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Polarimetry

RADARSAT-2 Brochure
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Frequently Asked Questions

Beams Modes
  Questions Answers
1. What new beam modes are available with RADARSAT-2? In addition to the RADARSAT-1 heritage beam modes (Fine, Standard, Wide, ScanSAR Narrow, ScanSAR Wide, Extended Low and Extended High), RADARSAT-2 also offers Ultra-Fine, Multi-Look Fine, Fine Quad-Pol, and Standard Quad-Pol beam modes.
2. Which polarizations are available with RADARSAT-2? RADARSAT-2 can send and receive radar waves in both horizontal and vertical polarization. All combinations of horizontal and vertical polarization are available (HH, VV, HV, and VH). Depending on the beam mode, one, two or four combinations can be selected. To learn more about RADARSAT-2 polarizations, please visit https://radarsat2.info/about/polar/index.asp.
3. How do I select the polarization that suits my application? Our Client Services Representatives can help you select the appropriate polarization mode for your application. Please contact us at .

To learn more about RADARSAT-2 polarization and applications, please visit https://radarsat2.info/application/index.asp.
4. What are the differences between co-polarized and cross-polarized? Co-polarized means the polarization state of the radar wave is the same for transmission and reception (HH or VV). Cross-polarized means the transmission state is orthogonal to the reception state (HV or VH).
5. How many images do I receive in dual polarization? If you order dual polarization, you receive two images: one co-polarized (HH or VV) and one cross-polarized (HV or VH).
6. What does quad-polarization mean? Quad-polarization means that four images are acquired simultaneously: two co-polarized images (HH and VV) and two cross-polarized images (HV and VH).
7. What are the benefits of quad-polarization? In addition to providing four separate images - each with different characteristics, quad-polarization allows for polarimetric analysis. Polarimetric analysis is a technique that provides detailed information about the structure and shape of the scattering surfaces.

To learn more about quad-polarization, please visit https://radarsat2.info/about/polar/index.asp .
8. Are the dual and quad polarization images co-registered? Yes.
9. What is MODEX? Moving Object Detection Experiment (MODEX), is an experimental beam mode funded by Canada's Department of National Defence (DND). MODEX products will be restricted to users authorized by DND.
CATLIN 2010 ARCTIC SURVEY
(Mar. 29, 2010)
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CATLIN 2009 ARCTIC SURVEY
(Mar. 20, 2009)
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RADARSAT-2 Demo Set
(Jun. 11, 2008)
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RADARSAT-2 Image Gallery
(Apr. 17, 2008)
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RADARSAT-2 First Images
(Jan. 21, 2008)
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RADARSAT-2 Launch Photos
(Dec. 18, 2007)
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RADARSAT-2 Successfully Launched
(Dec. 14, 2007)
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