MAC-EUROPE '91 backscattering SAR images of the Montespertoli area (Italy)

Presents a polarimetric SAR images processing system for the creation of backscattering coefficient maps, through which it is possible to make a comparative analysis of the images produced by varying the observation and instrumental parameters (polarization, wavelength, incidence angle, acquisition date). Data collected on the Montespertoli area (Florence) during the MAC-EUROPE '91 airborne campaign performed with the AIRSAR-JPL sensor (fully polarimetric; P-, L-, C-bands) have been processed. This area was overflown on three dates between June and July 1991, in correspondence with three different stages of vegetation growth. At each date three shots of the same scene with different incidence angles were acquired. For the validation of the algorithm used to obtain the backscattering images, the authors have compared the backscattering values estimated over some test areas on the maps, with the average values directly calculated from the calibrated data.