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Frequently Asked Questions
| 1. |
What are some of the advantages of using C-band versus X-band ? |
In general, C-band and X-band give very similar performance for most applications. Some specific minor differences of note include the following:
- Atmospheric attenuation at C-band is substantially less than X-band, especially in the presence of heavy rain.
- C-band provides more volume scattering information in the presence of vegetation.
- Satellite positioning requirements for interferometry (InSAR) are less rigid, and baselines can be longer, at C-band.
- Target detection in the presence of clutter or at low surrounding noise levels may be better at C-band.
- There is a much larger archive of satellite C-band observations
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| 2. |
Can I do interferometry (InSAR) using RADARSAT-1 and RADARSAT-2 products? |
The frequency used by RADARSAT-1 (5.3 GHz) differs from that used by RADARSAT-2 (5.405 GHz). Due to the differences in frequency, RADARSAT-1 and RADARSAT-2 products are currently not compatible for interferometric applications. We are actively researching this area for a future solution. |
| 3. |
Is change detection in urban areas possible with RADARSAT-2? |
Yes. RADARSAT-2 can be used for change detection in urban areas. |
| 4. |
Is there specific software needed to handle RADARSAT-2 multi-polarization data sets? |
The RADARSAT-2 quad-polarized modes require polarimetric-specific software to analyze the data. Non polarimetric-specific software can be used to analyze data from the other modes. |
| 5. |
Will one be able to use archived RADARSAT-1 data in combination with newly acquired RADARSAT-2 data for multi-temporal monitoring? |
Yes. |
| 6. |
When RADARSAT-2 and RADARSAT-1 are both operating, will this affect the amount of re-visit time over a target? |
RADARSAT-2 will operate in the identical orbit as RADARSAT-1 with a time offset of 50 minutes. This increases the number of possible acquisitions over an area of interest. |
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