Rice areas mapping using ALOS PALSAR FBD data considering the Bragg scattering in L-band SAR images of rice fields

The objective of this paper is to assess the use of ALOS PALSAR FBD data to map rice growing areas. Image enhancement in backscattering in rice fields as a result of Bragg resonance scattering was found only at HH polarization since double-bounce scattering is a prerequisite to Bragg resonance scattering for radar backscatter from bunches of rice plants. A rice mapping method using HV images was developed and applied to Haian test site. Validation showed that rice mapping using L-band SAR is promising when cross-polarized data are available to cope with the Bragg resonance scattering effects.