ENVISAT multipolarised ASAR data for flood mapping

Abstract

During the August 2002 Elbe river flood, different satellite data were acquired, and especially ASAR data from ENVISAT. The advanced synthetic aperture radar instrument was activated in different image modes. Thus, the comparison with quasi-simultaneous ERS-2 data enables to evaluate the contribution of polarisation configurations on flood surface detection. This study highlights the increased capabilities of ASAR for flood mapping, especially benefit of a common use of like- and cross-polarisations.