Extrapolation of airborne polarimetric and interferometric SAR data for validation of bio-geo-retrieval algorithms for future spaceborne SAR missions

This paper describes a methodology to extrapolate spaceborne quality SAR image products from long wavelength airborne polarimetric and interferometric SAR data. The methodology is applied to E-SAR data of DLR, partially acquired under ESA contract especially for the development and validation of bio/geo-retrieval algorithms in forested regions. For this purpose not only system (sensor) related parameters are altered, but also those relating to the propagation path (ionosphere) and to temporal decorrelation. Examples for future spaceborne products are presented and the potential of Pol-InSAR methods for the retrieval of forest heights from these data is discussed.