Study of surface scattering properties in S-band using radar image simulation

This paper presents first results of an experimental study of arid regions using spaceboard S-band SAR images. This study aims at obtaining quantitative information about surfaces relief and geological characteristics. In order to evaluate what can be done with SAR images, we chose a test site for which precise topographical and geological data are available. These ground data were used in order to validate geometric and radiometric models for SAR image formation. A synthetic S-band SAR image was generated that is almost identical to the real corresponding image. The good understanding of the radar image formation process will allow one to setup efficient techniques for accurate landscape physical parameters retrieval using S-band spaceboard radar data.