Calibration and modelling of MAESTRO 1 polarimetric SAR data of a forest area in Les Landes, France

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
The results of an analysis of polarimetric P, Land C-band SAR data from the JPL AIRSAR of a forest area of maritime pine in Les Landes, southwest France, are described and discussed. The data were acquired in connection with the MAESTRO I Campaign organized by ESA and JRC/lspra. Cross-talk and channel imbalance distortions are removed in a calibration process using the SAR data itself and trihedral corner reflectors positioned at the scene. Two calibration methods have been implemented and compared: the iterative Klein algorithm and the non-iterative Quegan algorithm. Quegan's method shows the largest reduction of the cross-talk, and the most stable and easily interpreted results. Also, absolute calibration using the integral method has been performed. The results presented show that P band (and to some extent L band) is very sensitive to trunk biomass using single-polarization radar data, at least at the incidence angles in the range from 38° to 52°, whereas C band is less sensitive. Also, the cylinder model by Durden et al. of the baekseattering from a forest has been implemented and the results show good agreement with the SAR data. The dominant scattering mechanisms have been determined using the model at P and L bands.

This publication has 9 references indexed in Scilit: