Change detection under the forest in multitemporal full-polarimetric P-band SAR images using Pauli decomposition

Abstract

Forest monitoring is a major concern today due to climate changes, conservation of fauna and flora and to the lack of water[1]. Therefore, several environmental monitoring techniques have been developed and used to detect changes in the scenes. The use of SAR is appropriate to detect changes due to its independence of atmospheric and lighting conditions. However, currently, also SAR change detection has been faced limitations due to human ilegal activities under the forest. This paper will present a new method of change detection by multitemporal full-polarimetric P-band SAR imagery using Pauli decomposition to separate artificial objects and, therefore, detect targets that appeared and disappeared under the canopy. Experimental tests have been performed using real SAR data obtained by the airborne sensor OrbiSAR-2 from Bradar and hidden targets in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest (Tropical Rain Forest).