Intercomparison of Models for CYGNSS Delay-Doppler Maps at a Validation Site in the San Luis Valley of Colorado

A comparison of three different electromagnetic scattering models for delay-Doppler maps (DDMs) of global navigation satellite system reflectometry (GNSS-R) from land is performed along a Cyclone Global Navigation Satellite System (CYGNSS) track over a validation site in the San Luis Valley, Colorado, USA. The peak reflectivity profiles of all three models and of the corresponding CYGNSS data are found to be in general agreement and are strongly influenced by topography. An intercomparison of DDM structure for one acquisition is also included. Efforts to refine the model results using a high resolution lidar survey are ongoing.