IEEE Standard for the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Polarimetric Remote Sensing Method for Earth Observation Applications

Abstract

Polarimetric remote sensing is a new remote sensing observation method and a supplement to conventional remote sensing. It is effective at the ultraviolet, visible, and infrared spectral regions for improved monitoring of the Earth. Different objects have different polarized characteristics, and even different parts of the same objects show different polarization characteristics. As a result, at every band range (ultraviolet, visible, and infrared) polarimetric remote sensing requires different sensors, different band settings, different data preprocessing procedures, and even different recognition models for Earth objects. Multiple parameters and diverse metrics create interoperability and data utilization problems, unless standards are established in various aspects of polarimetric remote sensing for Earth observation systems. This standard’s contents specifies the basic definitions of terms in unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) Earth observation polarimetric remote sensing tasking as well as the basic processes and method from three aspects: data acquisition and preparation, data acquisition and correction, and data processing and application. Instructive suggestions in many specific dimensions are also provided, such as equipment status, parameter indicators, data calibration, and data processing methods. The contents mentioned within this standard will enable vendors to supply various components for UAV polarimetric remote sensing systems and contribute to interoperability in operations and data utilization of polarimetric remote sensing deployed in Earth observation systems.