Radar technology is increasingly being used to monitor the environment. This monograph provides a review of polarimetric radar techniques for remote sensing. The first four chapters cover the basics of mathematical, statistical modelling as well as physical modelling based on radiowave scattering theory. The subsequent eight chapters summarize applications of polarimetric radar monitoring for various types of earth environments, including vegetation and oceans. The last two chapters provide a summary of Western as well as former Soviet Union knowledge and the outlook. This monograph is of value to students, scientists and engineers involved in remote sensing development and applications in particular for environmental monitoring.

During the last decade there was a shift from wireless and mobile communications technology, networks and applications towards integration of radio with other disciplines. Integration of navigation, sensing and services allow for entering new areas in which many requirements from individuals and organizations are satisfied. Potential applications are manifold. Developments for realizing these new application areas will cause a boost on new systems demonstrating the potentials of this integration approach. In this first book the fundamentals of this new approach on integrated communication, navigation, sensing and services (Conasense) will be elucidated. Furthermore, several applications illustrate some of the aims of Conasense. Two major areas have been selected 1. Quality of life 2. Intelligent Conasense architectures Topics in the book on 'quality of life' include: * Visionary plans on health, security, neurophysics, indoor and outdoor safeguarding: in all these areas new Conasense technology and systems are essential. Topics in the book on intelligent Conasense architectures concern: * a framework describing novelties in Conasense technology needed to realize the aimed improve in 'quality of life'. * Breakthroughs on full integration of space-based and terrestrial communication and navigation systems with advanced high resolution sensing of the local environment supplemented with geographical information at regionals, national and international scales.

Radar technology is increasingly being used to monitor the environment. This monograph provides a review of polarimetric radar techniques for remote sensing. The first four chapters cover the basics of mathematical, statistical modelling as well as physical modelling based on radiowave scattering theory. The subsequent eight chapters summarize applications of polarimetric radar monitoring for various types of earth environments, including vegetation and oceans. The last two chapters provide a summary of Western as well as former Soviet Union knowledge and the outlook. This monograph is of value to students, scientists and engineers involved in remote sensing development and applications in particular for environmental monitoring.