A database for electromagnetic scattering studies of bare soil surfaces

In order to better describe rough surfaces for electromagnetic modeling purposes, two campaigns have been organized to acquire in-situ data as well as concurrent spaceborne radar data. In 1994, a site in the Middle Zeeland (The Netherlands) was selected and 1.5 m long laser profiles as well soil moisture measurements were acquired while SAR images taken by ERS-1 were simultaneously collected every three days over a three month period. In 1996, a similar campaign took place in Great Driffield (United Kingdom), this time taking advantage of the fact that both ERS-1 and ERS-2 were in tandem operation. This paper describes the results of these two campaigns and how they could be used to improve the understanding of the electromagnetic scattering over bare soil surfaces