A global NRCS database derived from ERS scatterometer data

A database containing the information of nearly seven years of ERS scatterometer data has been set-up for global statistical analysis of the C-band radar backscatter over land and ice surfaces. The data were re-sampled onto a Goode Homolosine map projection with a grid spacing of 50 km and incidence angles bins of 5 degrees. For 3-month intervals histograms of the measured NRCS were stored for each incidence angle bin and grid point in this database. A graphical user interface offers various tools for statistical analysis and manipulation of the data, which can be selected interactively based on temporal and spatial windows or classification constraints. The classifications provided within the databases are based on radar data, e.g., mean NRCS and mean incidence angle dependence and also comprise the Matthews vegetation types and the Leemans' Holdridge Life Zones classification. The open architecture of the database and the GUI allows continuous updating as well as integrating any other user defined classification scheme or data analysis tools.