Scattering type phase for wetland classification using C-band polarimetric SAR

The Touzi decomposition is investigated for wetland characterization. Like the Cloude alpha scattering type, the magnitude alpha_s of the symmetric scattering is not effective for vegetation type discrimination. The phase Phi_alphas of the symmetric scattering type has to be used for enhanced characterization of wetland vegetation species. A new tool is introduced for assessment of the scattering type phase coherence, and the phase of the dominant scattering type is shown to be very promising for wetland target classification. The unique information provided by Phi_alphas for enhanced wetland class discrimination is demonstrated using Convair-580 polarimetric C-band SAR data collected over the Mer Bleue wetland in the East of Ottawa, Canada. The use of Phi_alphas makes possible the discrimination of shrub bog from sedges fen, and permits even the discrimination between conifer dominated treed bog from upland deciduous forest under leafy conditions.