The optimum selection of common master image for series of differential SAR processing to estimate long and slow ground deformation

When series of differential SAR image interferometric processing are used to estimate ground deformation, how to select a common master image is a key point. Obviously, the number of possible InSAR pair combinations would explosively grow along with the number of images getting bigger. In the paper, we propose a method that uses a mathematical model to optimize this procedure. In this model, temporal and spatial baselines between various possible interferometric pairs are integrated together, and some other related factors are discussed, too. Index Terms—Common master image, synthetic aperture radar (SAR), interferometry.