Geometric effects for image interpretation

Based upon the previous considerations on SAR image geometry, the following remarks can be formulated in order to assist the interpreter:
for regions of low relief, larger incidence angles give a slight enhancement to topographic features. So does very small incidence angles.
for regions of high relief, layover is minimized and shadowing exaggerated by larger incidence angles. Smaller incidence angles are preferable to avoid shadowing.
intermediate incidence angles correspond to low relief distortion and good detection of land (but not water) features.
small incidence angles are necessary to give acceptable levels of backscattering from ocean surfaces.
planimetric applications necessitate the use of ground range data, which usually requires use of digital elevation data and image transformation.

Keywords: ESA European Space Agency - Agence spatiale europeenne, observation de la terre, earth observation, satellite remote sensing, teledetection, geophysique, altimetrie, radar, chimique atmospherique, geophysics, altimetry, radar, atmospheric chemistry