Volume Scattering Model for Vegetation Remote Sensing Utilizing Computational Electromagnetics

In this study, a volume scattering model for scatterers in vegetation medium is developed for microwave remote sensing using computational electromagnetics (CEM), specifically the Relaxed Hierarchical Equivalent Source Algorithm (RHESA). The possibility of replacing the classical approximated analytical method with CEM method in finding the backscattering cross section of a single scatterer is investigated, as CEM method provides more freedom in modelling the actual shapes of the scatterers, ultimately resulting in more accurate backscattering return in vegetation remote sensing application. This is done by comparing the results from the CEM method volume scattering model developed in this study with the results from previous classical analytical volume scattering model obtained from previous studies. Results show good match between the two models, hinting the feasibility of CEM application in the development of theoretical modelling in microwave remote sensing in vegetation area.