Turning the scientifically possible into the operationally practical: RADARSAT-2 polarimetry applications

RADARSAT-2, planned for a late 2003 launch, is an advanced SAR satellite. Key features of RADARSAT-2 are high resolution (3 m), polarimetry modes, enhanced ground system providing rapid satellite tasking and near-real time data processing, improved image location accuracy, and on-board solid state recorders. RADARSAT-2 offers three polarimetric modes: (1) selective polarization providing one co-pol channel (HH or VV) and the corresponding cross-pol channel (HV); (2) high resolution (3 m) single pol channel (HH or VV); and (3) a fully polarimetric mode providing both amplitude and phase. The fully polarimetric mode is significant since RADARSAT-2 is the first commercial satellite to offer this mode. The commercial focus of the RADARSAT-2 mission dictates the development of operational applications, and ultimately the extraction of information from the SAR data.