Research News
TanDEM-X digital elevation model of the opencast mining area east of the Rhine, 3D view. Image: DLR
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DLR experts regularly report on the mission on the TanDEM-X blog:
Surveying the world in 3D
On 14 October 2010, the TanDEM-X radar-imaging satellite moved into close formation with its twin, the TerraSAR-X. Now the antennas of both satellites complement each other like a pair of eyes. Over the next three years, the joint data they collect will be used to create an extremely accurate three-dimensional model of the Earth’s surface.
During the last three months, the two satellites completed the initial test phase of their mission, transmitting spectacular data back to Earth while flying at a distance of 20 kilometres apart. This data was used by experts at the German Aerospace Center (DLR) to create three-dimensional images of the Earth’s surface. The experts also checked the stability and precision of the imaging and processing chains on the basis of minimal errors in elevation.
These initial images show details that were previously undetectable in elevation data from space. One can clearly see, for example, traces of the opencast mines between Cologne and Aachen, the spoil heaps and manmade pits measuring several kilometres across. And images of northern Pakistan show the extensive low-lying areas of the Indus riverbed and potential flood zones in areas of human habitation. The satellite images are useful not only for research purposes but also for emergency services, land use planning and industry. This is why the TanDEM X mission is being carried out in a public-private partnership between the DLR and EADS Astrium. The data will be marketed by the Astrium subsidiary Infoterra.
During the next three years, a global digital elevation model will be created with a vertical resolution of two metres. The horizontal grid will measure twelve by twelve metres. Following a test phase that will last until the end of the year, the Earth will be surveyed in 3D.
