Multiband polarimetric SAR in support of tropical forest resources assessment

Discusses results of an analysis of C-, L- and P-band polarimetric radar data for primary tropical forests and derived vegetation types (selectively logged forest, secondary forest and nonforest). The scattering behaviour of primary tropical forest is evaluated and, in addition, there is a discussion on the capability of the AIRSAR data for classification of the studied tropical cover types. It is found that the tropical forest canopy is dominating the backscatter in all frequencies. Trunk-ground interaction in P-band is almost absent as it is obstructed by high amounts of canopy biomass. A single C-band proves to be of little value for classification. Single L- and P-bands suffice for the identification of non-forested areas. Classification of logged, secondary and primary forests requires a combination of two or three bands. Combinations that include P-band data perform better than combinations with L-band