SRTM, short for Shuttle Radar Topography Mission, refers to a specialized radar mapping system and the associated NASA mission that successfully obtained topographical data of the Earth's landmass using space-borne radar technology. Launched in 2000, it was developed as a collaboration between NASA, National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA), and German Aerospace Center (DLR).
The SRTM mission aimed to produce a highly accurate and comprehensive digital elevation model (DEM) of the Earth's surface. The shuttle radar instrument, called the SIR-C/X-SAR, was aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour during the mission. This radar system collected data by emitting radar impulses towards the Earth's surface and measuring the reflected signals. By analyzing the time taken for the radar pulses to return, it calculated the relative elevation and produced detailed topographic maps.
SRTM data enabled the generation of DEMs with unprecedented accuracy, highlighting elevation variations and forming contours that represent the Earth's landscapes. These digital elevation models found extensive usage across various disciplines such as geography, geology, hydrology, environmental studies, urban planning, and disaster management. Additionally, they aided in developing precise 3D models for simulation purposes and navigation systems.
The SRTM mission profoundly impacted scientific research and mapping, providing highly detailed and globally accessible topographic data. Its contribution continues to advance numerous earth science fields by enabling accurate modeling, analysis, and understanding of Earth's complex terrain.
