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Space radar techniques for land mapping

17 July 2009

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MetaSensing radar images can be directly displayed using standard geographical software such as Google Earth

Credits: MetaSensing, Google Earth

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The MetaSensing radar is so compact that it can be mounted on small unmanned aircraft or on single-engine aircraft such as the Cessna 172, shown here. It is therefore easy to image any item or area on land at a much lower cost than traditional surveys.

Credits: MetaSensing

Satellite radar technology on small aircraft

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Envisat is a truly advanced Earth observation satellite with a unique combination of sensors that vastly improve the range and accuracy of scientific measurements of the atmosphere, oceans, land surface and ice. Its total range of capabilities far exceed those of any previous or planned Earth observation satellite.

Credits: ESA

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In the Netherlands there are more than 17 000 km of dikes. The monitoring of these structures is a critical issue. The February 1953 flood disaster killed 1836 people on the islands of the province of Zeeland, located in the southwest of the Netherlands.

Credits: MetaSensing

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MetaSensing radar images are also used for monitoring water currents, agricultural crop mapping, and soil moisture content identification

Credits: MetaSensing

ESA expertise kick-started the prototype development

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MetaSensing's compact radar sensor with processing unit and remote PC for control of image taking. Note the size of the radar by comparing it to the pen placed in front.

Credits: MetaSensing

Function validated in tests over Rotterdam

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Two-dimensional radar image collected with the MetaSensing sensor over a dike structure in the south of the Netherlands

Credits: MetaSensing

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