What is the highest resolution SAR data?
- Anvita Shrivastava
- Apr 23
- 2 min read
Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) has revolutionized remote sensing by providing high-resolution imagery regardless of weather conditions or time of day. Whether in defence, agriculture, infrastructure monitoring, or disaster management, understanding the best SAR data available can greatly impact your decisions.
What is SAR?
SAR (Synthetic Aperture Radar) is an active remote sensing technology that uses radar signals to generate high-resolution images of Earth's surface. Unlike optical satellites, SAR can "see" through clouds and capture data day or night, making it invaluable for persistent monitoring.
What is Meant by SAR Resolution?
SAR resolution refers to the smallest object that can be distinguished in a SAR image. It’s typically measured in meters. The smaller the number, the finer the detail you can detect. SAR resolution has improved dramatically over the past decade due to satellite technology and data processing advances.
Highest Resolution SAR Data in 2025
As of 2025, some of the top players offering the highest resolution SAR imagery include:
Umbra
Resolution: Up to 0.16 meters (16 centimeters)
Bandwidth: Large synthetic aperture and bandwidth for extreme clarity
Strengths: Open data policy for researchers and developers
Capella Space
Resolution: Up to 0.3 meters (30 centimeters)
Constellation: Rapidly growing small satellite fleet
Use Cases: Infrastructure monitoring, defence, illegal fishing detection
ICEYE
Resolution: Up to 0.25 meters (25 centimeters)
Notable Feature: Very high revisit rates—some locations imaged multiple times per day
Applications: Flood detection, economic activity tracking, insurance risk assessment
Airbus (TerraSAR-X / TanDEM-X)
Highest Resolution: 25 cm (slant range), ~1 m ground resolution
Mode: High-resolution spotlight
Notable: Long operational track record and broad global archive. Dual satellite formation for interferometry (InSAR).
Company | Max Resolution | Mode | Public/Commercial? | Notes |
Umbra | 16 cm | Spotlight | Commercial | Highest publicly released resolution |
ICEYE | 25 cm | Spotlight | Commercial | Frequent revisit |
Capella | 50 cm | Spotlight | Commercial | High refresh rate, 3D imaging |
Airbus | ~1 m (ground) | Spotlight | Commercial | InSAR capabilities with twin sats |
Why High-Resolution SAR Data Matters
High-resolution SAR allows analysts to:
Detect fine details like vehicles, roads, and structural changes.
Monitor areas frequently (even several times a day)
Conduct change detection with high confidence
Map terrain and surface deformation with millimetre-level accuracy using techniques like InSAR
Industries Benefiting from High-Res SAR
Defence and Intelligence: Monitor activity in denied areas
Disaster Response: Assess floods, landslides, and earthquakes in real-time
Agriculture: Monitor crop health, soil moisture, and illegal deforestation
Urban Planning: Track infrastructure development and land subsidence
The race for the highest resolution SAR data continues as commercial and government operators push the limits of satellite technology. In 2025, sub-30 cm SAR imagery is the gold standard, led by companies like Capella Space, ICEYE, and Umbra. Whether you’re tracking illegal fishing, monitoring deforestation, or managing infrastructure, ultra-high-resolution SAR gives you eyes on the ground, no matter the weather.
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