SARCalNet
Network of Calibration Sites for SAR
Intro
SAR Calibration and Validation
SAR calibration and validation tasks require reliable reference data to ensure the long term quality of the SAR products, and to allow for the continuous monitoring instrument stability.
Currently, most missions design their own calibration network, typically a combination of natural and artificial targets. In many cases, there are overlapping calibration needs between different missions, and in order to foster multi-mission synergies it is also advisable to have aligned cal/val approaches.
In order to promote standardized SAR calibration and facilitate the harmonized implementation of cal/val tasks by a broad SAR community, it is crucial to have network of curated calibration sites for SAR and as well established cal/val procedures.
SARCalNet
The SARCalNet initiative
To respond to the need of standardized cal/val practices and of a curated network of reference data, the SARCalNet initiative was created within the CEOS WGCV SAR subgroup.
The SARCalNet initiative aims to establish and curate the SARCalNet database, which will allow for the consistent dissemination of reliable and standardized information about SAR calibration sites and targets.
The initiative also aims at the documentation of requirements for calibration targets and image analysis, which shall be provided to the broader SAR community through the SARCalNet library. Those, together with the calibration sites database, sample datasets and tools shall facilitate the harmonized use of multiple calibration sites and promote cross-validation between different SAR systems.
SARCalNet in Numbers
num_targets
Number of Calibration Targets
num_sites
Number of Calibration Sites
num_countries
Countries
63
Number of users
Database
The SARCalNet Database
The SARCalNet database collects the information of the SARCalNet calibration sites, which might contain artificial targets, natural targets or a combination of both.
The sites are curated by members of the SARCalNet initiative and labels are used to indicate their curation status. Details of the curation process and database characteristics can be found in the documents in SARCalNet library.
The information contained in each calibration site can be downloaded in different formats, and the database can be queried allowing the user to filter sites containing the desired characteristics. Moreover, sites and targets are labeled with most relevant information (e.g., target type, number of targets, primary frequency band, etc.).
All maintainers are welcome to submit their site for curation (see here)!
Ressources
Guidelines and Tools
The SARCalNet initiative has created a number of documents compiling requirements for artificial targets and natural targets, as well as best practices for image analysis. Moreover, we compile in our library links to relevant documentation including CEOS guidelines for various calibration procedures.
We also link relevant calibration resources, including a list of tools for SAR calibration and validation activities here. Unlike the calibration sites, tools are not endorsed or checked for consistence with image analysis requirements. Nevertheless, they are considered relevant for calibration and validation activities and interesting to the community.
Need more info?
Check out our most frequently asked questions
How can I submit a calibration site?
Calibration sites can be submitted to the SARCalNet database via email as described in here.
Where is the SARCalNet documentation?
In our library you can find SARCalNet reference documents and a list of relevant technical notes and papers.
Why can’t access a calibration site page?
To access the calibration site pages and download information from the sites, authentication is required. Register now!
How can I join the SARCalNet initiative?
The SARCalNet is a sub-group of the CEOS SAR cal/val workgroup. Requests to join can be sent to info@sarcalnet.org.
