Target scattering decomposition of one-look and multi-look SAR data using a new coherent scattering model: the TSVM

A new model, the target scattering vector model (TSVM), is introduced for decomposition of coherent scattering. The model that is inspired from Kennaugh and Huynen [1965] con-diagonalization method, Cameron and the SSCM coherent scattering decomposition [1996] represents coherent scattering of symmetric and non-symmetric targets in term of five independents parameters; the target orientation angle and four orientation invariant target parameters. The TSVM is integrated in Cloude´s incoherent decomposition method to derive a general scattering decomposition method, the TSVM-coherency characteristic decomposition, which can be applied to both single and multi-look SAR data for characterization of point and distributed targets. The conditions requested for a successful application of the TSVM-coherency characteristic decomposition are discussed.