Hybrid Freeman/Eigenvalue Decomposition Method With Extended Volume Scattering Model

In this letter, an advanced version of the hybrid Freeman/eigenvalue decomposition technique for land parameter extraction is presented with an illustrative example of application. The motivation arises from decomposition problems in obtaining a meaningful volume scattering estimation, so that the technique can be used for both oriented objects and vegetation/forest areas. The idea is to improve the accuracy of the required parameter extraction. Two strategies are adopted to increase the applicability of a hybrid Freeman/eigenvalue decomposition technique: One is the unitary transformation of the coherency matrix; the other is to use an extended volume scattering model. The extension of the volume scattering model plays an essential role for the hybrid Freeman/eigenvalue decomposition technique. Since the volume scattering power is evaluated by assuming that the $HV$ component is caused by vegetation only in the existing technique, an extended volume scattering power approach is utilized. It is shown that vegetation areas and oriented objects such as urban building areas are well discriminated by the proposed technique as compared to the existing techniques.