although the IDI technology has been applied successfully to other applications, this is the first attempt to use the technology for imaging of the earth's surface. The radar technology which has been used until now for creating images is called synthetic aperture radar (SAR). SAR provides very good resolution in one dimension and moderate resolution in a second direction provided that the surface being imaged is horizontal. The third dimension is not obtainable with SAR. Briefly stated, this research coupled IDI technology with radar technology to produce three-dimensional images.At the end of Phase I, the technology investigated has been shown to be feasible for providing three-dimensional representations of geological surfaces down to approximately one meter of resolution in each of the three directions.Potential Commercial Application:Applications of three-dimensional imaging of the earth's surface include studies in geomorphology and earth resources, military reconnaissance, cartography, weather observation, night-time and foul weather vision for pilots, and planetary surface studies.STATUS: Phase I Only
