Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2026 - ENSC 812 G100

Synthetic Aperture Radar; Backscatter and Interferometry Applications (3)

Class Number: 6961

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 5 – Apr 10, 2026: Wed, Fri, 4:30–6:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Instructor:

    Bernhard Rabus
    1 778 782-4846

  • Prerequisites:

    Permission of instructor. Recommended Prerequisite: ENSC 251, 316.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

A review of the principles of Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) and Interferometric SAR (InSAR) Remote Sensing and its applications. An overview of the basic theory of is presented, linking SAR with related coherent imaging techniques (e.g. optical holography, MRI, and sonar/ultrasound) and providing an understanding of the capabilities and limitations of complex SAR data and their key land and marine applications. The focus is on interferometric SAR (InSAR) methods and applications, including generation of topographic maps as well as advanced time series analysis for measuring ground surface motion associated with seismic displacement, compaction related subsidence, volcanic inflation, and landslides. Students with credit for ENSC 461 under the title "Synthetic Aperture Radar; Backscatter and Interferometry Applications" may not take this course for further credit.

Materials

REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Graduate Studies Notes:

Important dates and deadlines for graduate students are found here: http://www.sfu.ca/dean-gradstudies/current/important_dates/guidelines.html. The deadline to drop a course with a 100% refund is the end of week 2. The deadline to drop with no notation on your transcript is the end of week 3.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.

To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit: 


RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.