The AIRSAR automated, Web-based data processing and distribution system is an integrated, end-to-end synthetic aperture radar (SAR) processing system. Designed to function under limited resources and rigorous demands, AIRSAR eliminates operational errors and provides for paperless archiving. Also, it provides a yearly tune-up of the processor on flight missions, as well as quality assurance with new radar modes and anomalous data compensation.

The software fully integrates a Web-based SAR data-user request subsystem, a data processing system to automatically generate co-registered multi-frequency images from both polarimetric and interferometric data collection modes in 80/40/20 MHz bandwidth, an automated verification quality assurance subsystem, and an automatic data distribution system for use in the remote-sensor community. Features include Survey Automation Processing in which the software can automatically generate a quick-look image from an entire 90-GB SAR raw data 32-MB/s tape overnight without operator intervention. Also, the software allows product ordering and distribution via a Web-based user request system.

To make AIRSAR more user friendly, it has been designed to let users search by entering the desired mission flight line (Missions Searching), or to search for any mission flight line by entering the desired latitude and longitude (Map Searching). For precision image automation processing, the software generates the products according to each data processing request stored in the database via a Queue management system. Users are able to have automatic generation of coregistered multi-frequency images as the software generates polarimetric and/or interferometric SAR data processing in ground and/or slant projection according to user processing requests for one of the 12 radar modes.

This program was written by Anhua Chu, Jakob Van Zyl, Yunjin Kim, Scott Hensley, Yunling Lou, Soren Madsen, Bruce Chapman, David Imel, and Stephen Durden of Caltech, and Wayne Tung of Columbus Technologies and Services, Inc. for NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory. For more information, download the Technical Support Package (free white paper) at www.techbriefs.com/tsp under the Software category.

This software is available for commercial licensing. Please contact Karina Edmonds of the California Institute of Technology at (626) 395-2322. Refer to NPO-40998.



This Brief includes a Technical Support Package (TSP).
Document cover
AIRSAR Web-Based Data Processing

(reference NPO-40998) is currently available for download from the TSP library.

Don't have an account?



Magazine cover
NASA Tech Briefs Magazine

This article first appeared in the March, 2007 issue of NASA Tech Briefs Magazine (Vol. 31 No. 3).

Read more articles from the archives here.


Overview

The document is a Technical Support Package from NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) concerning the AIRSAR Automated Web-based Data Processing and Distribution System, identified by NTR Number 40998. It is part of NASA Tech Briefs and is intended to disseminate information about aerospace-related developments that have broader technological, scientific, or commercial applications.

The AIRSAR system is designed to facilitate the processing and distribution of data collected by the AIRSAR (Airborne Synthetic Aperture Radar) technology. This technology is significant for remote sensing applications, allowing for detailed analysis of the Earth's surface and various environmental conditions. The web-based nature of the system enhances accessibility and usability, enabling users to process and analyze data more efficiently.

The document emphasizes compliance with U.S. export regulations, indicating that the information may contain proprietary data and is subject to export control. It encourages users to adhere to all applicable regulations when utilizing the technology and information provided.

For further inquiries or assistance regarding the AIRSAR system and related technologies, the document provides contact information for the Innovative Technology Assets Management office at JPL. This includes a mailing address, telephone number, and email address, ensuring that interested parties can seek additional information or support.

The document also includes a disclaimer stating that neither the U.S. Government nor any representatives assume liability for the use of the information contained within. It clarifies that any mention of trade names or manufacturers is for identification purposes only and does not imply official endorsement by NASA.

Overall, this Technical Support Package serves as a resource for understanding the capabilities and applications of the AIRSAR Web-Based Data Processing System, highlighting its relevance in the field of remote sensing and its potential impact on various scientific and commercial endeavors. The document reflects NASA's commitment to sharing technological advancements and fostering innovation through partnerships and collaborations in the aerospace sector.