The geometric accuracy of Synthetic Aperture Radar （SAR） is one of key factors influencing its final application. However

the method of quantitative accuracy assessment and error analysis for SAR imagery is still very lacking. This paper chose the representative satellite-borne PALSAR images to implement the experiments on geometric positioning accuracy

through establishing the imaging model with Doppler

slant range and the earth ellipsoid equations

and obtained the quantitative values of the systemic geometric errors and rectification errors. Subsequently

according to the fact that the elevation error is the main error source influencing the geometric rectification precision

computer simulation is used to discuss the systemic influence on the geometric rectification accuracy quantitatively

and the corresponding effect regularity from different facets is put forward

e.g.

elevation error to the view angle

the error of view angle to geometric accuracy

and the unit elevation error to the geometric accuracy. It can provide some scientific evidence on the image processing and application of PALSAR images

more important

a new method for quantitative error analysis and geometric accuracy analysis of SAR images.