The speckle contrast extended to the polarimetric case: applications to radar and Laser images

TL;DR

This paper extends the speckle contrast concept to polarimetric data, improving signal-to-noise ratio and contrast in radar and laser imaging applications by applying multivariate coefficient of variation measures.

Contribution

It introduces new definitions of multivariate coefficient of variation for polarimetric data, demonstrating their effectiveness in enhancing image analysis and relating to the degree of polarization.

Findings

Improved signal-to-noise ratio in polarimetric images

Enhanced contrast in specific regions of radar and laser images

Close relationship between multivariate coefficient of variation and degree of polarization

Abstract

This article proposes the application of various alternative definitions of the multivariate coefficient of variation parameter in two domains: radar polarimetric time series and dynamic polarimetric speckle. In the first case, the focus is on detecting permanent scatterers or changes, while in the second case, it involves calculating activity images. Our study demonstrates that most of these parameters offer added value in terms of signal-to-noise ratio improvement and enhancing contrast in specific regions. Furthermore, the concept of polarimetric multivariate coefficient of variation proves to be closely related to the degree of polarization.