Bistatic InSAR X-Band Statistical Characterization of Agricultural Fields with TanDEM-X

Abstract

The interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR) data set, used for the generation of the global TanDEM-X (TDX) DEM, includes multiple acquisitions with different parameters. It enables a big opportunity for scientific geoapplications, such as for land characterization, classification, and monitoring. One valuable information that can be derived from interferometric SAR data for land classification describes the presence/absence of vegetation. At X-band, volume scattering produces decorrelation, even in the presence of short vegetation. As TerraSAR-X and TanDEM-X satellites are still acquiring data, the exploitation of the signatures for specific or detailed vegetation is possible. In August 2016 a ground field campaign was conducted in the Bavaria region, while dedicated TanDEM-X data takes over the same area were commanded by using different acquisition geometries and configurations. The aim of this paper is to characterize the interferometric signatures of agricultural areas from single-pass bistatic TDX acquisitions at 12 meters posting, using the on ground typification for classification purposes.