1221 
Multisensor / Multiparameter Improvements 
Hapex Sahel show a good correlation of the signal with soil moisture variations, opening the way of a more 
systematic use of global radar imagery at coarse resolution. 
Otti et al. presented the proposal to couple an L band polarimetrie SAR with a dual polarized X bad 
radar. This project is feasible and could be an improvement of radar observation from space at the beginning of 
the 21st century. 
3 - CONCLUSION 
The main highlights are summarized in the figure and are listed below : 
— Calibration techniques are well understood 
— Innovative modeling approaches have been developed which increase active microwave applications : 
- segmentation prior to model inversion; 
- use of ERS-1 scatterometer, 
- simulations. 
— Polarization angle and frequency diversity improves characterization of ice sheets, vegetation, and 
determination of soil moisture (X band sensor study). 
— SAR interferometry potential is emerging; 
— Use of multiple sensors / extended spectral signatures is important (increase emphasis).