Towards Operational Fiducial Reference Measurement (FRM) Data for the Calibration and Validation of the Sentinel-3 Surface Topography Mission over Inland Waters, Sea Ice, and Land Ice

Abstract

The Copernicus Sentinel-3 Surface Topography Mission (STM) Land Altimetry provides valuable surface elevation information over inland waters, sea ice, and land ice, thanks to its synthetic aperture radar (SAR) altimeter and its orbit that covers high-latitude polar regions. To ensure that these measurements are reliable and to maximise the return on investment, adequate validation of the geophysical retrieval methods, processing algorithms, and corrections must be performed using independent observations. The EU-ESA project St3TART (started July 2021) aims to generalise the concept of Fiducial Reference Measurements (FRMs) for the Copernicus Sentinel-3 STM. This work has gathered existing data, made new observations during field campaigns, and ensured that these observations meet the criteria of FRM standards so that they can be used to validate Sentinel-3 STM Land Altimetry products operationally. A roadmap for the operational provision of the FRM, including the definition, consolidation, and identification of the most relevant and cost-effective methods and protocols to be maintained, supported, or implemented, has been developed. The roadmap includes guidelines for SI traceability, definitions of FRM measurement procedures, processing methods, and uncertainty budget estimations.

Lightweight Super-Resolution Reconstruction Vision Transformers of Remote Sensing Image Based on Structural Re-Parameterization

“…These factors range from mechanical errors in the optical imaging system and relative motion between the sensing platform and the ground to atmospheric disturbances, noise, and other variables [11]. While improving the resolution of remote sensing images through hardware upgrades is an option, it is often time-consuming and expensive [12,13]. Nevertheless, the development of integrated positioning, navigation, and time service systems (PNT systems) has catalyzed research into new remote sensing algorithms, particularly for mobile terminals and edge devices [14].…”