Classification comparisons between dual-pol and quad-pol SAR imagery

We present a study of the polarimetric information content of dual-pol imaging modes, e.g. (HH, HV) and (VV, VH), and compare these against full quad-pol datasets. We discuss classification accuracies for various dual-pol datasets over several terrain/vegetation types with respect to the full quad-pol classification. The linear polarization modes implemented on space borne SAR systems are of primary importance. However, we also consider novel dual-pol modes, e.g. transmitting a circular polarization and receiving both H and V polarizations, and the so-call compact polarimetry models based on dual-pol data. Our primary emphasis is the inter-comparisons amongst the various dual-pol and compact polarimetric modes.