Limitations in the polarization orientation shift estimation using L band POLSAR data

This paper considers the problems of topography polarization orientation angle (POA) shift estimation. The shift value accuracy is influenced heavily by both sparse and thick canopy for L band POLSAR data. Topography-POA shift model limitation makes the algorithm performance poor over forested area. The AIRSAR and ESAR L band polarimetric SAR images used in this paper are typical examples as non- vegetated and vegetated terrain. Otherwise, the polarimetric calibration accuracy requirements for this application are also discussed. This is an attempt at analyzing the impacts of miscalibration on topography POA shift estimation accuracy.