Case Studies: Ice Mapping

» Multi-polarimetry Ice Type Analysis

Project Description:

This project will evaluate how multi-polarimetric data from upcoming CSA-supported SAR missions (ENVISAT -1 and RADARSAT -2) can be used to improve Canada's operational capability for sea ice monitoring.

Sea ice classifications derived from single-polarized SAR data can be confused by various environmental effects, such as rough sea state. The greater sensitivity to different scattering mechanisms provided by multi-polarimetric SAR, enhances the capability to detect sea ice over a greater range of imaging and environmental conditions and improves discrimination between ice types. This enhanced capability will allow more reliable and accurate charting of sea ice and aid automation of sea ice classification.

RADARSAT-2 Capability:

• Multi-polarimetric capabilities (specifically selective polarization modes)

Expected Outcomes:

• Sea ice monitoring detection requirements based on multi-pol data
• Multi-temporal analysis requirements
• Potential of multi-pol data for solving confusion in sea ice classification due to environmental and seasonal effects (including rough sea state, surface melt and overlying wet snow)
• How improved sea ice classification derived from polarimetric data can best be integrated with current sea ice monitoring practices
• Product definition for other types of users interested in ice information.