The German TanDEM-X satellite launched early this morning from Kazachstan, adding another precise mapping platform to the Infoterra fold. The satellite is identical to the TerraSAR-X satellite that was launched in 2007, and because it occupies a nearly-identical polar orbit, the twin satellites will capture a stereo pair of radar imagery that will provide a precise three-dimensional digital elevation model with an accuracy better than 2 m for a 12 m grid.
This capacity to provide a seamless and global digital elevation model of the Earth’s landmass is unprecedented, particularly given the ability to revisit and revise for the duration of the twin satellite’s operation. With this capacity comes the means for a myriad number of applications, which Infoterra will exploit by creating customized data for commercial users.
