Method for retrieving the true backscattering coefficient from measurements with a real antenna

Abstract

Coherent and incoherent scattering produce contributions to the power backscattered by a surface at angles near normal incidence, and these contributions are further weighed by the antenna pattern. On the basis of a theoretical model describing the backscattering from a rough soil surface, a procedure is developed for retrieving the true angular pattern of the backscattering coefficient from its measured estimates, where these estimates are based on the usual assumption that the coefficient is approximately constant over the angular extent of the antenna beam for narrow beam systems. The retrieved backscattering coefficient patterns were then used to evaluate the dependence of the coefficient on soil surface roughness at 1.5, 4.25, and 7.25 GHz.