New eigenvalue-based parameters for natural media characterization

The aim of this paper is to present two novel polarimetric parameters, the eigenvalue relative difference (ERD) and the single bounce eigenvalue relative difference (SERD), to characterize natural media. These parameters are derived from the eigen-decomposition of the coherency matrix considering the reflection symmetry hypothesis. An analysis of these parameters is performed on multi-frequency polarimetric SAR data acquired on bare soils and forested areas.