Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (IFSAR) Alaska

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) National Geospatial Program (NGP) developed the Alaska Mapping Initiative (AMI) to collaborate with the State and other Federal partners to acquire 3-dimensional elevation data to improve statewide topographic maps for Alaska. AMI coordinates Federal activities through the Alaska Mapping Executive Committee (AMEC) and State efforts through Alaska's Statewide Digital Mapping Initiative (SDMI) to ensure a unified approach for consistent data acquisition and enhancement of elevation data products. AMI attained interferometric synthetic aperture radar (IFSAR) to generate digital elevation model (DEM) data. This radar mapping technology is an effective tool for collecting data in challenging circumstances such as cloud cover, extreme weather conditions, rugged terrain, and remote locations. Airborne IFSAR data were flown over South Central Alaska in the summer of 2010 and over Northwest Alaska in 2012.