Persistent scatterer estimation using optical remote sensing data, land cover data and topographical maps

Persistent scatterer interferometry (PS-InSAR) is a powerful remote sensing technique for deformation monitoring of e.g. landslides and subsidence areas. However, a useful PS-InSAR processing requires a stack with at least 15 to 50 SAR images, which is a very important cost factor when applying this method. Previous research for PS-estimation used already acquired SAR data. Here, we present three new methods for estimating PS prior to the test site's radar recording to test whether the PS-InSAR technique can be applied at a certain test site. The three estimation methods use freely available or low-cost optical remote sensing data, land cover data and topographical maps. The results are validated using data of real PS-InSAR processing.