International Association of Geodesy   COMMISSION 4: Positioning & Applications Sub-commission 4.4: Applications of Satellite & Airborne Imaging Systems

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Terms of Reference

Satellite and airborne imaging systems, primarily Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) and Light Detection And Ranging (LiDAR) systems, are increasingly being used for geodetic applications such as ground deformation monitoring due to seismic and volcanic activity and man-induced subsidence due to fluid extraction, underground mining, etc. This Sub-commission will endevour to promote and report on hardware/software research into these imaging systems that is relevant to geodetic applications. The SC will also facilitate communications and exchange of data, information and research results, in order to encourage wider application of these technologies, particularly in less developed countries. The SC will carry out its work in close cooperation with other IAG Entities, as well as via linkages with relevant scientific and professional organisations such as ISPRS, FIG, IEEE.

Steering Committee

Xiaoli Ding (The Hong Kong Polytechnic Univ., Hong Kong) - Chair
Linlin Ge (Univ. of New South Wales, Australia) - Vice-Chair
Makoto Omura (Kochi Womens University, Japan) - Secretary
Ramon F. Hanssen (Tech. Univ. of Delft, The Netherlands) - Member at Large

Objectives

• To promote the development of satellite and airborne imaging systems, primarily including Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) and Light Detection And Ranging (LiDAR) systems, for geodetic applications.
• To study and report on models and algorithms for the processing and analysis of data from satellite and airborne imaging systems.
• To promote research into the effects of the atmosphere and field conditions on satellite and airborne imaging systems.
• To encourage research and development into the integration of satellite and airborne imaging systems with other geodetic/geospatial technologies such as the Global Positioning System (GPS) and Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
• To promote the development of new applications of satellite and airborne imaging systems.
• To encourage lower SAR image prices for research purposes, and for use in less developed countries.

Working Groups

WG4.4.1 Permanent Scatterer / Corner Reflector / Transponder InSAR

Chair: Fabio Rocca (Politecnico di Milano, Italy)
Co-Chair: Chao Wang (Institute of Remote Sensing Applications, Chinese Academy of Sciences)
Terms of Reference: To study and report on the use of permanent scatters, corner reflectors and active transponders to enhance the quality and the scope of applicability of InSAR.

WG4.4.2 Atmospheric Effects in InSAR / InSAR Meteorology

Chair: Linlin Ge (Univ. of New South Wales, Australia)
Co-Chair: TBA
Terms of Reference: To characterise the spatial and temporal variations of atmospheric effects on InSAR and LiDAR measurements, and to study methods for the mitigation of the effects.

WG4.4.3 InSAR for Polar Regions

Chair: Makoto Omura (Kochi Womens University, Japan)
Co-Chair: TBA
Terms of Reference: To study and report on the dynamic processes of the earth's polar regions, including the changes in the extent, thickness, and dynamics of ice shelves, ice streams and glaciers in Antarctica, and in Arctic sea ice and permafrost with satellite radar systems.

WG4.4.4 Imaging Systems for Ground Subsidence Monitoring

Chair: Andrew Manu (Iowa State Univ., USA)
Co-Chair: TBA
Terms of Reference: To study and report on ground surface deformation monitoring using satellite and airborne imaging systems, especially ground subsidence associated with, e.g., city development, mining and ground liquid withdrawal, land reclamation and seismic activities.