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Terrain-analysis procedures for modeling radar backscatter
Open-File Report
79-1088
By: Gerald G. Schaber, Richard J. Pike, and Graydon Lennis Berlin
The collection and analysis of detailed information on the surface of natural terrain are important aspects of radar-backscattering modeling. Radar is especially sensitive to surface-relief changes in the millimeter- to-decimeter scale four conventional K-band (~1-cm wavelength) to L-band (~25-cm wavelength) radar systems. Surface roughness statistics that characterize these changes in detail have been generated by a comprehensive set of seven programmed calculations for radar-backscatter modeling from sets of field measurements. The seven programs are 1) formatting of data in readable form for subsequent topographic analysis program; 2) relief analysis; 3) power spectral analysis; 4) power spectrum plots; 5) slope angle between slope reversals; 6) slope angle against slope interval plots; and 7) base length slope angle and curvature. This complete Fortran IV software package, 'Terrain Analysis', is here presented for the first time. It was originally developed a decade ago for investigations of lunar morphology and surface trafficability for the Apollo Lunar Roving Vehicle.
Suggested Citation
Schaber, G.G., Pike, R.J., Berlin, G.L., 1978, Terrain-analysis procedures for modeling radar backscatter: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 79-1088, 1 v. ; 67 p. :ill. ;28 cm., https://doi.org/10.3133/ofr791088.
ISSN: 2331-1258 (online)
Publication type
Report
Publication Subtype
USGS Numbered Series
Title
Terrain-analysis procedures for modeling radar backscatter