Airborne Microwave Remote Sensor Capabilities in the Netherlands

Groundbased scatterometry in The Netherlands has proven to be essential in studying the scattering of microwaves by vegetation and sea. The results of groundbased measurements were among others used for the development of suitable models and for the design of a digital and calibrated airborne X-band SLAR system. Among others the multitemporal crop classification could be demonstrated with this system. There are however some limitations set to the groundbased measurements. The limitations led in the 1980's to the design and the use of the DUTSCAT system. The DUTSCAT is an airborne scatterometer system operating at six frequencies simultaneously between 1 and 18 GHz. The dataset from this system form the basis for the knowledge that is necessary to evaluate new applications in the field of remote sensing. The next step is the development of an airborne polarimetric SAR system in the C-band, called PHARUS The choice of the parameters for this system are based on the experience gained with the previous programs. The frequency used for the PHARUS is the same as for the ERS satellites. This paper will give an overview of the airborne microwave remote sensing capabilities in The Netherlands and some results obtained with these systems