A Generic Storage Method for Coherent Scatterers and Their Contextual Attributes

In radar interferometry, the method of storage for coherent scatterers and their attributes directly influences the ability for interpretation. Especially with the complexity and ambiguity of InSAR observations, the need for a consistent and queryable spatial data-platform becomes relevant. Our proposed method uses the concept of a spacetime matrix to store the coherent scatterers, implemented by means of a spatial database. The stored InSAR data are partitioned in modules of the displacement time series, inherent scatterer and processing-related attributes, and their corresponding contextual attributes. Data and context-driven queries are facilitated by the use of spatial indices. The method is illustrated by a case study for building stability in the northwestern part of Rotterdam, the Netherlands. The contextual attributes used characterize building foundations in part of the city.