The Utility of Day‐and‐Night Observation and Cloud‐Penetration Capability of ERS‐1 SAR Data for Detection of Wetlands

Abstract

The sensitivity of microwave sensors to changes in the complex dielectric constant of soil/water mix with change in water content has been used in several studies for soil moisture estimation and in the detection of wetlands. In the study, reported here, an attempt has been made to delineate various categories of wetlands, namely ‘bils’ (acquaculture ponds), lakes/ponds, creeks, and mangroves through visual interpretation of ERS‐1 SAR images acquired on 29th April, 1993 over part of Sundarban delta, abutting Bay of Bengal. An overall accuracy of 91.2% with respect to delineation of wetlands has been achieved. Further, the cloud penetration and day‐and‐night observation capability of ERS‐1 SAR, though well known, is also illustrated.