InSAR corner reflector / artificial reflector, usage, design and installation
USE OF REFLECTORS
Often referred to as corner reflectors (CR), or artificial reflectors (AR), they are all intended to give a SAR satellite a stable persistent signal. They can be used in a variety of situations:
In an area where there is a lack of signal
Grass field, overly smooth area, etc.
To give a signal from a surface “overshot” by the satellite.
On a pole to reach above snow cover for ‘all season’ signal
In which case a specialised covering for the aperture is a must.
To produce a single point with which you may ‘validate’ InSAR deformation findings with traditional instruments.
This does require advanced knowledge of InSAR and how to interpret single point readings.
Giving a specific point, among others of whose precise location you are certain
This helps to improve ortho-rectification of the radar model with the optical base-map. It also gives you access to new features coming out for field inspections.
Enhanced ortho-rectified SAR signal reflectivity visualization of Sentinel 1 over Rochester, NY.
MAKE THEM YOURSELF OR ORDER THEM FROM US?
With some elbow grease, determination, and research nearly anyone can produce a reflector. Not everyone can produce a high quality, all-weather, light weight, low cost, easily installed reflector :) If there is an error in production or installation you lose valuable overflight time. This can mean further delays in having sufficient time series of the reflector.
To help you get it right, the first time, we offer a cost-competitive reflector which we can guarantee the performance of. We can also provide installation at nearly any site within the continental United States and assistance within the European Union.
IMPORTANT NOTE!
The reflectors pictured here are not the InSAR reflectors you will receive when you purchase them. Our Patent Pending design is kept private for our clients and partners around the world. Contact us by selecting ‘learn more about reflectors’ below for a cost and solution estimate! Then you too can be the proud owner of probably of an EO59 InSAR radar reflector set.
GUIDANCE FOR INSTALLATION
When such a reflector is installed, it must be done correctly. It’s a precision instrument, despite its blunt appearance. Each half degree of its look to the sky affects its performance, and those degrees are variable depending on your location on Earth.
Where they should be placed is also fundamental. Not too close to each other, or other highly reflective areas. These are all things we will help you through, and a few fantastic new points you may not have considered.