Snow Cover Maps with Satellite Borne SAR: A New Approach in Harmony with Fractional Optical SCA Retrieval Algorithms

The standard method for retrieving snow-covered area with C-band SAR is based on thresholding the ratio between a wet snow SAR image and a dry snow reference scene. A new approach is suggested here, where the snow cover fraction is retrieved by using a gradual transition between snow free and snow covered conditions. The paper discusses the method and applies it on a set of Radarsat data acquired in Norway in May 2003. A near simultaneous aerial optical image and data from field campaigns are used to verify the results.