Three-Dimensional Coherent Radar Backscatter Model and Simulations of Scattering Phase Center of Forest Canopies

Abstract

A 3-D coherent radar backscatter model for forest canopies was developed and used to improve the understanding of synthetic aperture radar (SAR) interferometric data. The model was based on a realistic 3-D spatial structure of a forest stand, in which every scatterer has its deterministic location. A backscattering signal from a scatterer was mapped into a pixel according to its range or signal time delay. The range or the time delay also determines the phase of the scattered field. All scattering matrices within a pixel were coherently added to yield the total backscattering field of the pixel. The coherent radar backscatter model takes into account not only the scattering contribution from the scatterers in the forest canopy but also the direct backscattering of the ground surface. Forest stands with three different spatial structures were simulated using L-system and field measurements. The number and sizes of trees in these forest stands were identical, but the 2-D arrangements of the trees were different. The interferometric SAR (InSAR) signals of these scenes were simulated using the 3-D coherent SAR model, and the heights of scattering phase centers were estimated from the simulated InSAR data. The results reported in this paper show that the spatial structures of vegetation play an important role in the location of the scattering phase center. The height of scattering phase center depends on canopy height, attenuation of canopy, and the gaps within the canopy. This paper shows that the spatial structure needs to be considered when the InSAR data are used for the estimation of forest structural parameters.