Scalloping Correction in TOPS Imaging Mode SAR Data

This letter presents an investigation on scalloping correction in the Terrain Observation by Progressive Scan (TOPS) imaging mode for synthetic aperture radar systems with electronically steered phased array antennas. A theoretical simulation of the scalloping is performed, and two correction methods are introduced. The simulation is based on a general cardinal sine (sinc) antenna model as well as on the TerraSAR-X (TSX) antenna model. Real TSX data acquired over rainforest are used for demonstration and verification of the scalloping simulation and correction. Furthermore, a calibration approach, taking into account the special TOPS imaging mode properties, is introduced.