Target Characterization Using the Polarimetric Scattering Trace Correlation

This study proposes a target characterization technique using a complex scattering trace correlation measure. Several orthonormal projections for characterizing scattering information have been presented in the literature. For instance, one can project a particular target on different polarization bases. In doing so, two possible phenomena can happen: 1) either the structure of the target scattering vector entirely changes from one basis to another or 2) the vector retains some of its inherent characteristics while some get altered. Therefore, the complex correlation between the two projections provides information about the typology of the target present in the scene. Hence, in this study, we derive the amplitude and phase of the complex correlation measure between the linear and circular bases to describe different land cover targets. We have analyzed the proposed technique using the GaoFen-3 single look complex (SLC) image over San Francisco Bay, USA, the RADARSAT-2 SLC image over Vijayawada, India, and the ALOS PALSAR image over the coast of Futtsu, Japan. The results of these tests exhibit significant potential for retrieving comprehensive physical characteristics of the targets within the observed scenes.