NASA/TMm2000-209891, Vol. 69

Technical Report Series on the

Boreal Ecosystem-Atmosphere Study (BOREAS)

Forrest G. Hall and Jaime Nickeson, Editors

Volume 69

BOREAS RSS-16 Level-3b

DC-8 AIRSAR SY Images

S. Saatchi, J.A. Newcomer, R. Strub, F. Irani

National Aeronautics and

Space Administration

Goddard Space Flight Center

Greenbelt, Maryland 20771

August 2000

https://ntrs.nasa.gov/search.jsp?R=20010004666 2018-05-14T14:52:46+00:00Z
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NASA/TMm2000-209891, Vol. 69

Technical Report Series on the

Boreal Ecosystem-Atmosphere Study (BOREAS)

Forrest G. Hall and Jaime Nickeson, Editors

Volume 69

BOREAS RSS-16 Level-3b

DC-8 AIRSAR SY Images

Sasan Saatchi, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, California

Jeffrey A. Newcomer and Richard Strub, Raytheon ITSS

Fred Irani, Hughes STX

National Aeronautics and

Space Administration

Goddard Space Flight Center

Greenbelt, Maryland 20771

August 2000
NASA Center for AeroSpace Information

7121 Standard Drive

Hanover, MD 21076-1320

Price Code: A17

Available from:

National Technical Information Service

5285 Port Royal Road

Springfield, VA 22161

Price Code: AI0
BOREAS RSS-16 Level-3b DC-8 AIRSAR SY Images

Sasan Saatchi, Jeffrey A. Newcomer, Richard Strub, Fred Irani

Summary

The BOREAS RSS-16 team used satellite and aircraft SAR data in conjunction with various ground

measurements to determine the moisture regime of the boreal forest. RSS-16 assisted with the

acquisition and ordering of NASA JPL AIRSAR data collected from the NASA DC-8 aircraft. The

NASA JPL AIRSAR is a side-looking imaging radar system that utilizes the SAR principle to obtain

high-resolution images that represent the radar backscatter of the imaged surface at different

frequencies and polarizations. The information contained in each pixel of the AIRSAR data represents

the radar backscatter for all possible combinations of horizontal and vertical transmit and receive

polarizations (i.e., HH, HV, VH, and VV). Geographically, the data cover portions of the BOREAS

SSA and NSA. Temporally, the data were acquired from 12-Aug-1993 to 31-Ju1-1995. The level-3b

AIRSAR SY data are the JPL synoptic product and contain 3 of the 12 total frequency and polarization

combinations that are possible. The data are stored in binary image format files.

Please note: None of the AIRSAR imagery is contained on the BOREAS CD-ROM. An inventory

listing of data collected is included.

Table of Contents

1) Data Set Overview

2) Investigator(s)

3) Theory of Measurements

4) Equipment

5) Data Acquisition Methods

6) Observations

7) Data Description

8) Data Organization

9) Data Manipulations

10) Errors

11) Notes

12) Application of the Data Set

13) Future Modifications and Plans

14) Software

15) Data Access

16) Output Products and Availability

17) References

18) Glossary of Terms

19) List of Acronyms

20) Document Information

1. Data Set Overview

1.1 Data Set Identification

BOREAS RSS-16 Level-3b DC-8 AIRSAR SY Images

1.2 Data Set Introduction

The BOReal Ecosystem-Atmosphere Study (BOREAS) Staff Science effort covered those activities

that were BOREAS community-level activities or required uniform data collection procedures across

sites and time. These activities included the acquisition of the relevant aircraft image data. Data from

Page
the Airborne Synthetic Aperture Radar (AIRSAR) system onboard the National Aeronautics and Space

Administration (NASA) DC-8 aircraft were acquired by staff at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL)

and provided for use by BOREAS researchers.

1.3 Objective/Purpose

The purpose of this data set is to provide multifrequency and multipolarization Synthetic Aperture

Radar (SAR) images over the BOREAS Southern Study Area (SSA). This data set supplements other

visible and near-infrared remote sensing images compiled by BOREAS. The level-3b AIRSAR data

were acquired at three frequencies of P-band, L-band, and C-band and for all linear polarization

combinations (HH, HV, VH, and W). The level-3b AIRSAR SY image data products contain data

from three frequency and polarization combinations. AIRSAR images are used to estimate surface

parameters such as canopy water content, soil moisture, and stand biomass and density.

1.4 Summary of Parameters

SAR parameters: incidence angle, aircraft altitude, range resolution, azimuth resolution, frequency,

polarization.

1.5 Discussion

AIRSAR image data gathering for BOREAS was conducted in 1993 and 1994 over the two study

areas in Canada. BOREAS was designed to study regional land surface climatology and to develop

methods for deriving quantitative information about surface variables from remote sensing data. The

AIRSAR experiment was devised to provide surface moisture and vegetation variables suitable for the

soil-vegetation-atmosphere interaction models. In particular, the high-resolution data obtained by the

AIRSAR system can be used to derive information about the variability of the surface parameters,

which in turn can be used to address the scaling problem.

1.6 Related Data Sets

BOREAS RSS-16 Level-3b DC-8 AIRSAR CM Images

2. Investigator(s)

2.1 Investigator(s) Name and Title

Dr. Sasan S. Saatchi

2.2 Title of Investigation

Estimation of Evapotranspiration Using SAR Derived Parameters

2.3 Contact Information

Contact 1:

Dr. Sasan S. Saatchi

Jet Propulsion Laboratory

Mail Stop 300-243

4800 Oak Grove Drive

Pasadena, CA 91109

(818) 354-1051

saatchi@bacchus.jpl.nasa.gov

Page
Contact 2:

Dr. Jakob J. van Zyl

Jet Propulsion Laboratory

Mail Stop 300-243

4800 Oak Grove Drive

Pasadena, CA 91109

(818) 354-1365

Contact 3:

Jeffrey Newcomer

Raytheon 1TSS

NASA GSFC

Code 923

Greenbelt, MD 20771

(301) 286-7858

(301) 286-0239 (fax)

Jeffrey.Newcomer@gsfc.nasa.gov

3. Theory of Measurements

The basic quantity measured by a polarimetric radar is a complex (amplitude and phase) scattering

matrix for each resolution element of the radar image. This implies that AIRSAR is a multichannel

system designed to maintain phase coherence between radar antennas and different channels. The

polarization states used in the AIRSAR system are based on horizontal and vertical antennas. The radar

is configured to measure all possible combinations available from the horizontal (H) and vertical (V)

antennas (i.e., H transmitting, H receiving, and so forth). The complete scattering matrix for a

resolution element can then be determined. Knowledge of the scattering matrix permits calculation of

the received power for any possible combination.

4. Equipment

4.1 Sensor/Instrument Description

SAR refers to a technique used to synthesize a very long antenna by combining signals (echoes)

received by the radar as it moves along its flight track. NASA JPL currently maintains and operates the

AIRSAR/Topographic SAR (TOPSAR), which flies on the NASA DC-8 aircraft.

The AIRSAR system is an airborne SAR that operates simultaneously in a fully polarimetric mode

at three frequencies (P-, L-, and C-bands). JPL operates the radar aboard the NASA Ames Research

Center DC-8 aircraft. The data collected by the AIRSAR system are processed to polarimetric imagery

at JPL and provided to the BOREAS Information System (BORIS) in digital and photographic forms.

The AIRSAR system provides several output products, including real-time imagery and the final

processed digital products. Two of the most common digital products are the Compressed Matrix

(CM) products and the Synoptic (SY) products.

The real-time imagery is provided to the investigators for a SAR pass. This is a low-resolution,

black-and-white, single-frequency/polarization (typically LHH) image of the entire pass. No digital

data of this type are provided. Annotation of the image allows the investigators to select areas for

further processing. The information on the data includes run name (name assigned to the data

acquisition pass, typically the site name), Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) (day of year followed by

GMT), A/C Lat-Lon, frame count, and frequency/polarization.

The standard SY consists of three floating-point digital image files, one for each of the three

selected channel and polarization combinations, and a color photograph. The synoptic images are 62

km along-track with a 10-15 km across-track swath. As part of the standard products, the data sets are

Page
calibratedbythegroundSARprocessor.

Duringthe1993experiment,onlylimiteddatawerecollectedovertheBOREASstudyareas.In

1994,alargeamountof imagerywascollectedandissummarizedinSection7.In 1995,aspecial

collectioneffortwasplannedto collectimageryoveranareaof theSSAthathadbeenburnedthe

previousseason.

4.1.1 Collection Environment

The AIRSAR system operates within the fuselage of the DC-8 aircraft during flight. The AIRSAR

was flown at medium altitudes aboard NASA's DC-8 aircraft based at NASA JPL and provided 11-m

slant range resolution at an altitude of 8,000 m.

4.1.2 Source/Platform

NASA DC-8 Aircraft

4.1.3 Source/Platform Mission Objectives

The objective was to acquire multipolarization and multifrequency SAR images over the BOREAS

study areas and transect region.

4.1.4 Key Variables

Polarization, radar frequency, radar look angle, aircraft altitude, range resolution, azimuth

resolution, site lat-long coordinates, aircraft geometry.

4.1.5 Principles of Operation

All DC-8 AIRSAR SY level-3b images are produced at 6 m in range and 12 m in azimuth

resolutions.

The NASA JPL AIRSAR is a side-looking imaging radar system that utilizes the SAR to obtain

high-resolution images that represent the radar backscatter of the imaged surface at different

frequencies and polarizations.

4.1.6 Sensor/Instrument Measurement Geometry

During the BOREAS experiment, the instrument was located in the NASA DC-8 aircraft

approximately 7,800 m above ground. The antennas are located on the port side of the aircraft looking

at an angle over the site. The nominal pointing angle was 28 degrees, which covered the ground

surface from approximately 28 to 72 degrees.

4.1.7 Manufacturer of Sensor/Instrument

NASA JPL

4800 Oak Grove Drive

Pasadena, CA 91109

(818) 354-4321

4.2 Calibration

4.2.1 Specifications

In one mode of operation, this system is capable of simultaneously collecting all four polarizations

(HH, HV, VH, and VV) for three frequencies: L-band (lambda - 24 cm), C-band (lambda - 6 cm),

and P-band (lambda ~ 68 cm). In another mode of operation, the AIRSAR/TOPSAR system collects

all four polarizations (HI-I, HV, VH, and VV) for two frequencies: L-band (lambda - 24 cm) and

P-band (lambda N 68 cm), while operating as an interferometer at C-band to simultaneously generate

topographic height data.

AIRSAR/TOPSAR also has an along-track interferometer mode that is used to measure current

speeds. Typical image sizes for AIRSAR/TOPSAR products are 12 km x 12 km, with 10-m resolution

in both dimensions. Topographic map products generated by the TOPSAR system have been shown to

have a height accuracy of 1 m in relatively fiat areas and 5 m in mountainous areas.

Page
4.2.1.1 Tolerance

Each image contains detailed calibration information in the header information area.

4.2.2 Frequency of Calibration

Much of the data produced by the AIRSAR are now calibrated, so that the radar backscatter

measurements are in normalized radar cross-section format (m2/m2) or o"0 (sigma zero). Sigma zero is

the radar cross-section (measured in m2) normalized by the area of the measurement, which in this case

is the pixel area in square meters.

4.2.3 Other Calibration Information

Two types of complementary calibration techniques are used for AIRSAR data calibration: internal

calibration, and external calibration. For the internal calibration, the information collected from the

system tests that are performed regularly during the flight is used to obtain calibration parameters to be

used in the AIRSAR processor. This will ensure that all the polarization channels are calibrated relative

to one another at each frequency. For external calibration, which calibrates the radar cross-section of

• the scene absolutely and removes channel imbalance and the cross-talk, information from the scene and

dihedral comer reflectors as external targets is used. Investigators who are interested in checking the

accuracy of the calibration and performing other corrections themselves can request a copy of the

POLCAL software and the user's manual directly from JPL.

5. Data Acquisition Methods

The AIRSAR system acquires data during flights of the DC-8 aircraft. The instrument system acquires

the data across the various spatial elements while the aircraft motion provides the forward motion for

image acquisition.

6.1 Data Notes

None given.

6.2 Field Notes

None given.

6. Observations

7. Data Description

7.1 Spatial Characteristics

7.1.1 Spatial Coverage

The BOREAS AIRSAR SY level-3b images cover sections of the Northern Study Area (NSA) and

the SSA; however, a majority of the imagery was collected over the SSA. The SSA and the NSA are

located in the southwest and northeast portions of the overall BOREAS region.

Each image covers a 12-km along-track and 10-km across-track area. The images contain 1,280

pixels in each of the approximately 5,000 lines. There are three dates of SY imagery over the SSA and

one date over the NSA.

Page 5
The North American

corner coordinates

Datum of 1983 (NAD83)

of the SSA are:

Latitude Longitude

Northwest 54.321°N I06.228°W

Northeast 54.225°N I04.237°W

Southwest 53.515°N I06.321°W

Southeast 53.420°N I04.368°W

The NAD83 corner coordinates of the NSA are:

Northwest

Northeast

Southwest

Southeast

Latitude Longitude

56.249°N 98.825°W

56.083°N 97.234°W

55.542°N 99.045°W

55.379°N 97.489°W

7.1.2 Spatial Coverage Map

Not available.

7.1.3 Spatial Resolution

Resolution in range: 6.66 m (across-track) Resolution in azimuth: 12.27 m (along-track)

7.1.4 Projection

The Remote Sensing Science (RSS)-16 team informed BORIS personnel that the images have been

resampled into a regular spatial grid; however, the details of the projection used are not known.

7.1.5 Grid Description

The RSS-16 team informed BORIS personnel that the images have been resampled into a regular

spatial grid; however, the details of the gridding are not known.

7.2 Temporal Characteristics

7.2.1 Temporal Coverage

The AIRSAR SY level-3b data were collected on four dates in the period from 12-Aug- 1993 to

31-Ju1-1995.

7.2.2 Temporal Coverage Map

Date Study Area

12-Aug-1993 SSA

13-Aug-1993 NSA

21-Jui-1994 SSA

31-Jui-1995 SSA

7.2.3 Temporal Resolution

Most of the SSA Modeling Sub-Area (MSA) was covered by the AIRSAR SY images on two or

three occasions from 12-Aug-1993 to 3t-Ju1-1995.

7.3 Data Characteristics

Page 6
7.3.1 Parameter/Variable

Radar backscatter of the imaged surface. The parameters contained in the inventory listing file on

the CD-ROM are:

Column Name

SPATIAL COVERAGE

DATE OBS

TIME OBS

BANDS PRESENT

PLATFORM

INSTRUMENT

NUM BANDS

PLATFORM ALTITUDE

BAND QUALITY

CLOUD COVER

NW LATITUDE

NW LONGITUDE

NE LATITUDE

NE LONGITUDE

SW LATITUDE

SW LONGITUDE

SE LATITUDE

SE LONGITUDE

JPL PRODUCT ID

IMAGE TITLE

CRTFCN CODE

7.3.2 Variable Description/Definition

The information contained in each pixel of the AIRSAR data represents the radar backsca_er for all

possible combinations of horizontal and vertical transmit and _ceive polarizations (i.e., HH, HV, VH,

and VV). The descriptions of the parameters contained in the inventory listing file on the CD-ROM are:

Column Name Description

SPATIAL COVERAGE

DATE OBS

TIME OBS

BANDS PRESENT

PLATFORM

INSTRUMENT

NUM BANDS

PLATFORM ALTITUDE

BAND QUALITY

CLOUD COVER

NW LATITUDE

The general term used to denote the spatial area

over which the data were collected.

The date on which the data were collected.

The Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) when the data were

collected.

The bands and polarization combinations present

in the image.

The object (e.g., satellite, aircraft, tower,

person) that supported the instrument.

The name of the device used to make the

measurements.

The number of spectral bands in the data.

The nominal altitude of the data collection

platform above the target.

The data analyst's assessment of the quality of

the spectral bands in the data.

The data analyst's assessment of the cloud cover

that exists in the data.

The NAD83 based latitude coordinate of the northPage 7
NW LONGITUDE

NE LATITUDE

NE LONGITUDE

SW LATITUDE

SW LONGITUDE

SE LATITUDE

SE LONGITUDE

JPL PRODUCT ID

IMAGE TITLE

CRTFCN CODE

west corner of the minimum bounding rectangle

for the data.

The NAD83 based longitude coordinate of the

northwest corner of the minimum bounding

rectangle for the data.

The NAD83 based latitude coordinate of the north

east corner of the minimum bounding rectangle for

the data.

The NAD83 based longitude coordinate of the

north east corner of the minimum bounding

rectangle for the data.

The NAD83 based latitude coordinate of the south

west corner of the minimum bounding rectangle for

the data.

The NAD83 based longitude coordinate of the

southwest corner of the minimum bounding

rectangle for the data.

The NAD83 based latitude coordinate of the south

east corner of the minimum bounding rectangle for

the data.

The NAD83 based longitude coordinate of the

southeast corner of the minimum bounding

rectangle for the data.

The JPL Radar Data Center product identifier.

The name of the image assigned by the JPL

operations person during processing

The BOREAS certification level of the data.

Examples are CPI (Checked by PI), CGR (Certified

by Group), PRE (Preliminary), and CPI-??? (CPI

but questionable).

7.3.3 Unit of Measurement

The image pixel values are unitless. The measurement units for the parameters contained in the

inventory listing file on the CD-ROM are:

Column Name Units

SPATIAL COVERAGE

DATE OBS

TIME OBS

BANDS PRESENT

PLATFORM

INSTRUMENT

NUM BANDS

PLATFORM ALTITUDE

BAND QUALITY

CLOUDCOVER

NW LATITUDE

NW LONGITUDE

NE LATITUDE

NE LONGITUDE

SW LATITUDE

SW LONGITUDE

SE LATITUDE

[none]

[DD-MON-YY]

[HH_94 GMT]

[none]

[none]

[none]

[counts]

[meters]

[none]

[none]

[degrees]

[degrees]

[degrees]

[degrees]

[degrees]

[degrees]

[degrees]

Page 8
SE LONGITUDE [degrees]

JPL PRODUCT ID [none]

IMAGE TITLE [none]

CRTFCN CODE [none]

7.3.4 Data Source

The imagery was collected by the AIRSAR sensor aboard the NASA DC-8 research aircraft and

were processed and provided by the Radar Data Center at JPL, Pasadena, CA. The sources of the

parameter values contained in the inventory listing file on the CD-ROM are:

Column Name Data Source

SPATIAL COVERAGE

DATE OBS

TIME OBS

BANDS PRESENT

PLATFORM

INSTRUMENT

NUM BANDS

PLATFORM ALTITUDE

BAND QUALITY

CLOUD COVER

NW LATITUDE

NW LONGITUDE

NE LATITUDE

NE LONGITUDE

SW LATITUDE

SW LONGITUDE

SE LATITUDE

[Derived by BORIS from latitude and longitude

information supplied in the image data files]

[Extracted from the image data files by BORIS

developed software]

[Extracted from the image data files by BORIS

developed software]

[Extracted from the image data files by BORIS

developed software]

[Constant value]

[Constant value]

[Extracted from the image data files by BORIS

developed software]

[Extracted from the image data files by BORIS

developed software]

[Constant software value]

[Constant software value]

[Derived by BORIS developed software from the

starting and ending latitude, longitude

coordinates and the pointing information

included in the image files.]

[Derived by BORIS developed software from the

startlng and ending latitude, longitude

coordinates and the pointing information

included in the image files.]

[Derived by BORIS developed software from the

startlng and ending latitude, longitude

coordinates and the pointing information

included in the Image files.]

[Derived by BORIS developed software from the

startlng and ending latitude, longitude

coordinates and the pointing informatlon

included in the image files.]

[Derived by BORIS developed software from the

starting and ending latitude, longitude

coordinates and the pointing information

included in the image files.]

[Derived by BORIS developed software from the

starting and ending latitude, longitude

coordinates and the pointing informatlon

included in the image files.]

[Derived by BORIS developed software from the

starting and ending latitude, longitude

Page 9
SE LONGITUDE

JPL PRODUCT ID

IMAGE TITLE

CRTFCN CODE

coordinates and the pointing information

included in the image files.]

[Derived by BORIS developed software from the

starting and ending latitude, longitude

coordinates and the pointing information

included in the image files.]

[Extracted from the image data files by BORIS

developed software]

[Extracted from the image data files by BORIS

developed software]

[Assigned by BORIS]

7.3.5 Data Range

The maximum range of digital numbers in each level-3b AIRSAR image band is limited from 0

(zero) to 65535 so that the values can be stored in a 16-bit (2-byte) field. The following table gives

information about the parameter values found in the inventory table on the CD-ROM:

Column Name

Minimum Maximum Missng Unrel Below Data

Data Data Data Data Detect Not

Value Value Value Value Limit Cllctd

SPATIAL COVERAGE N/A N/A None None None None

DATE OBS 12-AUG-93 31-JUL-95 None None None None

TIME OBS 1604 2113 None None None None

BANDS PRESENT N/A N/A None None None None

PLATFORM DC-8 DC-8 None None None None

INSTRUMENT N/A N/A None None None None

NUM BANDS 3 3 None None None None

PLATFORM ALTITUDE 7345.4 7868.1 None None None None

BAND QUALITY N/A N/A None None None None

CLOUD COVER N/A N/A None None None None

NW LATITUDE 53.92537 56.14205 None None None None

NW LONGITUDE -106.55999 -98.23569 None None None None

NE LATITUDE 53.91082 56.07435 None None None None

NE LONGITUDE -106.17733 -97.58292 None None None None

SW LATITUDE 53.52876 55.8636 None None None None

SW LONGITUDE -106.60211 -98.32464 None None None None

SE LATITUDE 53.51435 55.79483 None None None None

SE LONGITUDE -106.22306 -97.6762 None None None None

JPL PRODUCT ID N/A N/A None None None None

IMAGE TITLE N/A N/A None None None None

CRTFCN CODE CPI CPI None None None None

Minimum Data Value -- The minimum value found in the column.

Maximum Data Value -- The maximum value found in the column,

Missng Data Value -- The value that indicates missing data. This is used to

indicate that an attempt was made to determine the

parameter value, but the attempt was unsuccessful.

Unrel Data Value -- The value that indicates unreliable data. This is used

to indicate an attempt was made to determine the

parameter value, but the value was deemed to be

unreliable by the analysis personnel.

Below Detect Limit -- The value that indicates parameter values below the

instruments detection limits. This is used to

Page 10
Data

Blank

N/A

None

Not Cllctd

-- Indicates that

-- Indicates that

-- Indicates that

indicate that an attempt was made to determine the

parameter value, but the analysis personnel determined

that the parameter value was below the detection

limit of the instrumentation.

This value indicates that no attempt was made to

determine the parameter value. This usually

indicates that BORIS combined several similar but

not identical data sets into the same data base table

but this particular science team did not

measure that parameter.

blank spaces are used to denote that type of value.

the value is not applicable to the respective column.

no values of that sort were found in the column.

7.4 Sample Data Record

A sample data record for the level-3b AIRSAR SY images is not available here. The following is a

sample of the first few records from the level 3b AIRSAR SY inventory table on the CD-ROM:

SPATIAL COVERAGE,DATE OBS,TIME OBS,BANDS PRESENT,PLATFORM, INSTRUMENT,NUM_BANDS,

PLATF_RM-ALTITUDE_BAND-QUALITY_CL_UD-C_vER_NW-LATITUDE_NW-L_NGITUDE_NE-LATITUDE_

NE LONGITUDE, SW LATITUDE,SW LONGITUDE,SE LATITUDE, SE LONGITUDE, JPL_PRODUCT ID,

IMAGE TITLE,CRTFCN CODE

'SSA',I2-AUG-93,1604,'C-VV, L-HH, P-HH', 'DC-8','AirSAR',3,7504.8, 'NOT ASSESSED',

'NOT ASSESSED',53.97062,-106.55999,53.95561,-106.17733,53.57871,-106.60211,

53.56385,-106.22306,'SY3756C','PRINCE ALBERT WEST 360-1 (A) ','CPI'

'SSA',I2-AUG-93,1619,'C-VV, L-HH, P-HH','DC-8','AirSAR',3,7485.0,'NOT ASSESSED',

'NOT ASSESSED',53.96017,-106.24633,53.94603,-105.90726,53.56353,-106.29197,

53.54952,-105.95613,'SY3753C','PRINCE ALBERT WEST 180-1 (A)','CPI'

8. Data Organization

8.1 Data Granularity

The smallest unit of level-3b AIRSAR SY imagery tracked by BORIS is a single three-band scene.

8.2 Data Format(s)

The CD-ROM inventory listing file consists of numerical and character fields of varying length

separated by commas. The character fields are enclosed with single apostrophe marks. There are no

spaces between the fields.

A level-3b AIRSAR SY image from BORIS is contained in three files. Each record of a level-3b

AIRSAR SY data file contains 5,120 bytes. The first three records in each file contain header

information. The number of data records in a file varies depending on the length of the flight line. Each

data record of 5,120 bytes contains 1,280 pixels, each stored in a 32-bit (4-byte) binary VAX floating

point value. More specific information is as follows:

FILE 1 (5,120-byte records)

• JPL AIRSAR New Header Record (Record 1)

• 20 records, each containing 50 American Standard Code for Information Interchange

(ASCII) characters.

• 4,120 fill bytes.

• JPL AIRSAR Old Header Record (Record 2)

• 64 records, each containing 50 ASCII characters.

• 1,920 fill bytes.

Page 11
JPLAIRSARParameterHeaderRecord(Record3)

• 87records,eachcontaining50ASCII characters.

• 770fill bytes.

JPLAIRSARSYimagedatarecords(Record4to endof file)

• (1,280pixelsstoredas32-bitVAX floatingpointvalues)

FILE 2 (5,120-byterecords)

• JPLAIRSARNewHeaderRecord(Record1)

• 20records,eachcontaining50ASCIIcharacters.

• 4,120fill bytes.

• JPLAIRSAROldHeaderRecord(Record2)

• 64records,eachcontaining50ASCII characters.

• 1,920fill bytes,

JPLAIRSARParameterHeaderRecord(Record 3)

• 87 records, each containing 50 ASCII characters.

• 770 fill bytes.

JPL AIRSAR SY image data records (Record 4 to end of file)

• (1,280 pixels stored as 32-bit VAX floating point values)

FILE 3 (5,120-byte records)

• JPL AIRSAR New Header Record (Record 1)

• 20 records, each containing 50 ASCII characters.

• 4,120 fill bytes.

• JPL AIRSAR Old Header Record (Record 2)

• 64 records, each containing 50 ASCII characters.

• 1,920 fill bytes.

• JPL AIRSAR Parameter Header Record (Record 3)

• 87 records, each containing 50 ASCII characters.

• 770 fill bytes.

• JPL AIRSAR SY image data records (Record 4 to end of file)

• (1,280 pixels stored as 32-bit VAX floating point values)

9. Data Manipulations

9.1 Formulae

None.

9.1.1 Derivation Techniques and Algorithms

None given.

9.2 Data Processing Sequence

9.2.1 Processing Steps

BORIS staff makes the AIRSAR SY level-3b images available by:

• Duplicating the JPL-delivered images for backup purposes.

• Extracting pertinent header information from the images for use in inventorying the level-3b

image by date and time in the online data base.

• Reviewing the content of the extracted header information for potential problems/anomalies.

• Loading the needed information into the online data base.

9.2.2 Processing Changes

None.

Page 12
9.3 Calculations

9.3.1 Special Corrections/Adjustments

None given.

9.3.2 Calculated Variables

None given.

9.4 Graphs and Plots

None.

10. Errors

10.1 Sources of Error

None given.

10.2 Quality Assessment

10.2.1 Data Validation by Source

None given.

10.2.2 Confidence Level/Accuracy Judgment

None given.

10.2.3 Measurement Error for Parameters

None given.

10.2.4 Additional Quality Assessments

None given.

10.2.5 Data Verification by Data Center

BORIS staff reviews the images using developed software that was designed based on data

product format documents received from JPL personnel. The software reads through the data products

on tape and summarizes the contents in ASCII files on disk. These files are reviewed visually by

BORIS personnel for anomalous items.

11.1 Limitations of the Data

None given.

11.2 Known Problems with the Data

None given.

11.3 Usage Guidance

None given.

11.4 Other Relevant Information

None given.

11. Notes

Page 13
12. Application of the Data Set

AIRSAR images are used to estimate surface parameters such as canopy water content, soil moisture,

and stand biomass and density.

None given.

13. Future Modifications and Plans

14. Software

14.1 Software Description

BORIS staff developed software and command procedures to:

• Check and extract information from level-3b AIRSAR SY images on tape and write the

information to ASCII files on disk.

• Read the ASCII disk file and log the level-3b AIRSAR SY images into the Oracle data base

tables.

The software mentioned under items 1 and 2 is written in the C language and is operational on VAX

6410 and MicroVAX 3100 systems at Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC). The primary

dependencies in the software are the tape Input/Output (I/O) library and the Oracle data base utility

routines.

14.2 Software Access

All of the described software is available upon request. BORIS staff would appreciate knowing of

any problems discovered with the software, but cannot promise to fix them.

15. Data Access

The level-3b DC-8 AIRSAR SY images are available from the Earth Observing System Data and

Information System (EOSDIS) Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) Distributed Active Archive

Center (DAAC).

15.1 Contact Information

For BOREAS data and documentation please contact:

ORNL DAAC User Services

Oak Ridge National Laboratory

P.O. Box 2008 MS-6407

Oak Ridge, TN 37831-6407

Phone: (423) 241-3952

Fax: (423) 574-4665

E-mail: omldaac@ornl.gov or ornl@eos.nasa.gov

15.2 Data Center Identification

Earth Observing System Data and Information System (EOSDIS) Oak Ridge National Laboratory

(ORNL) Distributed Active Archive Center (DAAC) for Biogeochemical Dynamics

http://www-eosdis.ornl.gov/.

Page 14
15.3 Procedures for Obtaining Data

Users may obtain data directly through the ORNL DAAC online search and order system

[http://www-eosdis.ornl.gov/] and the anonymous FTP site [ftp://www-eosdis.oml.gov/data/] or by

contacting User Services by electronic mail, telephone, fax, letter, or personal visit using the contact

information in Section 15.1.

15.4 Data Center Status/Plans

The ORNL DAAC is the primary source for BOREAS field measurement, image, GIS, and

hardcopy data products. The BOREAS CD-ROM and data referenced or listed in inventories on the

CD-ROM are available from the ORNL DAAC.

16. Output Products and Availability

16.1 Tape Products

The AIRSAR level-3b SY data can be made available on 8-mm or Digital Archive Tape (DAT)

media.

16.2 Film Products

During the data acquisition flight, 35-ram photographs were taken of the areas imaged by the

AIRSAR system. Anyone interested in these photographs should contact Dr. Sasan Saatchi (see

Section 2.3).

16.3 Other Products

Although the inventory is contained on the BOREAS CD-ROM set, the actual AIRSAR SY images

are not. See Section 15 for information about how to obtain the data.

17. References

17.1 Platform/Sensor/Instrument/Data Processing Documentation

Freeman, A. 1998. Synthetic Aperture Radar What is SAR? Synthetic Aperture Radar.

(http://www.faqs.org/faqs/sci/Satellite-Imagery-FAQ/part2/section-3.html)

NASA JPL. Date unknown. AIRSAR Data Formats, Chapter 4.

NASA JPL. 1995. AIRSAR Integrated Processor Documentation: DATA FORMATS. Version 0.01.

17.2 Journal Articles and Study Reports

Newcomer, J., D. Landis, S. Conrad, S. Curd, K. Huemmrich, D. Knapp, A. Morrell, J. Nickeson,

A. Papagno, D. Rinker, R. Strub, T. Twine, F. Hall, and P. Sellers, eds. 2000. Collected Data of The

Boreal Ecosystem-Atmosphere Study. NASA. CD-ROM.

Sellers, P. and F. Hall. 1994. Boreal Ecosystem-Atmosphere Study: Experiment Plan. Version

1994-3.0, NASA BOREAS Report (EXPLAN 94).

Sellers, P. and F. Hall. 1996. Boreal Ecosystem-Atmosphere Study: Experiment Plan. Version

1996-2.0, NASA BOREAS Report (EXPLAN 96).

Sellers, P., F. Hall, and K.F. Huemmrich. 1996. Boreal Ecosystem-Atmosphere Study: 1994

Operations. NASA BOREAS Report (OPS DOC 94).

Sellers, P., F. Hall, and K.F. Huemmrich. 1997. Boreal Ecosystem-Atmosphere Study: 1996

Operations. NASA BOREAS Report (OPS DOC 96).

Page 15
Sellers, P., F. Hall, H. Margolis, B. Kelly, D. Baldocchi, G. den Hartog, J. Cihlar, M.G. Ryan, B.

Goodison, P. Crill, K.J. Ranson, D. Lettenmaier, and D.E. Wickland. 1995. The boreal

ecosystem-atmosphere study (BOREAS): an overview and early results from the 1994 field year.

Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society. 76(9): 1549-1577.

Sellers, P.J., F.G. Hall, R.D. Kelly, A. Black, D. Baldocchi, J. Berry, M. Ryan, K.J. Ranson, P.M.

Crill, D.P. Lettenmaier, H. Margolis, J. Cihlar, J. Newcomer, D. Fitzjarrald, P.G. Jarvis, S.T.

Gower, D. Halliwell, D. Williams, B. Goodison, D.E. Wickland, and F.E. Guertin. 1997. BOREAS

in 1997: Experiment Overview, Scientific Results and Future Directions. Journal of Geophysical

Research 102(D24): 28,731-28,770.

van Zyl, J. 1992. The AIRSAR System. JPL.

van Zyl, J. 1995. AIRSAR Integrated Processor Documentation, version 0.01, April 21, 1995.

17.3 Archive/DBMS Usage Documentation

None.

None.

18. Glossary of Terms

AIRSAR

ASCII

BOREAS

BORIS

BPI

CCT

CD-ROM

CM

DAAC

DAT

EOS

EOSDIS

GIS

GMT

GSFC

JPL

MSA

NAD83

NASA

NSA

ORNL

PANP

RSS

SAR

SSA

SY

TORSAR

URL

19. List of Acronyms

: Airborne Synthetic Aperture Radar

- American Standard Code for Information Interchange

- BOReal Ecosystem-Atmosphere Study

- BOREAS Information System

- Bytes Per Inch

- Computer Compatible Tape

- Compact Disk-Read-Only Memory

- Compressed Matrix

- Distributed Active Archive Center

- Digital Archive Tape

- Earth Observing System

- EOS Data and Information System

- Geographic Information System

- Greenwich Mean Time

- Goddard Space Flight Center

- Jet Propulsion Laboratory

- Modeling Sub-Area

- North American Datum of 1983

- National Aeronautics and Space Administration

- Northern Study Area

- Oak Ridge National Laboratory

- Prince Albert National Park

- Remote Sensing Science

- Synthetic Aperture. Radar

- Southern Study Area

- Synoptic

- Topographic SAR

- Uniform Resource Locator

Page 16
20. Document Information

20.1 Document Revision Date

Written: 31 -Jul- 1995

Last Updated: 11-Jun- 1999

20.2 Document Review Date(s)

BORIS Review: 05-Jun-1998

Science Review:

20.3 Document ID

20.4 Citation

When using these data, please include the following acknowledgment as well as citations of

relevant papers in Section 17.2:

The AIRSAR data were provided by the Radar Data Center at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory.

If using data from the BOREAS CD-ROM series, also reference the data as:

Saatchi, S.S., "Estimation of Evapotranspiration Using SAR Derived Parameters." In Collected

Data of The Boreal Ecosystem-Atmosphere Study. Eds. J. Newcomer, D. Landis, S. Conrad, S.

Curd, K. Huemmrich, D. Knapp, A. Morrell, J. Nickeson, A. Papagno, D. Rinker, R. Strub, T.

Twine, F. Hall, and P. Sellers. CD-ROM. NASA, 2000.

Also, cite the BOREAS CD-ROM set as:

Newcomer, J., D. Landis, S. Conrad, S. Curd, K. Huemmrich, D. Knapp, A. Morrell, J.

Nickeson, A. Papagno, D. Rinker, R. Strub, T. Twine, F. Hall, and P. Sellers, eds. Collected Data of

The Boreal Ecosystem-Atmosphere Study. NASA. CD-ROM. NASA, 2000.

20.5 Document Curator

20.6 Document URL

Page 17
Form Approved

REPORT DOCUMENTATION PAGE oMBNo.0;'04-0100

Publicreportingburden for this collectionof informationis estimatedto average I hourper response,Includingthe timefor reviewingInstructions,searchingexistingdata sources.

gathering and matntalning the data needed, and completingand reviewingthe collectionof information. Send commentsregardingthis burdenestimateor any other aspectof this

collection of information, includingsuggestionsfor reducingthisburden,to WashingtonHeadquarters Services,Directorate for Information Operationsand Reports,1215 Jefferson

Davis Highway,Suite 1204. Arlington,VA 22202-4302, and to the Office of Management and Budget,Paperwork ReductionProject (0704-0188). Washington,DC 20503.

I Ti I1

1. AGENCY USE ONLY (Leave blank) 2. REPORT DATE 3. RElaORT TYPE AND DATES COVERED

August 2000 Technical Memorandum

4. TITLE AND SUBTITLE 5. FUNDING NUMBERS

Technical Report Series on the Boreal Ecosystem-Atmosphere Study (BOREAS)

BOREAS RSS-16 Level-3b DC-8 AIRSAR SY Images

6. AUTHOR(S)

Sasan Saatchi, Jeffrey A. Newcomer, Richard Strub, and Fred Irani

Forrest G. Hall and Jaime Nickeson, Editors

i ii ii

7. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME(S) AND ADDRESS (ES)

Goddard Space Flight Center

Greenbelt, Maryland 20771

9. SPONSORING / MONITORING AGENCY NAME(S) AND ADDRESS (ES)

National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Washington, DC 20546-0001

923

RTOP: 923-462-33-01

8. PEFORMING ORGANIZATION

REPORT NUMBER

2000-03136-0

10. SPONSORING/MONITORING

AGENCY REPORT NUMBER

TM--2000-20989 l

Vol. 69

11. SUPPLEMENTARY NOTES

S. Saatchi, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, California; J.A. Newcomer, R. Strub,

and J. Nickeson: Raytheon ITSS; E Irani, Hughes STX

12a. DISTRIBUTION I AVAILABILITY STATEMENT

Unclassified-Unlimited

Subject Category: 43

Report available from the NASA Center for AeroSpace Information,

7121 Standard Drive, Hanover, MD 21076-1320. (301) 621-0390.

i mull [ T III

12b. DISTRIBUTION CODE

13. ABSTRACT (Maximum 200 words)

The BOREAS RSS-16 team used satellite and aircraft SAR data in conjunction with Various ground

measurements to determine the moisture regime of the boreal forest. RSS-16 assisted with the acquisition and ordering of NASA JPL AIRSAR data collected from the NASA DC-8 aircraft. The NASA

JPL AIRSAR is a side-looking imaging radar system that utilizes the SAR principle to obtain highresolution images that represent the radar backscatter of the imaged surface at different frequencies

and polarizations. The information contained in each pixel of the AIRSAR data represents the radar

backscatter for all possible combinations of horizontal and vertical transmit and receive polarizations

(i.e., HH, HV, VH, and VV). Geographically, the data cover portions of the BOREAS SSA and NSA.

Temporally, the data were acquired from 12-Aug-1993 to 31-Ju1-1995. The level-3b AIRSAR SY data

are the JPL synoptic product and contain 3 of the 12 total frequency and polarization combinations

that are possible. The data are stored in binary image format files.

14. SUBJECT TERMS

BOREAS, remote sensing science, aircraft SAR data.

17. SECURITY CLASSIFICATION

OF REPORT

Unclassified

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OF THIS PAGE

Unclassified

19. SECURITY CLASSIFICATION

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Unclassified

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17

16. PRICE CODE

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