Bistatic Pol-InSAR Scenario and Evaluation By Forest Scattering Simulations

Abstract

Performing estimation of height and extinction coef􀂿cient, Pol-InSAR use (cf. [1]) has proven its relevant capacity and has been evaluated in many different con􀂿gurations, according to either forest characteristics or radar parameters (mainly baseline and frequency). Nevertheless, some cases remain dif􀂿cult to overcome as the one of oriented volume over ground (OVoG) or the one of a forest with a very marked vertical structure (e.g. a random layer over one of oriented trunks). Among new radar concepts that may be liable to make inversion easier or to extend the Pol-InSAR observables space (e.g multibaseline acquisitions, tomography, circular SAR), a feasible one can be bistatic Pol-InSAR (Bi-Pol-InSAR).With current technological advances (e.g in the synchronisation topic), accurate measurements of SAR observables, concerning polarimetry and interferometry, are today achievable. Among the different bistatic SAR campaigns which took already place, we can cite [2] between ONERA and DLR (2003) which will give rise to another one expected this year with Pol-InSAR acquisition objectives. This paper presents and analyses with regard to inversion performances different Bi-Pol-InSAR con􀂿gurations. Theoretical points concerning Pol-InSAR extension in bistatic are 􀂿rst derived followed by results of numerical simulations. These latter are carried out with MIPERS (Multistatic Interferometric Polarimetric ElectromagnPerforming estimation of height and extinction coef􀂿cient, Pol-InSAR use (cf. [1]) has proven its relevant capacity and has been evaluated in many different con􀂿gurations, according to either forest characteristics or radar parameters (mainly baseline and frequency). Nevertheless, some cases remain dif􀂿cult to overcome as the one of oriented volume over ground (OVoG) or the one of a forest with a very marked vertical structure (e.g. a random layer over one of oriented trunks). Among new radar concepts that may be liable to make inversion easier or to extend the Pol-InSAR observables space (e.g multibaseline acquisitions, tomography, circular SAR), a feasible one can be bistatic Pol-InSAR (Bi-Pol-InSAR).With current technological advances (e.g in the synchronisation topic), accurate measurements of SAR observables, concerning polarimetry and interferometry, are today achievable. Among the different bistatic SAR campaigns which took already place, we can cite [2] between ONERA and DLR (2003) which will give rise to another one expected this year with Pol-InSAR acquisition objectives. This paper presents and analyses with regard to inversion performances different Bi-Pol-InSAR con􀂿gurations. Theoretical points concerning Pol-InSAR extension in bistatic are 􀂿rst derived followed by results of numerical simulations. These latter are carried out with MIPERS (Multistatic Interferometric Polarimetric Electromagnetic model for Remote Sensing) which has already been validated in several scenarios. It involves a descriptive description of the natural media and enables us to foresee forest scattering with fully polarimetric and interferometric outputs whatever the bistatic angle (as far as SAR resolution can be envisioned).etic model for Remote Sensing) which has already been validated in several scenarios. It involves a descriptive description of the natural media and enables us to foresee forest scattering with fully polarimetric and interferometric outputs whatever the bistatic angle (as far as SAR resolution can be envisioned).