A new framework for multi-pass SAR interferometry with distributed targets

This paper focuses on multi-pass spaceborne synthetic aperture radar interferometry (InSAR) in presence of distributed scattering, paying particular attention to the role of target decorrelation in the estimation process. This phenomenon is accounted for by splitting the analysis into two steps. In the first step we estimate the interferometric phases from the data, while in the second step we use these phases to retrieve the physical parameters of interest, such as LOS displacement and residual topography. This approach is suited both to derive the performances of InSAR with different decorrelation models and for providing an actual estimate of LOS motion and DEM. Results achieved from Monte-Carlo simulations and a set of repeated pass ENVISAT images are shown.