Very High Resolution polarimetry for building monitoring: orientations of facade components using two experimental modes of TerraSAR-X

This paper deals with the polarimetric analysis of two experimental modes of the TerraSAR-X sensor, with respective resolutions 2x3m and 2x1m. These two modes make it possible to obtain the best polarimetric resolutions among civilian satellites. However, we explain why the second mode still requires dedicated polarimetric calibration procedure. The ability of polarimetry to estimate structural orientations at each individual building facade is illustrated using the 3mx2m images, on five buildings in Paris (France). This demonstrates the interest of polarimetry for urban monitoring with continuously improving resolutions.