This article concerns the development and potential use of a German radar satellite, TerraSAR-X, which is designed to deliver near-real-time traffic data to a ground receiving station. The aim of this project is to research traffic congestion issues by monitoring traffic movement on the ground. Radar has the advantage over an optical camera that it works equally well independent of weather conditions. Interferometric techniques can be used for the detection and direct measurement of speed of a moving object. It is expected that still imaging techniques such as polarisation will be used to detect slow-moving or parked cars. The first radar topography mission was carried out in 2000 and showed an accuracy of speed measurement of up to 1 km/hour. The project is to be further developed. An international consortium will focus on the main topics for research which can be promoted with the data available from satellite technology. For the covering abstract see ITRD E118381.
Samenvatting