Forest Canopy Height Estimation Using Tandem-X Coherence Data

Abstract

In this paper, we report results of a study aimed at assessing the potential for using X-band single-pass radar interferometric coherence for forest canopy height estimation. We use datasets from the Tandem-X satellite pair collected over Canadian forest test sites, where supporting lidar data are available for validation. We first employ dual-copolarized modes to assess the potential of polarimetric interferometry for forest canopy height retrieval. We show that for this forest type, single polarization modes have better properties, including much improved spatial coverage. We develop a new algorithm for single polarization data and validate the canopy height products against lidar. We then extend the canopy height product over a mosaic of multiple swaths to demonstrate the potential for very wide area forest height mapping using radar coherence.

Keywords

• Forest canopy height
• forestry
• interferometry
• polarimetry
• radar applications