Issues on Multi-polarization of GNSS-R for Passive Radar Detection

Abstract

GNSS Reflectometry (GNSS-R) is a currently developed remote sensing technology which belongs to the passive radar domain. This paper aims to deal with some issues on multi-polarization of GNSS-R technology. Four different polarization patterns of the received GNSS-R signal are discussed, including rl, rr, rv, rh. For each polarization, formulas for calculating the surface reflectivity (Γ) using dielectric constant (ε) and satellite elevation angle (θ) are derivated. The rationality of these formulas is validated using data from a ground-based GNSS-R soil moisture experiment. The results of this research can provide references for further GNSS-R research, including simulation, experiment design, model development and data processing.