Forest height estimation using P-band Pol-InSAR data

A P-band Pol-InSAR dataset acquired over a maritime pine forest is evaluated for forest height estimation. First, a time-frequency inversion methodology is presented. Good results have been obtained (2 m RMS error over 27 stands). However, since the method is adapted to airborne SAR data, we further investigate methods that could be used to invert spaceborne SAR data. Possible adaptations of the RVoG model to P band are studied through two key effects: the effect of ground decorrelation and the effect of vertically variable extinction within the canopy. The results show that the ground decorrelation may be negligible if the decorrelation is small, whereas the effect of the vertical distribution of the extinction is important and needs to be taken into account.