RADARSAT-2 Sample Dataset

A RADARSAT-2 sample dataset encompassing many of the RADARSAT-2 beam modes is now available for downloading. Acquisitions are underway to complete the dataset (i.e. in order to have all modes represented) over the next month.

Use of this dataset is subject to the terms and conditions of the Single End User License Agreement

Unique to this dataset are the RADARSAT-2 Quad Polarized modes, offered in 8m Fine Quad-Pol and 25m Standard Quad-Pol mode. Other beam modes of interest include the dual polarized modes, and our high-resolution, single polarized Ultra-Fine 3m mode.

The Vancouver dataset offers the end-user the chance to evaluate RADARSAT-2 products from all the beam modes and for a variety of different applications that include: urban mapping, marine surveillance, agricultural mapping, and infrastructure mapping. This geographic location offers varied terrain from the rugged mountains to the north of Vancouver, to the flat, agricultural lands of the Fraser River Delta.

In addition to the Vancouver dataset, a Fine Quad-Pol dataset (Single Look Complex product) has also been acquired that coincides with areas that have been the focus of other studies, such as the Shuttle Imaging Radar and Airborne campaigns. This dataset includes San Francisco - USA, Oberfaffenhofen - Germany, Flevoland - Netherlands, Altona- Canada, and the Straight of Gibraltar.

An interferometric pair has also been made available in the sample dataset. The Ultra-Fine images making up this pair were acquired 24 days apart. These data are suitable for interferometric processing and have already been used to create a Digital Elevation Model. The scenes have good coherence over most of the image. The area features an arid region with little vegetation on the southern edge of Phoenix, Arizona, USA.

The dataset is available for download at the following FTP location:

ftp://ftp.mda.ca

EarthView OpenEV - a free viewer for displaying RADARSAT-2 data - is available at http://gs.mdacorporation.com/products/remote_sensing/index.asp .