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This SIR-C/X SAR radar image shows the massive urbanization of Los Angeles, California. The image
extends from the Santa Monica Bay at the left to the San Gabriel Mountains at the right.
Downtown Los Angeles is in the center of the image. The runways of the Los Angeles
International Airport appear as black strips at the left center of the image. The waterways of
Marina del Rey are seen just above the airport. The San Gabriel Mountains and the city of
Pasadena are at the right center of the image. Black areas on the mountains on the right are
fire scars from the 1993 Altadena fire. The Rose Bowl is shown as a small circle near the
right center. The complex freeway system is visible as dark lines throughout the image.
Some city areas, such as Santa Monica in the upper left, appear red due to the alignment of
streets and buildings to the incoming radar beam.
LightSAR's Potential Contribution:Because LightSAR will be capable of imaging at high resolution (3 meters or less), it will produce data that will allow researchers and those with commercial interests to characterize urban environments. Using the high-resolution mapping or spotlight modes, LightSAR will be able to image the urban environment day or night. LightSAR's data will assist urban planners in assessing the proportion of open spaces to developed property. These types of assessments will benefit the large population of city dwellers in improving the livability of their neighborhoods.
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