Forest Vertical Structure from P/L band Spaceborne POLInSAR

Abstract:
This paper presents the results of a recent study of the potential for using space borne POLInSAR at low frequencies (P and L) for the generation of two new products, namely wide area forest height mapping and also 3-D imaging of forests using single baseline interferometry, using a method called coherence tomography. Both are aimed at providing improved above-ground-biomass (AGB) estimation from space borne satellite platforms. In the absence of any suitable space-borne data in these modes, detailed space simulations were carried out by DLR using data from their airborne E-SAR system, including both temporal effects and ionospheric distortions, and made available as part of a ESA supported study. Here we first introduce the data sets used, briefly summarise the methodologies employed, highlighting some novel features used for an error analysis, and finally present sample results for a Boreal forest test site, Remningstorp in Sweden. We conclude with an assessment of the potential for such a future mission and with a comparison of the strengths and weaknesses of P versus L band.