Landcover classification over the Mekong river delta using ERS and RADARSAT SAR images

Unsupervised classification of the landcover in the rice growing area in the Mekong river delta was performed using a combination of the ERS and RADARSAT SAR data. The ERS SAR is VV polarized while the RADARSAT SAR is HH polarized. The advantages of multiple polarization SAR in landcover classification may be realized using data from these two satellites together. The study area for this work covers the Soc Trang and Bac Lieu provinces of Vietnam where a diversity of rice cropping systems is practiced. Rice crops at different growth stages exist in the area at any one time together with other non-rice vegetation. These classes can be discriminated using a combination of the two SAR images.