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Infoterra GMBH Initiates Commercial Exploitation of Terrasar-X
J. Herrmann, N. Faller, M. Weber and A. Kern
Infoterra GmbH, 88039 Friedrichshafen, Germany
Tel.: +49 7545 8 9969; Fax: +49 7545 81337;
E-Mail: info@terrasar.de
1. Introduction
The Friedrichshafen-based Infoterra GmbH, a 100-percent subsidiary of Europe´s leading satellite
provider EADS Astrium, currently installs a global distribution network for the radar satellite. The
satellite´s Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) will deliver X-band radar data with a swath width of
10 to 100 km, at a resolution of 1 to 16 meters. The commercial exploitation rights for the new
radar satellite are with Infoterra GmbH exclusively.
2. Terrasar-X Potential
Large-scale mapping projects like Cartosur II, in which Infoterra GmbH recently mapped an area
of 262.000 km˛ in Venezuela using airborne interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR)
technology, have demonstrated the great advantages of radar technology particularly in usually
clouded regions. With TerraSAR-X data available, service providers will be able to enhance this
type of service with regular updates.
3. Data Distribution & Networking
In addition to the substantial preparation of its own TerraSAR-X services, Infoterra has begun the
marketing of licenses. The company offers Direct Access Services, which provide image data -
either for individual use or for regional sales - directly to station operators around the globe. Now,
users and regional distributors have the opportunity to ensure their data access in advance.
While the scientific use of TerraSAR-X data will be coordinated by the German Aerospace Center
DLR, Infoterra GmbH will be the exclusive commercial provider of this data. Infoterra invites
leading SAR experts to join a worldwide cooperation network and participate in the TerraSAR-X
innovation step.
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