Abstract:

Sentinel-1A is the first satellite of the ESA Copernicus program with a C-band SAR. It is a continuation of the SAR data stream following the older versions of the same sensor on ERS-1, ERS-2, and ENVISAT. In this paper, we compare the sensor and orbit parameters from the four satellites. The imaging modes of Sentinel-1A, SM, IW, EW, WV, are described, and the corresponding products (Level-0, Level-1, Level-2) are pointed out. Potential applications of the data from each mode are highlighted in order to provide guidance for future studies.

Key words: Sentinel-1A, acquisition mode, data products, application