the long time series of SAR data from ERS forms the basis for new radar signature analysis of land surfaces because the data set provides a level of accuracy, stability and consistency across space and time, which has been impossible to achieve previously by any other spaceborne SAR mission, airborne airborne campaign or laboratory experiment.
For development of agricultural and vegetation products backscatter models have been established as a function of crop type, area, height and condition using multitemporal data across the major crop and cover types.