Partially correlated K-distribution for multi-look polarimetric SAR images

Abstract

A partially correlated polarimetric K-distribution model is presented to characterize statistical properties of multi-look polarimetric SAR data acquired over urban areas. The model was derived in terms of a matrix product model in which different texture variables are assigned to different polarization channels. The joint distribution of these textural variables are assumed to be partially correlated Gamma. Experimental assessment of the model was conducted using NASA/JPL polarimetric SAR data of urban areas, showing improvement in better characterizing urban polarimetric SAR backscattering.