Forest Insar Decorrelation and Classification Properties

Large areas are covered by forest and the decorrelation properties of the forest are important to understand in order to use INSAR for deriving forest properties and determine the potential for DEM production. From the 3-day repeat cycle of ERS-1 in 1994 we have determined interferograms of forested areas in northern Sweden. Variations of coherence with time and stem volume have been determined. Discrimination between forest and clear cuts has been characterised. A model for the coherence variation is discussed and critical parameters for further studies identified.