SAR polarimetry refers to the technique used in synthetic aperture radar (SAR) systems to transmit and receive radar signals using multiple polarizations simultaneously. SAR polarimetry enhances the ability of SAR to extract more detailed information about the physical properties and scattering characteristics of objects on the Earth’s surface. By transmitting radar pulses in different polarizations (such as horizontal-horizontal, horizontal-vertical, and vertical-vertical), SAR systems can measure how electromagnetic waves interact with various types of terrain, vegetation, and man-made structures. This capability allows SAR polarimetry to distinguish between different surface materials, improve target classification, and improve the accuracy of remote sensing applications such as land use monitoring, disaster assessment, and environmental studies.
SAR polarization refers to the orientation of the electric field of radar waves during transmission and reception in a synthetic aperture radar (SAR) system. SAR systems transmit radar pulses in different polarization states, typically horizontal (h) and vertical (V) polarizations. When these pulses interact with objects on the Earth’s surface and scatter toward the SAR receiver, the polarization of the received signal can change depending on the physical properties and orientation of the scatterers. By analyzing the polarimetric responses of radar returns, SAR polarization helps characterize surface features, vegetation structure and terrain roughness. Polarimetric SAR data provide valuable information on the composition and behavior of natural and urban environments, supporting applications in agriculture, forestry, geology and urban planning.
Spatial resolution of SAR refers to the ability of synthetic aperture radar systems to distinguish separate objects or features on the Earth’s surface. It is determined by the size of the radar antenna aperture and the distance between the radar sensor and the target area. SAR achieves high spatial resolution by synthesizing a large antenna aperture during data processing, effectively creating a virtual antenna much larger than the physical dimensions of the radar antenna. The spatial resolution of SAR systems can vary depending on factors such as operating frequency, antenna design, and imaging mode. Typically, SAR can achieve spatial resolutions ranging from several meters to sub-meter levels, enabling detailed mapping and analysis of terrain features, urban structures, and natural landscapes. High spatial resolution SAR imagery is valuable for applications requiring precise measurements, object detection, and change detection over large geographic areas.