|
|
Figure 1:
A graphical representation of SAR bands C (5.9 cm/5.3 GHz), L (24
cm/1.25 GHz), and P (65 cm/440 MHz) and their scattering mechanisms
for different vegetation types.
SAR images are collected from a number of sensors including NASA's
airborne "AirSAR" system and the satellite borne RadarSat
system. The majority of GecOz's research was conducted using the
AirSAR system. GecOz is currently negotiating the construction of
an Australian SAR comparable to the NASA/JPL system.
SAR has a number of benefits over more traditional forms of remote
sensing such as Landsat or aerial photography.
- Because
SAR is an active system, data is able to be collected at night
time and through cloud or smoke. This is not possible with sensors
that measure the illumination of the earth
- SAR
emits energy and measures the properties of the return signal.
This allows information to be collected on the structure and dielectric
properties of the target objects
- Penetration
of target objects by the SAR depends on wavelength and target
properties. This allows information about the physical properties
of objects to be collected
- The
scatttering mechanisms from different targets that affect the
SAR responses allow interpretation of the structure of the target,
including analysis of different vegetation types
- GecOz
has used SAR to produce a variety of maps including salinity,
biomass, stands of dead trees, standard land cover, coastal tidal
waterlines and digital elevation models
More information on SAR Applications can be found at Alaska
SAR facility website:
|
|
