Potentials of a compact polarimetric SAR system

The goal of this study is to show the potential of a compact-pol SAR system for vegetation applications. Compact-pol concept has been suggested to minimize the system design while maximize the information and is declined as the π/4, π/2 and hybrid modes. In this paper, the applications such as classification, Faraday rotation and soil moisture estimates are first reminded, then, biomass estimation from CP data is presented and a calibration procedure using external targets is proposed. Finally, the interferometry concept is added to assess the capabilities of a compact-pol system to retrieve vegetation height.