About CohTrack

CohTrack is a freeware plugin developed for the Sentinel Application Platform (SNAP), designed to enhance Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) image analysis through coherence tracking techniques. It enables the retrieval of bidimensional displacement maps and the generation of interferograms for precise slant-range displacement estimations, particularly effective in areas experiencing rapid surface movements.

Purpose and Functionality: The primary purpose of CohTrack is to improve the accuracy of displacement measurements in SAR imagery by addressing coherence loss caused by significant surface displacements. Traditional coregistration methods align SAR images geographically, which may not account for scene movements, leading to artificial coherence loss. CohTrack mitigates this by performing fine coregistration that maximizes coherence, effectively tracking scatterer movements and enhancing the reliability of displacement data.

Key Features:

• Bidimensional Displacement Mapping: Generates two-dimensional maps depicting surface movements, aiding in comprehensive displacement analysis.
• Interferogram Production: Re-correlates signals to produce interferograms, facilitating precise slant-range displacement estimations.
• Enhanced Coregistration: Utilizes coherence maximization techniques for fine coregistration, improving accuracy in areas with rapid surface changes.
• Integration with SNAP: Seamlessly integrates into the SNAP environment, allowing users to incorporate coherence tracking into their existing SAR analysis workflows.

Applications:

• Geophysical Monitoring: Assists in tracking ground deformations caused by natural phenomena such as earthquakes, landslides, and volcanic activities.
• Infrastructure Surveillance: Monitors structural displacements in critical infrastructures like dams, bridges, and buildings, ensuring safety and integrity.
• Environmental Studies: Supports the analysis of environmental changes, including glacier movements and land subsidence, contributing to climate change research.

Authors

Quentin Glaude

Dominique De rauw

WEBSITE

Reference Publication