CEOS SAR Calibration & Validation Workshop 2026

Overview

The CEOS SAR Calibration and Validation (Cal/Val) Workshop 2026 will bring together international experts from space agencies, industry, and academia to discuss the latest advances in SAR calibration, validation methodologies, and applications.

The workshop provides an open forum for technical exchange on SAR system performance, calibration infrastructure, cross-comparison activities, and emerging mission needs.

The event will be held in person in Perth, Australia between 30 November and 4 December 2026.

Venue

CSIRO Australian Resources Research Centre (ARRC)
Kensington, Perth, Western Australia

Facilities include:

• Lecture theatre (~110 seats) with desk space
• Additional breakout rooms for side meetings
• Space for poster sessions and informal discussions
• On-site catering areas

The venue is located approximately 15 minutes driving from Perth City.
Google maps link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/7zR5HHCFBCLSb7uz7

Dates & Format

• Dates: 30 November – 4 December 2026
• Duration: ~3.5-4 days of technical sessions plus optional day trip
• Format:
  • Oral presentations
  • Poster sessions
  • Technical discussions
  • Side meetings

A detailed programme will be released following abstract review.

Key Dates

Getting to Perth

Perth is well connected internationally, with direct flights and convenient one-stop access from major global hubs.

International flights

Direct routes to Perth (PER) include:

• Europe: London (Qantas), Paris (Qantas), Rome (seasonal)
• Middle East hubs: Dubai (Emirates), Doha (Qatar Airways)
• Asia-Pacific: Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, Jakarta, Bali, Manila, Hong Kong, Guangzhou, Tokyo, Auckland
• Africa: Johannesburg

These provide efficient connections from other locations in Europe, North America, Africa and Asia.

Note: Flight schedules for December 2026 will be finalised closer to departure; participants are advised to check availability mid-2026 when booking opens.

Visa Requirements

Please check the Australian Government’s visa requirements for entering Australia at: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/entering-and-leaving-australia/entering-australia

If after assessing the visa requirements you think you will need an invitation letter to support your visa application, please get in touch with us ASAP at ceos-sar-2026@csiro.au

Local Transport

From the airport

Perth Airport (PER) is located approximately 20 minutes drive from both the venue and Perth City.

Transport options include:

• Taxis and rideshare (e.g. Uber)
• Public transport (bus network)
• Train

Between City and venue

• Workshop shuttle (planned):
  • Approx. 15 minutes travel time
  • Timed with daily sessions
  • Pick up and drop off at Langley Park / City East
• Public transport option:
  • Bus route 960 connects the City to Curtin University via Kensington
  • Alternative routes via Causeway interchange

Within the City, the free CAT bus services provide easy movement between hotels, dining, and key locations.

Accommodation

Participants are encouraged to stay in Perth City near Langley Park, which offers a range of hotels within easy reach of the venue. The following are suggested hotels to suit a range of budgets:

• Residence on Langley Park (5 star). A special rate has been secured, use promo code 'CSIRO' when booking at https://rolp.the-residence.com/
• Pan Pacific Perth (5 star)
• Crowne Plaza Perth (4 star)
• Ibis Styles East Perth (4 star)
• Novotel Perth Langley (4 star)
• Comfort Inn & Suites Goodearth Perth (3 star)
• Quality Hotel Ambassador Perth (3 star)

Site Visit (Optional)

An optional mid-week site visit is planned to ESA New Norcia Deep Space Ground Station

Highlights include:

• Tour of ESA's southern hemisphere deep space tracking facility
• Visit to the Biomass P-band transponder systems

The visit involves:

• ~2-hour coach travel each way
• Full-day commitment

Further details (including logistics and costs) will be provided.

Catering

Daily catering will be provided at the venue:

• Morning tea
• Lunch
• Afternoon tea

Note: On-site café options are limited, and there are limited nearby walkable food outlets.

Weather

Early December marks the start of summer in Perth.

Typical conditions:

• Warm to hot temperatures (mid–high 20s °C, occasionally >30°C)
• Low humidity and generally dry conditions
• Mostly sunny weather

Participants are encouraged to:

• Dress for warm weather
• Bring sun protection (hat, sunscreen)
• Stay hydrated, particularly during outdoor activities (e.g. site visit)

Participation & Contributions

The call for abstracts is open and can be viewed here. An abstract template is provided here.

The workshop's objective is to provide an open forum for the presentations and discussions related to the following topics:

• Calibration of Running SAR Missions
• Calibration of Future SAR Missions
• Calibration of Airborne/UAV/Drone SAR Systems
• Calibration Methodology and Techniques
• Calibration/Validation Targets and Sites
• Calibration Requirements and Definitions
• Innovative SAR Instrument Concepts
• Processing Algorithms (SAR, InSAR, Polarimetry, Tomography)
• InSAR Calibration and Verification
• InSAR Altimetry Calibration and Validation
• Polarimetry/Compact Polarimetry Calibration
• Calibration of Multi-channel and DBF Systems
• Cross-Calibration and Verification
• Space-based and Ground-based RFIs
• Use of AI for Cal/Val and SAR System Monitoring
• SARCALNET
• AIS-based Validation of SAR-based Vessel Detection and Velocity Estimation
• Calibration of SAR System Parameters for Geophysical Applications (e.g., sea surface height, radial ocean current velocity, terrain surface deformation, biomass/forest structure, soil moisture etc)
• Analysis Ready Data Products (ARD)

All participants from the SAR Cal/Val community are encouraged to contribute.

Dates and Times

More information

Additional details will be provided in the coming weeks, including:

• Abstract submission process
• Registration
• Visa support information
• Detailed programme

Contact

The CSIRO local organising committee can be reached at ceos-sar-2026@csiro.au