Analysis of space-borne SAR data for wetland mapping in Virginia riparian ecosystems

• Published in: International journal of remote sensing Vol. 22; no. 18; pp. 3665 - 3687
• Main Authors: Bourgeau-Chavez, L. L., Kasischke, E. S., Brunzell, S. M., Mudd, J. P., Smith, K. B., Frick, A. L.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Abingdon Taylor & Francis Group 01-12-2001; Taylor and Francis
• Subjects: Applied geophysics; Earth sciences; Earth, ocean, space; Exact sciences and technology; Internal geophysics; USA, Virginia; United States; Virginia; environment protection; NASA; Space remote sensing; accuracy; vegetation; cartography; classification; space shuttle; monitoring; North America; synthetic aperture radar; ecosystems; imagery; maximum likelihood; polarization
• ISSN: 0143-1161; 1366-5901
• DOI: 10.1080/01431160010029174

In this study the utility of NASA's Shuttle Imaging Radar-C (SIR-C) data are evaluated for wetland mapping and monitoring. The fully polarimetric L- and C-band data are used in hierarchical analysis and maximum likelihood classification techniques. Each map produced is compared with the Environmental Protection Agency's Multi Resolution Land Characteristics classification for pixelto-pixel accuracy assessment. Results show that both L- and C- band are necessary for detection of flooding beneath vegetated canopies. HH-polarization is found in this study and others to be better than VV for wetland discrimination. The cross-polarizations (HV or VH) are needed for discrimination of woody versus herbaceous vegetation.