On the use of polarimetric orientation for POLSAR classification and decomposition

Discrimination or separation of built-up areas is an issue in urban area analysis using POLSAR data. In this study, two polarization orientation angles from two look directions (ascending and descending orbits) are used. ALOS PALSAR data analysis shows that single look direction is insufficient and possibly leads misunderstandings. By the proposed technique, built-up areas were well discriminated, but some omission errors occur in the area where apartment houses facing to the south stand in a row. This technique can be used to prevent misleading of POLSAR decomposition and classification.